In my neighborhood in the Texas Hill Country, we are blessed to be surrounded by a variety of wildlife. From the common sparrows to the bright hues of the Painted Bunting, backyard birdwatching alone is a treat. Deer can be occasionally seen, along with armadillos, roadrunners, tarantulas, and (shudder) snakes. Coyotes used to be a more common sight (and sound) at night.

Some of my favorite visitors are the small lizards (or geckos). These critters are harmless, and we like having them around. Because they prefer cool, shaded areas, they often sneak under our garage door for respite. The smaller and more transparent House Geckos can squeeze under doors into the house for a cooler spot! The Texas Spiny Lizard (commonly known as the Fence Lizard) would rather sun themselves on, of course, a fence post. 

There are many native Texas oak trees in our community, bringing beauty, much-needed shade and — a habitat to squirrels. Observing one gutsy squirrel, with his continual attempts to reach the birdfeeder with Cirque Soleil moves, has been endless entertainment.

Because the backyard birdfeeder is visible from our large living room window, our German Shepherd mix, Zoey, stirs up all sorts of drama when catching sight of her nemesis! It then becomes a wild Fred Flintstone run from the window, around the oversized sectional couch to the back door, barking all the way. The furry intruder has disappeared by the time Zoey makes it outside.  

There has been, however, rare instances when I would see the squirrel before Zoey. Quietly stepping to the backdoor, I would whisper, “Squirrel!” as I opened it. Zoey would sprint into action, and chaos would ensue as a surprised squirrel would make the mad dash along the top of the fence, with Zoey running alongside. Even after the squirrel had raced up a nearby tree, she would sit under the tree, again defeated, as her rival loudly chattered his frustration!  

Some might say birdwatching is a sign you’re getting older—but maybe that’s not such a bad thing. Slowing down to observe God’s creation is a beautiful way to be present, to delight in the simple gifts we often overlook. From the playful antics of a squirrel to a lizard soaking in the sun, these small moments remind us that the Creator is near, even in the ordinary. Nature invites us to breathe deeply, rest our minds, and remember that God’s peace often comes in quiet, unexpected ways.

Disclosure: The photos used in this post are the property of Angie Vallejo and may not be sued without permission.