Saturday, October 17, 2009

Walking the Yard, Looking for Wildlife

Larry and I have our grandson on Saturdays. While he was taking his nap today, Heidi and I went out to see if there were any critters to take photos of, and to snap a bunch of photos for other posts, and to document things for future reference. It was in the upper 40s when we were out. That's still cooler than normal, but warmer than it has been lately. We were glad to be outside.



Heidi went to one of her favorite spots to see what she can see.



The first critter like thing I saw was hanging from the top of the trellis, where clematis, passion vine, and morning glory, which died when it got below freezing, shared the space. I planted the passion vine for the butterflies, but it didn't bloom or get chewed on by caterpillars. I thought I saw a small worm or something inside this. It kind of looked like the images of bagworms I looked up, but I thought they were on trees. Do you know what this is? I also thought it may be something in a spider web, even though it is only attached to a single thread.



I think Heidi wishes she were allowed to go across the street to chase the squirrels, which seem to have tired of teasing her, and prefer to hang out in the neighbor's yard.


I saw 3 or 4 squirrels, and this one was not happy to have my attention.



I followed him to the back area where I garden, and it went up the tree to stare me into leaving him or her alone.



I saw this dove on the garage.



I got closer, and the dove flew away, and 2 or 3 more flew up from the ground, and this is the photo I took, missing them. I also saw a blue jay that flew away before I could snap a picture.


We were disappointed we didn't see any bees, butterflies, or other insects on the blooms we usually see them on. A year ago, I still had a good number of butterflies.

(Larry just caught a bumblebee with a towel that was flying near the kitchen light, and tried to put it outside, then it came back in and was flying around the lamp that's next to me, and I just kept typing while he was trying to recapture it. In the past, I would have jumped up and gotten away. I guess taking so many photos of them, and not experiencing aggression has made me unafraid. I was wondering if I should be getting up, though. It looks like the bees are still around. LOL)



To see other critters, or find out how to post yours, click on the button in the sidebar.

21 comments:

  1. Lots of critters in your 'hood!

    I played too :)

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  2. I guess the bees didn't want to be out in the cold! I'm not as afraid of them as I once was either, now that I garden all around them.

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  3. Nice post for camera critters. I am often left with pictures of trees while trying to get a shot of the birds. They are always too quick for me. Heidi is a beautiful dog, thanks for sharing your critters for the day.

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  4. I have so many missed shots of critters~~they just manage to escape. The bees might show up if your temps get above 50! Btw, Heidi is just the best dog and best critter you have in your garden. gail

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  5. Heidi always looks like she's ready for an adventure.

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  6. Heidi is a good dog.....not straying after the squirrel.

    I love bees, always have done. Where would we 'bee' without them. They pollinate our crops, flowers etc.... Bees are still active here in SE UK. I find bumbles to be very passive.....

    Can't identify your bug....maybe it is a caterpillar wrapped in a leaf......

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  7. What a charming critter filled neighborhood you have. And Miss Heidi the queen of her little domain, well at least until the squirrels come back.

    Calico Contemplations

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  8. LOL about the shot of the critters who aren't there anymore ;-)
    I can see you love your garden. It looks amazing. I have no clue about the dangling critter.

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  9. Critters in the Hood. Too funny. Hiedi looks so forlorn. Blasted squirrels. You know they taunt her from across the street. They're evil. Don't let their furry cuteness fool you. :-)

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  10. Brrr...40 degree temps probably kept some of the smaller critters in hibernation. You are lucky that your dog is so well trained. My little Spaz would of been across the street and gone. ;)

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  11. your header photo is b~e~a~utiful.
    it's wonderful to see heidi enjoying the day outside...i love having dogs in the garden.
    well until they dig up your newly planted pansies.
    happy autumn sue.

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  12. Lovely post! It's surprising how many 'critters' are lurking once you start looking for them :-)

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  13. With the lowering temps. it is difficult to capture some critters in the garden, still you have done a wonderful job of capturing some. You have a wonderful assistant in form of heidi.

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  14. You had quite a plethora of critters on hand!

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  15. I always enjoy seeing photos of Heidi and the red fire hydrant together in photos. This post reminds me that I need to get out and take more photos of critters.

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  16. Isn't it wonderful we can still enjoy other aspects of gardening and wildlife~despite the lack of blooms...I'm happy you spotted that pretty dove, Sue!

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  17. Squirrels are cute...but for the first time in my life, they are becoming my arch enemies in the garden. I can appreciate them from a far distance.

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  18. I guess your bees and butterflies have flown South because they are all over my garden right now where we are a lot warmer than you. Poor Heidi, she looks so forlorn just standing there looking for critters. There's always next week.

    Jan
    Always Growing

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  19. Your garden is exploded with wildlife and flora. Amazed to note the ammount of so many different things everyday.

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  20. You got some great photos, isn't it fun just taking a few photos when you have a bit of free time, always great for relaxation.

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