DIY Squirrel Baffler

The first thing I saw when I drew open my curtains this morning was a Coopers Hawk. It made me happy.

The male downy woodpecker that has been visiting our yard introduced his mate to the suet feeder.

The resident squirrel gets denied

For some time now, the resident squirrels have been running the suet feeder- scaring the birds away. I saw the male downy woodpecker try to defend the feed by buzzing the squirrel a couple times to no avail...I quickly grew tired of chasing the squirrels away every time they neared the feeder so I turned to the internet. I read online that some people have greased the pole with petroleum but did not like that idea. I even sprinkled chili powder on and around the food- they say birds don't mind it but squirrels do. I have found that to be false.

Finally, my brilliant husband made his own squirrel deterrent by shielding the post with steel wire mesh. The squirrels have made several attempts to get to the feed, but so far no luck. One squirrel climbed a tree about 20 feet away and looked longingly at the suet. He seemed to be surveying his options and wondering if he could make the jump. And the birds don't seem to mind the mesh at all. Flickers and downy woodpeckers both fed without incident after we installed the new squirrel deterrent.

Longfellow Creek Sunrise

I was late out the door to work yesterday because I wanted to photograph the sunrise over the Longfellow Creek watershed. So beautiful!

New Year Visitor

I finally put up my Christmas present from two years ago...a suet bird feeder and a lovely Downy Woodpecker has been visiting ever since!

69 hours after exposure...

The other day I decided to get the H1N1 vaccine. My local pharmacy was offering the vaccination on a drop by basis up until 7:00 pm. I didn't even have to miss work to get it!

When I stopped by the pharmacy there were only a few others in the pharmacy area...I waited as an older couple ahead of me got the shot. I took off my jacket and the technician informed me that wasn't necessary since I was to have the nasal spray.

I asked to have the shot instead since I've never had a nasal vaccination and don't like sticking things up my nose. But she was adamant-saying I was healthy and she needed to save the other form for those who were more at risk...so I complied.

Unfortunately, this was the day before Christmas Eve. That night I could hardly sleep because my nasal cavity became so dry. Things quickly developed in to a head cold. By Christmas Eve, I was huddled in a corner feeling rather bad at a family gathering. Christmas Day, I decided not to attend a different family gathering because I did not want to expose others...especially the week old baby that was the guest of honor.

I've had regular flu shots in the past and never developed symptoms that lasted for days and up until now, I had worked with coworkers who had been sick and was the only one not to fall victim...Today, after 11 hours of sleep, I fell much better but am still blowing my nose every 5 minutes. I'm sure I will be fine by the time I have to go back to work Monday.

More sunset photos from Lincoln Park

Just one other reason why I love living in West Seattle.

Last night we went to Lincoln Park to watch the sunset. While we walked along the front we saw a seal swimming out in the distance and a bald eagle fly overhead.

Coyote came a callin'

Early this morning, I was woken from my sleep by the call of my husband. It was still dark out and when I glanced at the clock it flashed 3:30 am. Why did he wake me? Not that I was mad, in fact I was thankful because I was having weird dreams bordering on nightmares. I sat up in bed and felt for my glasses. Once able to see, I forced myself to focus on the silhouetted figure peering out the window. "Quick! Come look at this..." he whispered. Something had triggered the floodlight, but what?!

My mind was racing...was someone out there? Did I need my hockey stick? "What is it?" I demanded- whispering back.

"Coyote- there are 2 at the end of the driveway."

I was out of bed and looking out the window in a second. I could barely see the outline of a large canine at the end of the 50 foot driveway. Yes, it was a coyote indeed. "Where is the 2nd one?" I queried.

"It must've gone in to the bushes." Our property borders a greenbelt along Longfellow Creek and I've often heard coyote in "our backyard." I've heard up to 5-6 running in a pack late at night in the past.

I decided to chance running in to the next room to get my binoculars for a better look. He was still there. The floodlight barely reached him and he stood like the saying "a deer caught in the headlights." He seemed to be looking right at us while I was able to get a close look at this fine specimen. He looked like a healthy adult with a beautiful fine coat. He looked fast and agile. (The first coyote I saw was about 4 years ago when I was on my way to work just after daybreak. The coyote followed the Longfellow Creek trail and sauntered across SW Brandon right in front of me in my truck and 2 girls walking to school. The 3 of us had stopped in awe of the creature that looked old and salty with its matted fur. I have also seen a young, adolescent coyote bound across the road like a jack-rabbit in front of me at about the same time on 2 different occasions).

We watched the coyote until the floodlight dimmed. Then the coyote withdrew back in to the shadow of the woods.

In (my neighbors) garden

An ex-coworker used to tell me to do a blog on the dead things I would find in my garden...this is an ode to that idea. However, the following images were found in my neighbors gardens on my way to the mailbox.

A victim of the neighbor cat.