Ash Thoreau

I’ve decided it’s time to dedicate a section of my blog to Blue Jay Corner, the hub of activity at my squirrel and bird feeders. When I first started, I didn’t think there would be much to write about. But in recent weeks, the drama and antics have been so entertaining that it feels silly not to share the stories.

I’ll still document my weight loss journey and other ventures. But Blue Jay Corner deserves its spotlight, especially since Instagram’s short format doesn’t allow me to share everything happening.

How It All Began

Over a year ago, I mounted a squirrel feeder on my back patio. For the longest time, it went untouched, a quiet, lonely feature of my yard. Then, this past October, everything changed. A few Blue Jays randomly swooped in and annihilated the corn cob on the feeder. Thus, Blue Jay Corner was born. Shortly after, a lone squirrel arrived. I named it Boss because it seemed to command the area whenever it appeared.

Fast forward a couple of months, and my backyard has transformed into a squirrel oasis. Keeping track of all the new visitors has been a delightful challenge. Every day brings something new, and it’s been so much fun to watch the unfolding drama.

Recent Happenings

In the past week alone, there has been a flurry of activity. A new squirrel with a tail injury showed up—its tail only about four inches long, with a clear sever in the fur. It’s not due to disease but likely the result of a fight or a predator encounter. The next day, two or three more new squirrels arrived, making it one of the most chaotic days yet. Altogether, I counted around 5-6 squirrels that day alone.

Given the influx of visitors, I decided to order another squirrel feeder from Amazon along with some additional supplies. Now I’m trying to figure out the best spot for the new feeder—ideally somewhere with good camera access. Unfortunately, my home WiFi is already stretched thin between security and feeder monitoring. Apparently, Comcast doesn’t appreciate my need to document backyard wildlife adventures. But that’s a rant for another day.

Looking Ahead

Going forward, I’ll do my best to keep up with updates about the feeder activity. While it’s not always a thrill ride, there is usually always something changing. Watching these little creatures has been a bright spot in my life and a much-needed escape from the daily grind.

I’ve also been toying with the idea of collaborating with my favorite feeder company. Not for a sponsorship—I’m genuinely a fan of their products—but to possibly raffle off some feeders. I think it would be a fun way to promote self-care and mental health. This hobby has brought me so much joy, and I’d love to share that with others who might not have considered it as an outlet.

There’s still a lot to figure out. I’m not sure if I have enough regular followers to make it work, but maybe that’s part of the charm. A small, meaningful contest could still make a difference. Of course, I’d need support from the company or others since funding it entirely on my own would be tough. But the idea of creating something positive keeps me excited.

Signing Off

For now, that’s all I have to share. To anyone reading this, I wish you everything. Thanks for being part of this journey with me. Blue Jay Corner and I will see you soon!