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By Barbara Jorgen Nance
It was early Wednesday morning, and the air was fall fresh. One could just drink up such delicious air. The moment was interrupted with a distinct melodic, chirpy tune outside. I thought it must be some new bird migrating through the area. We are on a migratory pathway here in Silver City. Occasionally we’ve seen birds that didn’t belong here at all. The blue heron that visited for a time out in the tall buffalo grass was my most memorable one.
The melodic, chirpy tune continued as I went around from window to window looking for the singing bird. To my surprise, my eyes landed on a singing squirrel perched upon a large boulder in the side yard. He was just belting out his melodic, chirpy tune like he was on the stage of the grand old opera house. Never before had I heard such vocals as these from a squirrel. I glanced around looking for his sweetheart squirrel, for this was a strong, heartfelt tune he was singing. I decided to name him Bocelli Squirrel. He continued his performance from his boulder balcony for a short time longer, then abruptly ran off and disappeared in a hole under the cactus. Who knew a ground squirrel could have such talent. People might purchase tickets to hear Bocelli Squirrel. We could hold concerts under the summer stars and set up lawn chairs in front of Bocelli’s Boulder Balcony.
While still sitting at the same window, a little bird arrived and tried to hold onto the thin window frame while pecking at the glass and chirping. My face was just inches away from the birds. I studied the rings around his eyes, painted so artfully with little white dots. One could ponder a lifetime on the wonders of nature, but one also has earthly chores. So I proceeded to the kitchen. I glanced out the screen door on my way and saw black legs walking under our truck. My little dogs were accounted for, so who was this new mystery visitor way out here on Country Road?
A black cat sauntered up to our garage and began happily rubbing his back on the door. Then plopped down and rolled and played and stretched his arms out in slow motion as if practicing Tai Chi movements. The cat was ecstatically happy, it was obvious. Where did he come from? There are no cats anywhere around here. We are far out and surrounded by coyote dens. I’ve never seen a cat here before. Black cat rolled around for a short time and disappeared.
This day has been curious indeed. Did the little bird want in the house because of the black cat? Was the black cat attracted to our property by the singing squirrel? Was I myself now mesmerized by Bocelli Squirrel? It’s a mystery!
