For the past few years that I've had my house, I've had a woodchuck ("Woody") that has munched on my garden and destroyed many of my crops. Woody was a bear to trap - he was suspicious of traps, and wouldn't go in them, regardless of the bait that I used. As an extra bonus, traps that I'd put out for Woody ended up with all sorts of wonderful things in them, notably skunks, housecats and a bobcat. So then I tried shooting Woody. Woody was quick, and smart. Woody would see me IN THE HOUSE grabbing the gun and bolt. Woody could hear me sneak around the house outside, and go running. Woody would hear doors open and go running. I must have shot at Woody 40 times, and never caught him. Boyfriend shot at him probably 10 times, too. Finally, last fall, the boyfriend got Woody with two bullets. When I went out to collect his carcass a few minutes later, Woody was gone. I smelled him, though, a few days later, and was pretty sure he was dead.
I was happy, and relieved. Sorry that it had to go that way, but there's plenty to eat around here that isn't crops for humans. We could have coexisted beautifully together.
A few minutes ago I was sitting on the front stoop of the chicken coop, FatOne in my lap, petting her, and watching the NYD chicks to make sure everything was ok.
The rooster sounded an alarm, everyone went running under the coop. A large bald eagle was flying over head. Good boy!
The chickens all come out a few minutes later, then the roo makes another strange noise, and all the girls turn to the driveway.
What do I see crossing the driveway?
Woody musta had kids.
. Okay, lots to do today and it will be good to keep busy. I liked seeing someone else (featherz?) making their to-do list on here. I have lists on little scraps of paper all over the place. Now where did I put that list for today.....
