We all know there are rules in place for many reasons when it comes to wildlife. Most of these rules are in place because some person, some where, did some thing, that caused harm to an animal. For example, there’s the Migratory Bird Act to protect wild birds from being killed for use of their beautiful feathers. This rule made me sad, as it feels completely natural, spiritual, and special to me when I find a feather. Now there are other rules as well, about feeding the wildlife. Well, where do we draw the line here? Some say, absolutely never under any circumstances, and others will ask on facebook for free apples so they can draw in a deer during hunting season. Personally, I don’t agree with either of those opinions. See, I feed the hummingbirds all year long. My grandfather used to feed the birds around his property with the wild birdseed he’d buy from Bimart. I got the same stuff and started feeding the wild birds around my place. Then the party started. Notch, the little brown squirrel (with a notch out of his tail), and Earl the grey squirrel with his two brothers that are also named Earl, showed up to steal the sunflower seeds out of the bird’s food. I then made a separate pile for them with some walnuts that fell off a tree in someone else’s yard. That worked out well, and was all natural. All is fine, until the weather changes and the local deer get hungry, especially the mama’s. I started a separate spot for the deer and fed them rolled corn, as well as some apples and carrots, and kept them out of the birdseed. I was never consistent in a feeding time, or every day. It’s when they show up with this look on their face and I can help them. I also live in the middle of 300 acres of private property where hunting isn’t allowed and this family of deer tend to stay close to people where there are less cougars to worry about. Spring is showing now, so the deer have lots to nibble on in nature. I have built a better bird feeding spot where the deer won’t be tempted, however Notch, Earl, Earl, and Earl are still stealing the sunflower seeds when they can. The Jays are good at chasing the Earl’s away when they get greedy. Ultimately, I’m not out to break any rules, or offend anyone. I just follow my heart and do what I feel is right. Not until I learn better, and then know better, can I then try to do better. I’m still pretty sure though that some rules are still meant to be broken, just not the “Golden” one.
