In The Wachsmuths’ Backyard – Photo by Tucker Wachsmuth 4-28-20

The birds start gathering about seven each morning at the Wachsmuth house in Oysterville.  By ones and twos, in  small groups and large, shyly, boldly — they wait and watch for the wild birdseed that they know will soon arrive.  There will be something for everyone and it will vary by season — suet in the winter for woodpeckers and jays; thistle seed for the goldfinches and chickadees in the spring.

Of course, the birds aren’t the only ones fond of treats.  A pesky raccoon hangs around periodically and the squirrels have caused a bit of havoc in the lettuce patch, digging around the plants to bury nuts for “later.”  Ever-patient Carol has replanted and put up a netting barrier.

One Morning in March 2017 at Wachsmuths’ — Photo by Sydney

The last few days, it’s the bears that have been checking things out.  Sunday, one made off with the suet.  (“We won’t be replacing it until winter,” Tucker told us later.)  But, yesterday the lack of suet didn’t stop Mama Bear bringing two cubs over on a reconnaissance mission.

“They didn’t hang around very long, but they were so cute. I was lucky to get this one picture,” Tucker wrote.

We wondered if it was Sunday’s bear, back with the two little ones.  Or were these unrelated to the first one?  Hard to tell from her backside.  But… the odds are, whoever they are, they’ll be back.  And who knows what others?  The word is definitely out.  Those birds aren’t too good at secrets!

They didn’t hang around very long, but they were so cute. I was lucky to get this one picture.