He’s back. Our resident Bowen Island bear has returned to our yard to play the Seed Game. Everybody around here is mad for sunflower seeds; squirrels, deer, dogs, bears, humans. And then there’s the vermin, the rats and mice. I don’t know how the Junkos, Towhees, Chickadees and Finches will ever get theirs.

As previously mentioned, I have a thing for birds, hence the bird feeder. It’s rather an indulgence, though apparently said hobby helps songbirds to survive and it gives me immense pleasure. The deer are the worst. My Staffie SamIAm and I spent 20 minutes chasing off one very persistent doe this morning. She hides behind the trampoline between raids and when she emerges, sets the dogs off barking maniacally until I am forced to run downstairs to shush them. Well, I always say my life is a zoo. Unfortunately for the bear, he is becoming habituated to humans. There is no wilderness on this island; he has nowhere to roam without encountering people and their garbage. And bird feeders. So, I won’t put out any more bird seed until he’s been trapped and removed by the Conservation Officer. At least I hope that’s his fate, and that he doesn’t get shot.

Sex At Dawn by Christopher Ryan and Cacilda Jethá. Just read it. I’ve long maintained that monogamy isn’t Continue reading →