Peanuts, in great demand.

The other day I forgot to put nuts out for the birds and/or squirrel. I remembered everything else. Honestly, my memory could give the Wildlife Restaurant a bad name. I might even have to strike peanuts from the menu (click here to see the menu)

Since there were two full feeders for the birds I had started limiting the amount of peanuts I put out because the squirrel pinches every one. In fact, he pinches everything... seed, suet, meal worm,  apples, pears, nuts ... or so I thought. I was idling in the kitchen, just gazing out of the window, when a Jay flew across the garden and headed towards the bird table. I bet he was astonished to find only a few seeds and meal worm; we were right out of suet, for some reason there’d been a run on it. So, guilt-ridden, I rushed to make amends.

Armed with a handful of peanuts I went outside. Upon seeing me, the Jay flew off the table, into a nearby tree, a good spot for him to keep watch. After placing some of the nuts on the table, I scattered the rest on the lawn and slowly walked back towards the house. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a movement so turned to look. And there was the Jay scurrying behind me eating through the trail of peanuts. 

For a few days he waited on a low branch of the tree, watching and waiting for me to throw out the nuts. He's braver now. He's discovered the bird bath situated near the house, providing us with a good view of him. 

So now I’m wondering who or what actually was eating all the peanuts. Perhaps I misjudged the squirrel! Maybe it was the Jay all the time. I could be accused of slandering the squirrel. Does anyone know if defamation of character is an offence in the animal kingdom?

Oh dear, I could be prosecuted, used as an example to others who lay blame where it’s not deserved and deny squirrels their right to eat. Oh dear, I could be imprisoned in a cage. If that happens I hope it's a big one ... I could never squeeze into a narrow bird-feeder.