Let's let the squirrels show us how hot the day was.
As soon as my wife takes some fresh cold water out to fill the bowls, the squirrels appear to take a drink. Normally they would run after the nuts to eat, but on this day, they were very much lame due to the heat. The bowls can also not sit for long outside as the heat almost boils the water, even in this late afternoon. So, every now and then the water bowls will be replenished.
The idea came to me to show the squirrels in the heat, as I was searching for a suitable medium to show the heat of the day. We are in full summer now and like all over the world, our weather is also weird. One day can be in the high 30's and the next day it can be in the low 20's. The wind still, hot days are the worst, as when there is a slight breeze, it can make things a bit better, but instead everybody is moaning about the heat.
Look at that, lying flat with its head on the bowl.
Shame! No squirrel enthusiasm in this picture below. Not even to eat that nut.
Flat on the paving to cool the stomach.
The little dove still had some energy.
And now something special below.
This is "Mini" the little female with the broken back legs. I took the shots of Mini to our local wildlife vets, and fortunately there was a female vet that often works with injured squirrels. We had a long chat, and she agreed with me to let nature take its course in Mini's case. However, if we see that Mini starts to deteriorate, then I must call them to come fetch her. Mini surprised all of us as she is healthy and well.
I have 4 photos below that will show you how well Mini copes with her disability.
The one at the back is Mini.
Our greatest fear was that Mini would be put down by the vets, but thankfully the lady assured me that if we saw that Mini was coping, then there would be no reason for her to be put down. Sadly, she doesn't come to eat every day anymore, and we only see her once or twice a week. But when she comes, she gets royal treatment from us. The other squirrels don't like it so much, as we keep them away from Mini's food and water.
I am glad when I see Mini climbing our Strawberry-Guava tree with her disability, and she is a real brave little soul. Just goes to show how we, as humans, can also cope with our disabilities. I had a very serious accident, and I refused the amputation of my left leg, and I have been walking on it ever since 1980. Others are much worse than me, and yet they also cope. I think that is why I have such a special place in my heart for our little Mini.
Such is life.
I hope you enjoyed the pictures and the story.
Photos by Zac Smith. All-Rights-Reserved.
Camera: Canon PowershotSX70HS Bridge camera.
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