A New Buddy

Look who fluttered into my backyard the other day.

This gorgeous boy landed on the tallest tree in our yard one morning as I was sipping my first cup pf coffee.

He surveyed the area (Golly. Wouldn't it have been amazing to see what he was seeing?) totally unafraid for at least an hour before swooping off after he sighted prey.

He was airborne and down the mountain in a split second.

While he was perched on the towering Douglas Fir tree, he and I had a one sided conversation. He seemed totally unimpressed as I stood on my deck and talked to him.

"Well, hey there. I'm Julia. What's your name?"

He looked at me with a steady gaze.

"OK. Strong and silent type, I get the picture, big guy. I think you look like an..........Ed. No, Eddy. That's it. I will call you Eddy. Is that all right with you?"

He didn't fly off in a huff, so I guessed that the name Eddy met with his approval.

"Whatcha out hunting for this morning, Eddie?"

He continued his surveillance in silence.

"So. Eddie. Not to be unfriendly or anything, but given the fact that eagles like small furry animals for breakfast, I just want to make one thing clear: I'm totally cool with you hanging out in my tree (I know, I know -- you think that it's actually YOUR tree, so let's not quibble here) BUT in my yard, Schnauzers are Off. The. Menu. Got it?"

He continued his silent gaze, which I took to be an acceptance of my terms. What a good eagle.

I think we are going to be great friends, I just know it. I wonder if his nest is around here? And if there is a Mrs. Eddy or baby Eddys?

The neighbors have informed me that last year, a bobcat used to sun himself on a big rock in my backyard. We may have to have the same schnauzer-ground-rules conversation if Bob the bobcat show his furry self any time soon. Exciting.