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Hounds, Birds and Squirrels, The battle rages on Day two

Round two of the grey squirrel battle begins.  It is the early morning. I spot a squirrel slowly coming out of the oak tree, and   I watch from my window as this ring leader hits the ground. He heads straight for the deck.  His tail is twitching erratically. I am convinced that the ring leader, the one who I named Boris, is sending out an all-clear signal to the infantry.  Suddenly I see them. The brave first squirrel, who was running point position, is followed by two others. I watch from my window as the tree rats survey the situation. Satisfied that the dogs are sleeping unaware of the pending assault, the tree rats begin their ascent to the feeder. Watching from the window now with a cup of coffee firmly in my hand, I call for the reinforcements.   " Come quickly, "I yell to my husband. My hero appears at my side with our son's 35-year-old Red Rider BB rifle in hand.  Pump, pump my husband loads, opens the door aims, and fires. Uninjured but shaken the squirrels, retreat to plan their next move.  I am hurriedly convening a secret planning strategy meeting with the hounds.  Armed with dog treats, I begin to instruct the hounds on their roll in the battel. I explain the objective clearly.  The hounds' role would be to keep the enemy off of the deck. They would use their barking and chasing skills to accomplish their objective. The hounds respond with their most enthusiastic tail wags.  They grab for the treats and then wander off to take another nap.  I can only surmise that they are planning for the battle to come.
   
The hunger of the relentless squirrels does not appear to be ceasing.  The seed supply is dwindling rapidly.  I will need much more than the hounds and a Red Rider BB rifle to will this battle. A moment of good luck, the squirrels appear to have retreated from the deck to escape the heat of the afternoon sun.  The birds have returned and are taking advantage of the temporary break in the battle.  I watch from my chair under the umbrella.  I begin to think about bubble wrap! Can bubble wrap be the secret weapon that I need?  I wonder! 

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