I've stressed how small my garden is, but it still manages to be a haven. Well, not when neighbours have barbeques and the smoke from killed and burnt creatures pollutes the air. Or when they have loud conversations or music. Luckily, few people go out in the morning.
This morning, I was keen to see Bob and the mice. One day I had seen a mouse gather food and carry it to what I had to assume was a nest in the pile of garden cuttings. She ran back and forth five or so times. Another day I saw two mice approach at the same time - they seemed shocked and one ran away.
I saw no mice. I saw Bob but I must have displeased him because he flew away.
On a few days before, he had landed - for a split second on my hand as he took the suet. It allowed him to push off on his rapid exit! But he lands nearby and eats the suet while I watch. On one occasion, I saw his attention grabbed by the wild rose and he flew off, hovered and returned to the green box (you'll see it in the pictures below - the mice eat from the lower left corner, by the fence) with a caterpillar that he swiftly swallowed.
This made me consider how relations with wild animals are a useful thing to think about. I can't force interaction. I can't demand gratitude for food or respect for my status as whatever I might see myself to be. Instead, if I am accepted, approached, allowed privileged access to something intimate (like a hare grooming herself when she knew I was there), we feel blessed - but we know we can't demand more. How differently from how we respond to humans or domestic animals! The relationship with wild ones seems healthier somehow.
If a wild animal wanted to harm me, I would surely defend myself and seek no further interaction. Think of how long people will put up with relationships with humans who damage them or seek to control them.
It's strange.
The freedom of these relationships appeals to me.
Anyway, I am pleased with my garden. It's full of weeds as well as the blooms on my lilacs and cherry.
I liked the mouse and Bob stories and why you feel relationships with a wild animal can be healthy because they have choices. Bob must have been happy to get that nutritious caterpillar. Yes, you garden is a refuge. Lovely.