"Put Your Wings Where I Can See Them"

Friday, June 7, 2013 3:36am

It's the crack of dawn and my husband is gathering items he will need for work as I lie in bed. The thunder rumbles in the distance - the birds are silent (it's too early for them).

3:42am On the roof I hear footsteps or shall I say pawsteps. The neighborhood raccoon has made its way onto the roof of our townhouse. It stops periodically to listen - it lumbers ahead a few steps - stops, listens, and plots...

3:45am I hear the baby birds awaken, crying for their breakfast. Their parents picked our soffet to build their nest and raise their young.

The raccoon takes several more steps, stops, and listens...

Rewind to 2012: The birds and the other pests totally damaged last year's patio garden. They chewed the leaves off my broccoli, lettuce, carrots, tomatoes, and green peppers. I purchased organic pest controls, plant netting, and placed shiny windsocks over the potted plants to discourage the birds and furry pests - with no avail!

The patio garden was a total loss!

I totally gave up on 2012's patio garden and abandoned my crops. They only salvagable items were the Russet Potatoes. I glared up at the soffet where the birds were flying in and out. I swore I would get revenge on the birds, squirrels, and insects that caused expensive and catastrophic damage!

Fast-Forward to 3:46am ...The raccoon discovered the source of the sound. It began to walk faster across the roof. It knew what it wanted.

The adult birds sensed the danger and tried to silence their young - it was too late!

"Put your wings where I can see them!"

3:47am There was a terrible raucous on the roof! The birds were squawking and pecking. The raccoon was making angry, fighting noises - it sounded like a raccoon mafia hit. I yelled for my husband. He dashed upstairs to see what what the commotion was all about. By time he got to our bedroom, it was silent. Then we heard the pawsteps victoriously retreat across the roof in the direction they came.

3:50am I put my hands behind my head and layed back on the pillow. The thunder continued to rumble in the distance and the lightening lit up the window. A sinister smile crossed my face.  - feeling vindicated, at last!

The scene of the crime!