It’s been months since I’ve had anything resembling a social life and years since anything I did extended much past 10pm. These days, what with the excessive heat/humidity and Covid-19, I’m in bed by nine to read for an hour and up before six a.m.
I know, boring. But I’ve read somewhere that people like me have the best imaginations.
I’ve been thinking about animals lately. Not the ones who resort to whining or harassing their fellow citizens. Truth is, I’m feeling less enthused about the human variety of beast these days, although I’ve witnessed incredible acts of kindness and generosity, often after the fact but still.
I was a little afraid of animals as a kid, notwithstanding I learned to ride horses at a young age. When I was ten, we got a regal Labrador-Spaniel we unimaginatively named Cocoa. I don’t remember getting all cuddly with the dog, who seemed closest to my parents, probably because they walked him.
That was then. These days, I am all about non-human beings. I watch the videos—who doesn’t? I’ve been making note of the huge numbers of new canines in our neighborhood. Quarantine puppies, you could say.
My real interest is in the non-domesticated creatures. Quarantine has brought them out in force. They seem to confuse themselves with pets. Maybe they’re tired of living paw or hoof to mouth. More than likely, they’re opportunists.
The relative absence of people has emboldened them. This is mostly wonderful and also a bit unsettling. I’m not afraid of deer, really. On the other hand, encountering three or four of them at your front door if you happen to be out for a late-night stroll with your pooch is a heart-pounding experience. It’s like answering the door at Halloween and seeing a pack of fully-grown teenagers in masks with their hands outstretched.
I live in a suburban development hard by a major thoroughfare. My house backs up against five acres of old growth trees and wetlands. You can get quite a bit of wildlife into five acres. During the day, I walk around the neighborhood with my phone to try and capture whichever creatures have decided to hang out in the hood. So far, no bear sightings, though we had one last year. The foxes are too fast, the possums too clever, the eagles too rare. The other night, I chased away a racoon the size of my dog who’d come up on the porch, so no picture. He’ll be back; he lives under my neighbor’s deck. The bird that built a nest over my front door fixture has eluded the camera, but I hear her. She has let me know in no uncertain terms that my presence is an irritant to her family’s well-being.
I’ve caught a few decent pictures, though, which I’d like to share with you. Enjoy. Who knows? Next year, these may be your new neighbors.
