Edible Ornaments for the Wildlife!
“Please have snow, and mistletoe, and presents on the treeeeeeeee…”
Well, it’s too early in the year for any real snowfall and I don’t give two figgy puddings for mistletoe this year. But gifts on a tree? There I can into the spirit of the season.
Aw, yeah.
Not just this kind, though.
This year I finally took on a little project I’ve had in mind every Christmas since 2017: decorating one of the many live evergreens on the Preserve with treats for the wildlife.
I’d deck the boughs with delicious snacks for my fellow living beings out here who might be struggling even in the early days of winter when food resources are scarce.
“Seriously though, guys, did one of you finish that box of doughnuts?”
So I gathered supplies and headed to the home of some dear friends, who not only very graciously filled the gaps in my shopping list, but also served up plates and mugs of some very people-friendly goodies.
They also joined the twine-knotting, fruit-slicing, peanut butter-smearing fun of edible crafting, and we had a lovely morning of it. Hopefully a new holiday tradition.
Then I packed up the nutrient-rich delights and headed back out to the Preserve.
I had selected a suitable Offering Tree on a hike that morning. I wanted a tree that was big enough to bear the weight, but small enough to decorate without a ladder - close enough to my homesite that I could access it easily, but far enough away that the wildlife wouldn’t begin associating my humble domicile with food.
This little almost-encounter a few summers back was plenty for me.
YOU JUST KEEEEEEEEEP WALKIN’ , AIGHT?
I also wanted one that looked kinda like a Christmas tree. Call me sentimental. Just don’t mention the mistletoe.
I had selected a juvenile Douglas fir near the eastern edge of the Maiden’s Copse, so I brought out the treats and got to work. It was Christmas Eve, after all, and I wanted the denizens of the forest and field to enjoy their holiday feast while I was enjoying mine.
Presents on the tree, as promised in the first line (#Chekhov’sGun)
I also set up a couple of motion-sensitive trail cameras so I can see who enjoys what; I’m hoping for a mix of songbirds, deer, elk, Douglas squirrels, and anyone else who feels like wandering by for a bite.
Well, maybe not anyone.
Is it too late to edit the guest list?
The trail cameras are set to collect stills and video, day and night - so assuming I come up with some decent images I’ll addend them here later.
In the meantime, here’s yet another background screensaver shot right here on the Riverbend Preserve:
This one even has music.
Have a beautiful holiday with your loved ones, my friends! See you in 2024.