Wildlife

Ever since I can remember I've always wished I could go on safari in Africa. One of my favorite TV shows is Big Cat Diary. The show is no longer in production but it's still shown on Animal Planet every weekday, and even though I've seen each one many times over, I still DVR it and watch it.

My favorite 'stars' of the show are the cheetahs. They have got to be the most wonderful creatures God ever created. The cubs are so adorable and the way these big cats put up with the humans filming them is amazing. Rather than running away in fear or viewing the intruders as dinner, these wild felines ignore them or use their jeeps to their advantage. Many times climbing on top to get a better view of their surroundings. I can't imagine how great it would be to have a cheetah sitting on the hood of my car.

But, since I live in Michigan where there are no cheetahs, I have to make do with the wildlife that is available. I've seen all sorts of creatures in my back yard including deer, rabbits, blue heron, muskrats, ducks and even a fox...none of which were ever willing to stay in view once they got a look at me.

One day last week I was cashiering at the store and a woman came through my lane with a boatload of grape jelly. I made a comment about it and she said she uses it to feed the orioles in her yard. I've seen orioles many times and usually put out oranges for them but I didn't know that they liked grape jelly. So I decided to give it a try and sat some out for them Monday afternoon.

I saw a male and female oriole up in the old hickory tree out back last week but so far, neither of them have come to eat the jelly. I hadn't put out any oranges this year and I'm afraid the orioles have already moved on. They usually don't stick around here all summer. The woman who came through my lane said they come by the hundreds to her yard and now she spends all her money on grape jelly.

I don't think I want it to go that far.