Birds, Cat and Dog; Co-existing

 I started feeding the hummingbirds when we first moved here then I just didn't have time to take care of the feeders so I stopped.  It felt more fair to stop then to sporadically feed them.  Then when Mom went into Hospice I started again as part of the whole "I'll take care of your flowers, etc" promise that I made.

Fast forward to the other day when their feeders were empty after having been refilled less than 48 hours before.  I'm guessing they have babies right now but I don't know for sure.  I do know this fun fact: if the tulips fields are blooming, we have less birds. Now that they're being topped, the birds are back.

Invariably, they will buzz me and/or complain as I take down the feeders to clean and refill.  I don't know if you're aware but they're bossy little f*ckers.  

Later, we were getting ready for bed and they're outside the window having dogfights around the feeder.  Again, I don't know if you know: I believe they are reincarnated fighter pilots and the existence of democracy is their only mission.

So, I mention to Kevin that they're fun to watch but they're aggressive a.f. and Kevin adds on "And can be mean for such little birds."  They'll buzz you if you're working outside, as Kevin often is.  I should say, the red ones are aggressive.  The green ones are just trying to live their lives.

We finish this conversation just to look out the window and there lays in wait, the neighborhood cat.  He's on the railing, about two feet from the feeder, content and patient as can be. He's got a little kitty buffet happening.  Kevin is all "Uh oh, shoo him away." (because I was nearest the door)  So I did and I know he probably returns when we go to bed but at least we made an effort. Maybe he'll get the red bird or get his ass kicked, I'm not sure.

Then like a full 24-hours later, I'm all "So...we had some mixed messaging there. Do we hate the birds? yet don't want them to be cat food?"

Now, about the cat.  Nephew brought their outside cat up when they moved.  We were worried how he would fare, because: city cat. Well, he’s intimidated Lucy, now he perches on our deck waiting for the hummingbirds, and we have significantly less rabbits this year.  He’s doing just fine.

We’re guessing that Lucy chased Fletcher once and Fletcher deployed the murder mittens so now Lucy is scared of him.  SCARED of him.  The other day she came in the house, whining like a baby but her hackles were up and I'm all whatever, lay down you silly dog.  Then I realized that we do have forest animals around the house so I should check to make sure there's not a cougar in the yard.  I opened the door and stepped out and there's the cat.  He's sitting on the top step and just looked at me like "Can I help you?"

Then the next day the wind had blown the door shut.  It's usually propped open so Lucy can go in and out and not make me insane.  Suddenly there's a THUMP against the door, which is startling.  I called Lucy then realized she was outside.  Meanwhile, there's another thump against the door.  I hurried to open it and Lucy ROCKETS inside the house.  Again, whining and hackles.  I look outside and the cat is on the grass, just minding it's own business.  Being a cat.  Ruining Lucy's day with it's mere existence; which I'm certain pleases the cat.

So, Lucy fearsome hunter and protector of humans, thinks that cat can just eff right off, thank you very much.  Meanwhile, the cat remains unconcerned.  

And I just fed the birds again. Yes, the red one yelled at me when I came outside.