The bird bath

I want you to imagine a white concrete bird bath setting in the back yard.  It is rather heavy and bulky.  The top bowl is not connected to the bottom stand.  Sure, the stand fits up inside the bowl; let's say it is just under an inch inside the bottom of the bowl.  The top of this same bath bowl is about  3 to 4 inches deep.  That is an important fact for later.  Try to retain the fact.

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Remembering it is winter and we have had no rain of late, the bird bath is dry.  Since I live on a lake, I know that birds have ample water without me carting a water hose down the hill. Besides, when it is full of water, leaves float on the surface and create a dark, slimy mess.

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My wife bought some Rice Krispies before Christmas to make some of those chewy things that many people seem to enjoy.  They are not my favorite.  Rearranging the food in our pantry this past week, she decided to throw out the remaining cereal.  I suggested feeding it to the birds.  Are you following this?

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Sunday afternoon I filled all my bird feeders.  The little birds do love sunflower seeds.  Feeling proud of myself, I made a rather large pile of cereal inside the bowl of the bird bath.   Maybe birds will find it.

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Advance forward to today, Tuesday.  We were out of town for the entire day getting home about 5.   After feeding the dogs, it was time to take Oscar out.  He needed to go out to play ball.  This boy will play ball from dawn to dusk = maybe from dusk to dawn if given the chance.

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We were playing ball when I noticed that the bowl of the bird bath was on the ground.  Bruno and Liesl were sniffing the area.  The bowl part is not very secure; it must have fallen.  The bowl was completely upside down.  Now, imagine again, the top bowl of a bird feeder inverted on the ground - flat.   

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After giving the ball boy something to chase again, I made my way over to the bird bath.  I edged my finger tips under the side of the bowl and pulled up.   Within 1 second that bowl was back on the ground.  Under the bowl - hissing and showing his pointed teeth - an Opossum.   Scare me to death.  No, make it: SCARE ME TO DEATH!!  That critter was incased under the bowl.  There was no opening to escape.  What to do?

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First I got the dogs inside the house and found my wife.  Together she and I walked down the hill:  I carry a shovel...She carries a mop for defense ( not her idea - it was what was handy on the back porch ).  I bet we were a cute pair of bungling wildlife experts.  Sneaking up on the bowl, I inserted the shovel under the edge and flipped it over.

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The poor little animal was trapped under the bowl, coiled in a tight circle.  He lifted his head hissing and showing more teeth.  He did not move.  They are such ugly little things.  More than likely he climbed on the bath to get the cereal Monday night.  The top flipped over on top of him.  I believe he had laid under that bowl all night and all day Tuesday.  I felt sorry for him.

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He did not move.   I took my shovel and scooped him up.  He was placed carefully over the fence.  Still, he did not move.  I hope he will be gone tomorrow when Oscar and I go outside again.  I hate the thought that he might be injured, just laying out there in the cold.  It is a sad situation.  At least my dogs won't attack him.

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As a final thought.  I have always hated Opossums.  I think they are stupid and vile animals.  They probably think the same of me.  Now before somebody points it out, I understand there is a difference between an Opossum and a Possum.   I do not care to learn the difference.  Keep it to yourself.

Love you all,

Mtz