Rethinking the Joys of Nature

A couple of weeks ago I was enamored by the Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) Since I have had the opportunity to observe them for a while I have changed my opinion of them.  I still think they are beautiful birds, the colors and designs on their wings plus their size make them interesting to see.  Having said that, I must admit that I am not captivated with their presence here at my house.  I wish they would just go away and find someone else to aggravate.  They are endangered birds, but I feel like I am the one who is endangered!


They are pecking off  the wood from my house, around the windows and up on the sun deck.  They may be trying to tell me that I need to replace the wood as it is quite old.  But if they are looking for a friend by the reflections of themselves in my window, I see no hope for them leaving on their own.  Consequently, I have engaged the services of a man who is qualified to help manage the birds along with the Carpenter Bees and the Groundhogs.  I have been told that the Pileated Woodpecker is looking for food in the old wood or is attracted by his own reflection. If he can hammer out a hole in a tree big enough for a nest for him, then you can imagine what he has done to the trim on my house.  I hear a knock then a splintering of wood and I grab the only weapon I have, a long plastic handle from a dusting brush.  A few taps on the window and he flies away. The more practical way  of discouraging him from coming here is to treat my house for Carpenter Bees.  My Wildlife guy has done that.  So, I am waiting to see if this beautiful creature will find other places to peck for insects.

In the meantime one Groundhog has gone somewhere else to live, helped by the same guy who sprayed for the Carpenter bees, which also have a taste for the cedar on my house.

My son-in-law plans to buy an air horn for me to use when the birds come pecking.  If that does not discourage them, I have a secret weapon waiting to be turned loose.  The secret weapon is Chester.  A male feline with green eyes and a coat of sleek black fur.  His distinguishing mark is the missing tip of his left ear.  He carries it like a badge of honor.  He has acquired  quite a reputation in the area of Atlanta where he has made his home with my future daughter-in-law.  Last week-end he was brought to live with me..  For a week he will remain in my sun room, and after a week, he should feel at home here and will be content to be top dog on this hill.  I have been getting acquainted with him and he does love to be petted.  He is very polite about staying in his present area.  When I leave through the inside door to go to the other part of the house (off limits for him) he waits patiently when I tell him to stay.  I see him looking out the windows a lot so he is learning where the chipmunks travel and he sees as well as hears the birds outside.  No doubt he has seen a salamander or two skittering about.  I wish he could talk in a language I would understand.  I know the purring is saying that he feels comfortable, but what does "Meow" really mean?    He has one week to rest up and then he will be turned loose on the five acres here to hunt to his hearts desire.  He will show no mercy, I am told.  That is agreeable with me for the critters he will go for are not good for my garden.  I am thinking particularly of voles.  The voles in the past have taken down a favorite "Peace Rose" and around 100  bulbs in my front flower bed.  So, the age of Chester in charge is rapidly approaching and if he by chance gets a Pileated Woodpecker (doubtful)  I will feel for the bird but all is fair in love and war.