CE Wills

Hi, everyone. My wife and I were walking in the woods today and spooked a fawn. It was very young and small and he still had all his spots. We didn't see him until he ran. We were within about ten feet of the little guy before he took off. They are great for being quiet and still. Until they reach a certain age they have no smell whatever which is a great defense mechanism. Cool, huh? Did not see his mom around and I hope that a mountain lion hasn't dined on her.     Once upon a time we were leaning on our woodpile behind the house and a fawn broke from behind it. I could have literally laid my hand on his head had I known he was there. Scared the heck out of both of us. Another time, I was on the roof cleaning the chimney and a fawn came walking into the yard, just as unconcerned as can be. Hey, my wife sends a pic she took of a neat moth. If its a new species I'd call it the envious moth. CE Wills, from the boondocks.

I was driving home from work late one night in Kansas. It was about three o'clock and I'd had a rough day. The area was remote, almost fifteen miles from the nearest town. There were homes here and there and a few farms.     In the glare of my headlights I saw a woman walking along the road. Thinking that perhaps her husband had driven her from her home or she was in trouble of some description, I stopped beside her and asked if I could be of service. She said no thanks. I asked if she would like a ride somewhere and she said okay and climbed in. She remarked that she was just out for a walk on a hot summer night and I agreed that it was a pleasant night to be out.      We had probably only gone a mile before she said, "Let me out at the white sign up ahead." She got out at the sign and said thanks. I drove on home meditating on the encounter and wondering about it as any writer would.     The next day on my way to work I drove by the white sign and stopped to read

Once I watched a hawk in a field. He was eating a rabbit that he had killed. He was standing on the ground in a grassy field and I could see him plainly. When he got through eating he drew back his right leg and kicked the rabbit in the head. His manner and body language expressed a wealth of contempt for the vanquished. I was more than mildly surprised. Indeed I was shocked. Why would an animal do this?     I can only assume that animals are like people and no two are completely alike. This hawk must have just been a bully. Perhaps all predators have a low opinion of those they prey upon. Perhaps the unpardonable sin is to be weak enough to be killed and eaten. Your thoughts on the subject?     From the woods, CE Wills.

I was sitting on the deck, listening to my I-pod. I must have been sitting very still or I wouldn't have been visited by the timber rattler.    I was just about to doze off when I saw the snake gliding to a point about four feet away. It was a sunny spot in the midst of all the shade. The snake looked so innocent in its facial expression, so harmless. I really don't believe it saw me. It was as big as my forearm in girth and probably four feet long. There were three or four rattles.     I sat very still and thought things over. If I went inside I could get my pistol. I had some 'rat shot' shells which give a shotgun effect and make it easier to hit a small target. They will kill small things and look like they are loaded with chunks of salt. The other options included doing nothing, which I am an expert at, or going to my shop for a hoe. (Not that kind)    I opted for the pistol and rolled gingerly toward the door and directly away from the rattler. I went quickly to