What’s the buzz?

Tell me what’s a happening…

Another gorgeous day in northern Michigan. Birds singing, happily nibbling away at numerous feeders that fill the yard. I turn to see a lovely couple, a male and female grosbeak having lunch together. Every now and then they look into each other’s eyes. I wonder what their love story is. A few feet away, gregarious birds gather around the flat feeder. Hey, I was here first. No, you weren’t. Well watch this. There I showed you. Uh, that was until two more landed, taking care of the younger squawkers. Meanwhile a lone hummingbird hovers nearby over the deck. Scanning the area for aberrant invaders, he goes into a dive, Table for one, please. Extracting sugar-water from deep inside, he sits for at least 60 seconds. He feels safe. Secure. But he never stops perusing the area for signs of trespassers. Another day in the life of backyard birding.

But now it’s time for me to trim the dead branches from the budding hydrangea. I grab my pruners, still listening to bird calls, when I hear something off in the distance. At first, I think it’s coming from the highway a mile and half away. However, the noise doesn’t abate. I go on with my task. Hmmm, it’s very persistent. Highway noises rise and fall. A truck nears, changing gears, then the sound dissipates, followed by a clutch of cars, their tires creating that familiar thump-a-thump-a-thump, which fades into the distance. Ah, they’re on their way north. Whatever this sound is, it’s persistent. I’m still puzzled. Still curious. Man, I could swear it sounds like a swarm of bees.

As I near the neighbor’s yard, now able to peer into their yard, my eyes grow big. Holy shit! I see hundreds of bees and they are NOT happy. Their nest has been surreptitiously disrupted by human beings performing yard clean-up. I hope no one was hurt during the transgression. But I hear no shrieking of vocal cords or cries of anguish. That must have been a close one. Thank goodness it was on the other side of yard and nowhere near me. I stand there mesmerized, listening and watching to the disgruntled swarm, trying to determine their next course of action. I know they’d love to take out their aggressions on the next passing human. However, that won’t happen. No one in their right mind would dare to pass the danger zone.

Now, I’m no longer star struck. My brain recalls an unpleasant, not-to-distant memory…

Sitting on the ground in my front yard, nurturing my flower beds, I feel something, but sweep my hand in front of me, trying to thwart whatever it is, from whatever they’re intended. Probably a mosquito, a no-see-um, or any variety of flying June insect. A few seconds pass, there it is again. Grrrr, I continue on my afternoon quest. Then suddenly, I discover that it’s not an innocuous occurrence. Now I see them, I feel them. Good gawd, I’m being stung. Without further ado, I stand up, throwing my garden tool across the yard. My hands act on their own, swatting at the predators viciously attacking the encroacher. ME! Now I start running. There are numerous and determined, but so am I.

I make my way to the porch, attempting to brush them from my pants and shirt. I want to, need to get in the house, but of course, I don’t want them following me inside. Finally, I’ve accomplished the task. My hand latches onto the doorknob, as tears stream down my face.

The next thing I see is my husband. “What in the world?”

Now, I’m full out sobbing. “The… I’ve… I, I was attacked by…”

Suddenly, he’s next to me. I feel a smack against my leg. He’s seen one of the culprits, who stealthily followed me, continuing the assault. I hear a foot stomp. The male protector has stepped upon the offender. My hero.

It was a good thing I was not in shorts and a T-shirt. After undressing, I discover at least a dozen spots on my legs, behind, and arms. Bring out the ice-packs. I’m going to be couch-bound for a while. I’m sore, but grateful. It could have been much worse.

The next evening my knight in shining armor (otherwise known as my meek and mild husband), is out for revenge. Look what you did to my wife!!! Armed with gas can, he approaches the ground nest. You won’t be bothering my sweetie, ever again. The human is victorious. Lancelot and his sword. Chivalry lives on.

…My focus turns back to the present. It’s another day. I’m back in my comfort zone, as I hear the familiar swish and whoosh of chickadee wings.