Being raised in the country means you learn to live with nature in many forms. That’s a fairly simple statement about something that is far from simple. When it comes to livestock or wildlife the nature of every animal is unique. Each one is a creature of habit. Even humans. That is a trait I fought to overcome throughout my life with mixed results.
Dealing with pests in nature brings to mind wasps and yellowjackets. As kids we waged wars against the wasps which were mainly the black variety which has now given way to the more plentiful and mean natured red type. I have used fake hornet nests made from brown paper bags to discourage nest building in my tool shed. It works well for me on the wasp but the yellowjackets don’t play by the same rules.
I think yellowjackets are the Chihuahuas of the bug world. To illustrate how far we have ventured away from nature just Google yellowjacket and you can read all about some television series and nearly nothing about the winged type creatures. Don’t even get me started on scorpions and fire ants.
I was never much on deer hunting although I do love me some fried venison. I enjoyed the camaraderie while being around family and friends during hunts but never felt any joy in a kill.
Here in my current situation I enjoy feeding the deer in the morning and evening right in front of my home. I have a 14 point buck that would make most hunters get the shakes. He gets close enough to touch but he hasn’t let that happen yet. On the other hand there is a 6 pointer who eats corn out of my hand and then follows me around the yard begging for a handout as I fill bird feeders. I finally gave in and now it has become a daily habit.
I had to forego filling my bird feeders in the evenings because during the night racoons would come and empty the feeder or do their best to tear them down. More than once I walked out with my little dog for a bathroom break at 4 am and caught a coon hanging upside down having a meal.
Having a little respect for natures creatures can go a long way. I treat buzzards with respect by giving them a lane of clearance while they are doing their job of dead animal carcass removal along the highways. Yes, I know they are really turkey vultures and not buzzards but few around Bandera would understand. So let’s all just agree they are buzzards and then I won’t be a topic of conversation tomorrow at the OST table of knowledge.
I carry a pair of gloves in the door pocket in my truck in case I encounter a turtle needing some assistance crossing a busy highway. The gloves are for his protection as well as mine especially if he happens to be a snapping type of turtle. I communicate telepathically to each one I help in hopes he will let me know later if he happens to observe what that chicken is doing after crossing the road.
In my current Growing Up In Bandera days I do what I can to provide for my local friends in nature. I have hummingbird feeders front and back along with three different birdseed feeders. Like others in my neighborhood I have a water trough for the deer so I added goldfish to keep the mosquito population down. I now have to add goldfish food to my shopping list. I thank The Good Lord for this life I’m living.
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