Treasure Coast Free Press

The Saga continues…

From Alicia Jay:

Episode 5: After 4 weeks of persistent pestering of the owls? The Pileated woodpecker moved on & the owls took residency! I was shocked, the wildlife center was shocked! We couldn’t believe these tiny owls (that are no bigger than most song birds) overpowered a pileated woodpecker!

Everything, FOR ME, had changed & now I was truly obsessed with my backyard! Not only was I getting images on my camera of the song birds, but also those of screech owls perching at night for their hunt! I became more active on social media than ever to tell the stories of my visitors! Some days I had so much happening at once – it was difficult to focus on who I thought was most important.

My phone is filled with videos & images of all this amazing craziness! So? I made sure I was sharing ALL OF IT!!!!! I was truly content & happy. I was loving every moment I could spare just sitting in my backyard. The owls, the birds, the squirrels all seemed to be feeling some sort of contentment as well. Everything seemed to be falling into place. Then? The owls disappeared. Truly out of nowhere! I was so discouraged! I replayed every evening in my mind. I had my father here to witness their amazement. Friends would stop by. Even my adorable neighbors had become part of “team screech owl.” I was devastated.

But? Life continues & I couldn’t dwell on the “what if’s” – I had to keep moving forward. The squirrels had started to trust me – they had had a few nests of babies in the nesting box. Slowly they began to come to me for whole raw peanuts & they became my “new” focus.

There was always something happening back here. Like I’ve stated, it was hard to focus on just one animal. My backyard wasn’t my only concern. I had real life happening too. Another birthday for my daughter, my 30th high school reunion, work, family. So? I was carrying on with everything else as well. Again?

I was truly happy with everything despite some set backs. On June 10th of 2023 was the main event for my high school reunion. It was so much fun! Hometown advantage, on the committee, I was so happy to be part of it all! That night? I stepped out of my shoe wrong & I BROKE MY ANKLE!!!! I couldn’t believe my misfortune. I was at a loss for words. As I sat there, listening to the prognosis (6 weeks without being mobile, no work – which equaled no pay – unable to drive, unable to take care of my home, my bird feeders, my daughter)….. .. I truly thought – in that moment – I had lost everything. I was devastated in a way I never thought I would ever truly recover.

If you would like to see the entire saga just click here.

As always thanks for reading and subscribing! We appreciate you.