I tried to snap a hurried picture, approaching the front door. Irving had informed me that a

rarely-sighted bluejay was on the porch pecking at peanuts. We see and hear them only for a limited time in the spring and fall in the forest before they move on. They were more commonly seen when we lived in Toronto many years ago. But they're flighty, and I failed to succeed. Then I tried for a chipmunk that was having a bit of an altercation with a red squirrel, and that didn't work out either. Blink, and they're gone.

 

It is kind of ironic, though, that we see more wildlife, more frequently on our front porch, given our proximity to the forest, than we ever do in the forest itself. Never was like that, years ago. Fewer houses close by various angles of the ravine were built decades ago to impinge on wildlife corridors. When partridge and grouse were often seen, heard, and come across. Not to mention foxes and raccoons. They're scarcer in numbers and more careful not to appear when people are about. Food is the irresistible draw for all creatures, and so they come to visit us from the forest, just as we leave our house for daily visits to their habitat.

 

Which we did of course today as usual, on yet another spectacularly beautiful, sunny day. No humidity, not even any breezes, actually, and no rain in the near prospect. Just a carefree weather day urging all who care to submit to their spontaneous urge to enjoy nature's beauty at this and any other time of the year. 

In the backyard it actually felt hot, reflecting its particular micro-climate environment. It was 19C when we set out with Jackie and Jillie for our saunter through the trails, but it felt much, much warmer, thanks to the still, dry air and the warmth of the afternoon sun.

 

Jackie and Jillie came across two companion dogs they hadn't before seen, and they behaved -- as usual -- quite badly. The dogs, both standard-sized poodles, were demonstrations of exemplary behaviour. They were likely puzzled by the obstreperous behaviour of our two small imps. Who absolutely refuse to listen when we ask them to stop being so annoying with their constant barking. At two relatives who happened to tower over them.

 

The poodle with the black coat was the older of the two. The Harlequin-coated poodle was only eight months old, and both had beautiful, laid-back temperaments. Both politely awaited notice that they were interested in the attractive odour emanating from Irving's pouch, which their human gave permission to dole out to them. In response we had the pleasure of watching those large and beautiful creatures move about with graceful ease, ignoring the two dwarfs milling about and expressing suspicion of their presence. We sigh in frustration.