Out and about the mouse-house

It wasn't long ago I mentioned that 'something' was coming by the mouse-house during the night and enjoying the apple that was hanging from a feeder in one of our old maple trees. Every day I hung an apple and every morning the apple was gone.
One night last week I awoke to the racket of raccoons outside the bedroom window. They sounded like they were arguing as the sound fluctuated from quiet to very loud. I knew then that they were fighting over that darn apple; the prize; and I felt bad for 'the loser'. I imagine everything is hungry out there and I don't mind helping them out. I've always known that animals don't share so now the apple is cut in four and left on the ground along with a few crusts of bread.

Where have all the birds gone? The song-birds fill the air with song early in the morning and then it is quiet. I see the odd Mourning Dove and of course, lots of Crows but that's about it.

I had a delightful surprise when a family of baby squirrels appeared on the mature maple just outside the dining-area window. Two grey and one black; soon getting ready to leave the nest. They were playing on the branch; tumbling and scurrying about. That made up for no baby birds this year in the bird-houses. I hope when Mommy Dearest gives them the boot they stay around and enjoy some of the 50 or so maples here. And, I'll keep them fed once the cold weather returns.

I had another pretty visitor to the mouse-house yesterday. A Yellow Swallow-tail spent the afternoon enjoying the flowers and teasing me every-time I came close. Our neighbour has a beautiful lilac-type bush that hangs over our fence. Our lilacs have been finished for weeks now so I'm not sure what this plant is. I finally got a not-so-perfect photo.

It's been raining steady here.  Audrey has just about had it. It's been a horrid, h.o.r.r.i.d week for her.

                                "HORRID, I tell ya."

Not a sun-puddle in sight.  But, there is promise of sun and higher temperatures starting tomorrow. Fingers crossed as we are getting together early for brunch with our family.

Hope you have a sunny weekend. I hope to capture a photo of my new 'squirrely' neighbours.

hugs, Deb