Went into the Garage which is where I keep the bird seed and peanuts - as I wanted to fill the Nut holders and replenish the bird table, It's surprising how many birds seem to rely on this feed....
I had bought a new sack of seed - but knew there was still a little left in the old one.....Barney and Nin followed me into the Garage....
Before I go on - a few weeks ago we knew we had mice in the garage - but living near fields and woodland this is not unusual...We could see the signs of mice - and started to look for them....
We searched old boxes, - other things that had piled up...which we discarded to the Garage...waiting a Bonfire....couldn't find any.
On a shelf is a pair of Dr Martin boots, which Lyn picked up - and lo and behold a mouse had built a nest in one of them ...it was very intricate - and very heavy ,to our surprise there was wood, nails nuts and bolts and little bits of cardboard and material, he or she was a strong little critter!.....Didn't put our hands in - just in case it was inhabited.
So gingerly returned the boot to the Shelf....the other boot was unoccupied...thank goodness...
We cleared the Garage of all the rubbish - and had a small bonfire..
OK back to Barney and Nin following me into the Garage, I picked up the old seed bag - and could see just a small amount of seed in the bottom - so turned it upside down over a tub - but didn't notice the occupant until out tumbled this little field mouse...
This really freaked me out - throwing the bag into the air, I screamed - now don't get me wrong, I am not afraid of mice....It was just the shock of seeing it come out of the bag..
Well if that made me jump, You should have seen Barney - Catching sight of the mouse - I have never seen him move so quickly, that poor little mouse did not know which way to turn, it made for the door - I was making my way to the door Barney was still running - Mousie jumped out of the door and just ran -it made the fence just a tails length in front of Barney....poor Barney I really felt sorry for him - He ran back into the Garage then back to where the mouse had disappeared..then back again......
But there go'es another mouse - wonder if that was the one - which built the nest in Lyn's boot........
Lyn had to by a new pair of Dr. Martins as they had used the linings from both boots to help with construction of their nest....
ALLY...
11 comments:
We had the same problem year in year out of field mice in the shed amongst the bird food - we buy in bulk ;-)
Now we use those big plastic containers from Haith's...........that keeps most of the food safe and there is always plenty outside around the different bird feeders.
LOL ...at you screaming and throwing the seed bag in the air....I would have done just that myself! I`ll bet those Doc Martins make a very comfortable nest for mousie! When we had the field mouse in the kitchen, poor old Jake ran into the living room and put his head under the coffee table! :-)
Sandra xxxx
Oh Ally ,Id have done the same, except Idont like mice, ugh ,spiders I can cope with, but sorry not mice...............Jan xx
I can just imagine all the commotion and activity in and around the garage. You should have caught that on video for us. We love to feed the birds too but won't get the selection you get. Goodnight Joan.
I don't like to be startled, either. Especially by critters! I remember last Fall, the first time I used the fireplace, I opened the flue... and a lizard fell on my head. UGH !! Tina http://journals.aol.com/onemoretina/Ridealongwithme
Destructive little things aren't they? In the spring they ate through a plastic lidded container in our shed and helped themselves to its contents ... rat and mouse bait ... end of problem! I'm glad you are still feeding the birds, we do, but some people have stopped in case they get bird flu ... rather an over-reaction I think!
Kath
LOL! Ally, I would have had the same reaction. I like mice, snakes and spiders...just don't like to be suprised. Was in the basement doing laundry last year and had the feeling someone was watching me. Found the cutest little vole in the sink drain. Got a pair of Jon's work gloves and set it free outside. We feed birds as well, all winter. Also do a bird count at the feeders in January. ~Deborah
That's some EXPENSIVE nesting material! I hope you're NOT going to see anymore from the family of mice with the expensive taste!
I am glad I found your journal . . . I hope you'll come visit mine sometime.
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I havent seen them use nails before but they will use anything they can a hold of to build a nest. LOL
I wish I could have been there to see you and Barney. LOL
That Barney is a mess!
Terrie
Aww, cute little living in the boot mousie :o)
Much nicer than the big old living in my kitchen rat, that got in through a hole in my neighbours wall and plagued the whole row of houses for a week last year! I don't think I'll ever get over that shock!
Poor Barney ;o)
Sara x
Oh Ally,
that really made me laugh, you screaming, Barney going barmy ....lol..... excellent.
Luv Jayne
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