We have a hawthorn tree in our backyard that I really hate. I never thought I’d actually hate a tree, but I do. I would love this tree from afar, but right out our back door, it’s a nuisance.  It drops leaves and berries all year long, too much for our up-keeping  attempts. It’s branches all end with a thorn (thus the name) that is ripe for poking a boy or two and puncturing a perfectly good Croc.

Winter hit us here like it never has, leaving us mostly snowbound for the better part of two weeks. I’ve been wondering how our temperate climate wildlife friends have coped with such a change in their environment. I got some bird seed for the ground feeders, but was surprised to realize I’m glad for the hawthorn tree.

Our squirrel friend comes and hangs out in the tree and feasts for a couple hours a day.  It’s funny and a bit nerve-wracking watching him run his ice-covered power line highway, with slips and great saves.  He makes it to and from our tree just fine.

I love watching him grab and eat the red berries, throwing the seeds to the ground, but will mostly likely curse this guy when hundreds of tiny hawthorn tree babies pop up all over our yard in the spring.  For now though, I’m glad it provides a meal or two during this snowy season.