The Critter Café is thriving. We still have an abundance of squirrels, banded pigeons, an assortment of small birds including scrub jays, and our latest additions, ravens and crows. To accommodate the ravens, crows, and scrub jays, I started putting peanuts (unsalted of course) out for their first-class dining experience and they have certainly spread the word over the years that it's a good place to start the day. Before the Café became a bit of an upper-crust destination, the peanuts were originally just scattered on the ground. After a while, that didn't have the right vibe, so a simple plate on the ground held the peanuts for easy (and cleaner) access. The jays were the first to appreciate the new setup. With the fire came concerns about toxic soil, and though we have been lucky in not being too affected, I felt a more posh setting was in order. A friend had given me a little red wagon, which, alas, didn't have all the parts. Turns out, that was a good thing because it is now repurposed as the official peanut station. I even added a water bowl for the crows and ravens to dunk the shells in to soften them up to make it easier to eat. Now here's where it gets interesting (if you're still awake). Originally, I only filled the wagon portion with sand and the plate rested a bit below the rim. Apparently, the crows and ravens felt that might be a trap and were uncharacteristically skittish with the arrangement. Even after watching the squirrels and jays happily grab peanuts, they still didn't want to partake. Ok, says I, they just need a day or two to adjust. But then an idea. I added some gravel (makes it easier to clean too) to lift the plate and water bowl to the top. Success! All the critters dive in with gusto and all's right with the world once more.
If you're wondering whether rains will fill the wagon tray with water, no need to worry. There are holes in the bottom to drain water away.
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