The real "tree huggers".

barred owl

This has been the summer of our discontent. Blame whatever you like - milder winter in Michigan (global warming in action), losing our golden (good protector) or leaving the house unattended for months, but the consequences are dire - we are held hostage by the animals! Living on the river, in the woodsy part of town, we are surrounded by nature in the raw - from the occasional black bear, to coyote, to herd of deer (helping themselves to our meager gardens as if it was a salad buffet), to beaver, to woodchuck, to rabbit and finally, to the nation of chipmunks. We long ago gave up our fight for the property, knowing well that it is a losing battle. The nature was here long before we came and will survive long after we leave...
But, this year we did get a little help with the chipmunk population control - a pair of barred owls made a nest in our front yard. Lo and behold, you can walk our driveway without Chip 'n Dale running over your feet. Thanks Hooters!