The day I write this is a perfect Spring day. I began it with a visit to the vegetable garden. There is an early morning chore I can only do when the garden is still dewy and shaded by trees; foliar fertilize the veggies that need a boost. On my way there I was met by many a squirrel and fluttering songbirds. It seems all the small mammals this time of year are extra busy. Their food supply has increased rapidly, and they are breaking out of their winter fast. All together they were too, a group of six or so squirrels, 4 blue jays, and several other songbird species I don’t have a name for. I keep telling my self, one day I’ll learn my birds, one day. They were busily feasting on wild spring greens, seeds, and insects from the wet shaded lawn.

I was envious the way they coexisted, all together, species mixing, with no fear of their neighbor. Yet when I strolled by, they fluttered back to the wood’s edge for cover, not quite knowing if I were safe to be around yet. The squirrels went …