Nosy Neighbor

 It's me. I'm the nosy neighbor. Ever since I spotted this doorway, I've had my little telescope (and now my phone camera) poised to capture possible movement. 

I've been hoping that if there are none, some new occupants arrive that I can spy on. What is my deal?!?

This. This has piqued my curiosity. 

photo: Renée Parker

One day, as I sat in quiet contemplation by my window, I spotted this curious little opening through the trees. Hold on, I'll zoom in...

There across the way, well above the forest floor, was this magical-looking little hole that I could stare directly into. Sort of. Immediately, I wondered who, if anyone occupied this piece of prime woodsy real estate. A beautiful tiny feathered family? A lizard? An obnoxious squirrel? No, not an obnoxious squirrel. They're too busy trying to take up residence in my tiny porch garden. Tasting the veg, digging holes in the pots, pooping in my plants. 

A few days later, I remembered to retrieve my telescope from another room and leave it by that window for some spying when I had the time. In the meantime, glances with my naked eye netted nothing. No movement. When I found the time (and a clear, sunny day)  to perch there and peek, I sat for about 10 minutes waiting. Waiting... to see something living occupying that tree. Perfect location, beautiful views, easy access...

I'm a wildlife enjoyer. I like to see animals in my community and beyond. I'm a bird spotter. I don't say watcher because in this season of life I'm not afforded beaucoup time for that. So I spot, and I sometimes add my sightings to an app that helps me identify the birds. There may be others available, but the one I use is Merlin, which is managed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. 

Maybe I hope to see signs of life since I was forced (by the aforementioned squirrels) to take down my window-mounted feeder. The birds came. They were beautiful and varied. But then, so, of course, did the squirrels. Tree rodents, wildly attempting to scale wooden posts and windows to reach the feeder which was just out of their reach. I finally cried defeat and took it down.

As to the tree home, I have yet to spot any signs of life. I would even be okay with seeing squirrels at this point. But to my mind, I'd prefer some pretty birds. Maybe I should put up a tiny sign? Take out an ad? Who knows if it's ever been inhabited, how long it's been vacant, and what it's like inside, though. 😆

I've moved on, and I'm not actively watching, but every so often, I take a look. I'll update this post if I happen to get a glimpse of anything. 🌳🐦