I Byd It

The trail cam has been operating (intermittently, it must be admitted) for some time now. It is a motion-sensitive camera, strapped by a bungee cord to a tree at the back of our garden, (US “Yard”) next to a trail that leads into the adjoining woods (US “Forest”).

Most of the pictures it takes are of Tom & Ellie playing silly buggers, like this

But occasionally it works as designed and snaps the odd passing deer, like this And then, just the once, it captured the nocturnal visit of either a Hound of Hell, the reincarnation of Anubis the ancient Egyptian jackal-headed God of Death, or a coyote. I’m not totally sure which, but I’m less comfortable going out in the yard after dark now.

I get lots of these in the garden around the feeder. They are typical jays, garroulous and flighty, but I love to watch them. They appear almost reptilian at times, especially when they hop from branch to branch and seem to almost run up the tree trunks. I’m pleased with this pic too; to me it captures this guy’s obvious intelligence and character perfectly. Or am I anthropomorphizing too much? I love the word anthropomorphizing btw; it has a sonorous quality when said aloud and gives one a deep pseudo-intellectual sense of satisfaction when used. Or is that just me?

Well, not anymore there isn’t but there was briefly this morning. A small black bear wandered through my garden (or yard, as the Americans say) this morning. Unfortunately, by the time Caro had called me to the kitchen window to see, it had wandered off into the woods and all I saw was the tantalising glimpse of a small black and furry bottom. I grabbed the camera and waited for a while, but he/she was obviously shy and refused to come back for the paparazzo.

I’m not sure if we are supposed to be alarmed, or warn people, or something, but I just hope he/she comes back and hangs around for a good picture next time. I think we need to remember to close the garage doors from now often though.