I’ve been feeding a family of crows for many years and I delight in their daily visits. Peanuts and walnuts are what’s on the menu and they reward me with their trinkets left behind. I have found bottle caps, a white rock, and bits of plastic and string that serve as their thank yous for the delicious treats. A few of my neighbors have discovered that I am the source of the strewn shells across their lawns. The crows poke their peanuts into the ground in my yard and while walking my neighborhood, I’ve seen their peanuts ‘hiding’ along the walking paths. I’ve often wondered if an animal happens upon anothers’ stash, do they grab it for themselves? Or is there etiquette in nature whereby all animals respect another’s hard work? Feel free to comment if you have a thought about this.

Gimpy is an older crow who has a clubbed foot that has deteriorated over the years. Still, he visits daily and gobbles up his treats with great gusto. Over the years I’ve witnessed how he (I’ve always thought of him as he but truly have no idea his sex) brings others to the porch railing stash and will watch over the newbies who are learning how to use the buffet.

And this is Bobbie, a bobbed-tail squirrel, who also hangs around to clean up while the crows fly off to hide their treasures. She is not shy but will miss a day or two when dining elsewhere. This summer, for the first time, she dove into my herb pots and sadly ate all my basil. I found the basil quite delicious this summer so I understand why she tasted and then devoured my stems.

On this slow, dreary morning I’m drinking my coffee with this crew of foragers who entertain me throughout the year. I do hope they are making great strides with their nesting and food storage as the summer finale is here with autumn knocking at the door. I, too, will stock up on nuts and fruit for Gimpy, Bobbie, and their friends. I hear that Gimpy has returned, he is atop my roof cawing to me for more peanuts since he abstained while the little ones ate. Time for round two! 🍂🍁