I have gained the trust of a squirrel, a very special chipmunk with many understudies, but never a wild bird. This catbird and mate return each spring. They build their nest next to our house in a big bush and spend a lot of time spying on us and flitting around the back patio. This year I discovered that they adore dried mealworms. Unfortunately we also have a rather tame young squirrel who shares the same love of the delicacy. She competes daily with the catbird, always winning. Each morning I put out a new supply as the catbird waits patiently, often after enjoying a bath. Today I just stayed about an arm's length away as she ate. I turned, went in for my camera and shot this as she gobbled her breakfast, watching me so sweetly. I used a long lens, but could have shot this with a 35mm lens as well, standing very close, in awe of her/his beauty and trust. What a gift to co-exist with such beautiful wild things.
I retired from public school teaching after happily spending twenty eight years playing in Kindergarten. Now I fill my days watching cat antics, taking endless...
