Christmas Eve on the Wild Side

Despite a veiled forecast of snow for Christmas in San Antonio, Saturday morning brought about only cold rain that lasted pretty much the whole day. Feeling in a Christmas mood, and just a little sad for the critters in the backyard who weren't having a Christmas meal, I set up an umbrella on the garden cart by the pool and put some wild bird seed in a large pottery dish for the birds. What happened after that can only be described as "A Walk on the Wild Side."

The cast of characters:

Momma Red Bird, who bravely entered the shelter for food.

Cowardly Poppa Red Bird, who let Momma check out the "trap."

The Stealthy Squirrel, undaunted by the presence of Momma Bird, but determined to remove said squatter from the premises.

In a matter of minutes the drama began, as Momma ate her fill and Poppa watched from afar, Brave (and Rascally) little Squirrel began making his move. From the top of the bench he quickly ran down to the pool pavement ....

 and frightened away both Momma and Poppa Red Bird.

With determination in each step, Squirrel makes his way toward a cache of coveted birdseed.

Success! I guess he figured if the trap didn't swallow Momma Bird, all would be safe for him to come and partake of his own Christmas dinner.

And because it was cold and rainy, Savannah was content - well maybe not content, but certainly intent on watching the show from her warm and dry perch atop the sofa in the TV room. Ah, winter!