×

Where the wild things are

And, no, I really wasn’t thinking about those Little Black Ants.

They have returned and, while I do all I can to eradicate them (lots of smashing tiny bodies going on), let me say I find I harbor a certain amount of fascination with one so tiny. They seem intelligent enough to flee — and even to try to hide! Pretty good, if you ask me. (I’ll still smash ’em.)

There was a time — not particularly long ago in fact — when I could say how excited it made me to see a deer — or even two — in my yard. They are gorgeous creatures — is that where “doe eyes” originated? And stately. And of course decked out in a coat which many envy — once the animal has no further use for it.

Through the years up here I’ve been able to snap a good picture every so often, filling scrapbook pages until the subject seemed sated. Occasionally a lucky guest might catch a glimpse or two of one. And I continue to treasure the single antler I once found while hiking in the woods.

Oh, I know everyone around here has seen deer — often, I’m sure — but, for the most part, they aren’t a “problem.” Just call them another magical aspect of my surroundings.

Until last winter (I can’t call it spring in spite of the calendar) when everything changed.

WHY? 2016-17 seemed as mild a winter as I’ve recalled. The temperatures never got particularly cold and snowfall seemed way below whatever average may be.

Were the deer so aware of the climate change that they bred more promiscuously last year? Or could the very mildness have attributed to a lower death rate by attrition? Whatever their reason, they are here — and they aren’t leaving.

On a “good” day I count seven in the yard. Three seem to have claimed squatters’ rights and are here more often than not. I believe I count a doe and her two littler ones.

I surprise them regularly at the bird feeder while the squirrels continued to hunker down inside the suet holder for their treats — and suddenly having all this wildlife in my yard doesn’t seem as copacetic as it once had.

I started complaining about having to refill the large feeder with birdseed practically every day when I expected it to last close to a week as it used to do.

It was obvious the deer annoyed Minor as well. And why not? This is his home, his property. In those “used to” days he could stand at the door and bark and they’d skedaddle. As the weeks wore by, his noise meant less and, if he wanted to clear the property, he had to go out and give chase. I’m told his leg is injured and surgery will be required. I know he may — or may not — be tired by nightfall when all this foolishness more-or-less stops. Still I see few signs of tenderness in his back legs. But, yes, I do my best to convince him that running — especially when the snow is deep — is not in his best interests.

The deer will always return. Ivy, myrtle, even (a first!) my rhododendron suffer though it’s the birdseed that seems their favorite.

Throughout the winter the deer and Minor seemed to have reached an amiable understanding which at first I didn’t find objectionable. Actually, it was rather funny to watch the chase. After a prescribed number of steps (and not that many) both sides would stop. As soon as the dog turned to return to the house, the deer were also on their way back.

Not good enough for these deer. One day I saw a large doe stop in mid-track before Minor did. Dog halted quickly. Doe took one step toward the dog and Minor, after the benefit of a thoughtful pause, turned and retreated to the house. An anomaly — I hoped.

Just yesterday Minor, out for a reconnoiter, cornered one in front of the barn. Oh, I guess she could have escaped through the heavy brush but that option wasn’t to her liking. Both animals paused, taking time for a great long thought.

Minor took one step backward. Then another. Slowly the doe approached him until she could escape to the side.

Indeed. I’ve had enough of these white-tails.

Susan Crossett has lived outside Cassadaga for more than 20 years. A lifetime of writing led to these columns as well as two novels. “Her Reason for Being” was published in 2008 with “Love in Three Acts” following in 2014. Information on all the Musings, her books and the author may be found at Susancrossett.com. She may also be contacted at musingsfromthehill@gmail.com.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today