Photography By Ginny

January 25, 2012-The Cooper's Hawk Catches A Bluejay

2012-01-27T19:17:00.005-05:00

To my surprise this hawk landed directly across from my window where I could watch him eating the Bluejay he caught. He stayed there for 40 minutes till he was all done with it.

I watched him as he ate a whole leg and foot and it almost got stuck in his throat. He kept swallowing to get it down.. When he was all done he walked behind the wall where I couldn't see him and after a while he flew off into the woods. I tried to catch him flying away but I missed that part.
Here's part two of the videos I took.

January 23, 2012-Tufted Titmouse-Gray Squirrels-Red Squirrel

2012-01-27T19:09:00.005-05:00

The cute little Tufted Titmouse is around every day. There's at least two pair.

A squirrel sitting on top of an old stump in the nighbor's yard and one in a tree. And the thin one. I worry about her because now the males are chasing her. I don't think she'd live through a pregnancy.

And my favorite little critter lately. She comes every day now. Hope to see baby ones this spring.

Enjoy this video of the Red Squirrel

January 22, 2012-Photos-BlueJays-Squirrels-Frosty

2012-01-27T18:55:00.006-05:00

A very cold, frigid morning. It was only 7 degrees when I took these pics.

The cold doesn't stop the squirrels from coming to get their food.

The sun throught the frosty woods and a hawk sitting on a branch in the woods.

I see this little girl every day now. I just hope the hawk doesn't get her because she comes across the lawn. I think she's living over by the neighbor's yard or in the thick brush between us.

It was 7 degrees on this morning. You can tell the birds are cold.

The sky after sunset

January 20th Pics-2012-Sunny But Cold

2012-01-22T22:45:00.002-05:00

Gray Squirrels and the little Red one. It was a very cold morning. Only five degrees at this time.

It turned out to be a sunny day but only got up to 17 degrees.

Photos From January 19, 2012-Cold And Frosty

2012-01-20T22:39:00.010-05:00

A very frosty morning. It was 7 degrees on this morning. A squirrel sits by his nest, not sure if he wants to come down. It was 7:30 am.

The back woods with frost all over the trees. You can see a Bluejay taking off and a squirrel sits on the tree branch trying to stay warm.

The sun is coming up and shines on the frosty trees as the squirrel sits there not wanting to move much.

Brrrrrr!

Later the frost left and it got a bit warmer. Into the low 20's for the rest of the day. A female cardinal and a black capped chickadee sits in the bushes.

The house sparrows are cute at times. can't beleive how these little guys make it through the cold winter. We've had a pretty mild winter up till now.

This is "Red Eye" looks like a blood vessel has broke inside his eyeball.

The males are chasing the females all over the place now.

This thin haired squirrel is still around and doing okay but I worry about her. She's so thin. I hope those males don't bother her.

The little red squirrel came again so naturally I had to take too many pics..ha!

I think it is living in back in the pine tree for now. That's where it ran to today. Maybe I'll see young ones this spring.

January 18, 2012-A Red Squirrel Appeared!-And Birds

2012-01-19T09:48:00.010-05:00

When I went to feed the birds and squirrels at 7:30 am. I saw this red squirrel but he ran away and I couldn't find him. But later at noon he came back and I got these pictures. I was really excited to see him because it's been over four years since I'd seen one. I have no idea what brought him here but we had very high winds all night and I'm thinking maybe he got displaced from his home. I'm just happy to know that there still are some red squirrels in the area.

He seemed very interested in me and would come out and sit there like that. It was still windy and the temps had dropped from 33 in the morning to 19 by afternoon. I hope he has a warm place to go to.

The Blue Jays were getting blown a bit but there were lots of them coming for food.

My one pair of cardinals. I only see these two so far.

There are a few White Throat Sparrows around and of course the House Sparrows are all over the place. That's a pair in the top right corner.

Got to love this little Tufted Titmous. So cute. It's so hard to catch a picture of them. They come and go so fast, for safety's sake.

The wind was blowing his feathers some.

January 15, 2012-Birds and Squirrels On The Coldest Days

2012-01-16T18:46:00.005-05:00

The day started out at about 33 degrees on the 14th. We got about a half inch of sleet that day and it progressively got colder. Thes birds were trying to take shelter the best they could.

Blue Jays on the coldest morning we've had so far. It was 14 below zero at 7:30 am. on the 15th. These birds were trying to keep warm as best they could. They were eating a lot all day. It never got past 7 degrees this day.

Little Juncos in the frigid cold.

BlueJays all puffed up to keep warm.

A Mourning Dove and a squirrel braving the cold weather.

This squirrel was eating a nut. I don't know how they can sit on that wire fencing with their little bare bottomed feet.

More cold Blue Jays. Thank heavens the sun was shining all day, not that it helped those little critters any.

Catching Up With Photos-Up Till January 13, 2012

2012-01-15T11:33:00.007-05:00

The one crow family that sticks around here all the time.

A Tufted Titmouse and squirrels on the tree.

Hundreds of Crows on their way West for the night. They only go to roost and come back early each morning. Weird.

Junco

Squirrels, White Throated Sparrow and a House Sparrow

A cold squirrel up on the tree during the snow fall.

Blue Jays

Squirrels burying nuts and looking for them.

Photos From January 6, 2012-Cold Squirrels-Birds

2012-01-08T14:27:00.005-05:00

Juncos

It was a very cold day. Only 9 degrees in the morning and it got up to about 17 during the day.

I always feel sorry for these guys when it's so cold. Especially my little one with hardly any fur in the other picture. But it's warming up again so they will be okay for a while.

January 4, 2012-Birds And Squirrels

2012-01-05T10:26:00.006-05:00

Lots of little Juncos around.

House Sparrows. The large photo is the female.

A squirrel eating a nut.

Lots of Blue Jays around also. They are out there at daylight, waiting for some food.

I finally saw these cardinals for the first time in months. Just one pair out there right now. I hope the hawk never gets them. That hawk is flying down every day, especially if it's cloudy or snowing.

The female is hiding in the bushes while the male comes out to get some food.

They are especially beautiful in the winter against the snow. We don't have much snow yet. Only snowed an inch on the 3rd.

There are a few Black Capped Chickadees around. They are so cute. I have some Tufted Tits around but haven't caught any good shots of them yet. They are so fast.

And this is the ragged little squirrel that I worry about. But he seems to be doing okay, despite the zero degree weather we had.

January 3, 2012-Birds On A Very Cold Day

2012-01-04T19:39:00.005-05:00

It was very cold and blustery all day. I felt sorry for the critters. But they always seem to get through it. We only got about an inch of snow overnight. But all day it was very windy, as you can see by the photo below. That poor Blue jay was trying to hide in the bush.

It was about 15 degrees all day. The House Sparrows and Juncos were abundant though.

And of course I had to get another shot of the moon. In the top photo it's blurry but I was trying to get that bright star that sits below and to the right of it.
It was going down to zero and it was very cold when I opened the window to take this. I stuck my hand out just for a second to take the pictures. Brrrr!

The Moon-January 1, 2012

2012-01-03T13:42:00.005-05:00

I just love when my camera cooperates and gives me a clear picture of the moon. I think it's so neat how you can see the craters and color of it.

December 30, 2011-More Critters And Birds

2011-12-31T12:31:00.008-05:00

I'm worried about this young squirrel because it is losing it's fur. It won't make it through the cold winter probably.

This squirrel was just sitting there in the bush and then came down to beg. They look so cute when they do that.

I still have this rat around. It must have dug itself a deep hole for the winter. It comes out of the same spot all the time now. I'm wondering how many more there will be in the spring. unless I give him a poison ball to take back to his den. I'm so used to him now that I hate doing it but I know what I'm in for if I don't. It's something I have to think about. But for now he's free. I don't have to worry about him killing any chipmunks. They are in their dens now for a couple months maybe, unless it gets real warm.

More Mourning Doves.

The sky near sunset.

The sun going down

December 29, 2011-Birds-Squirrels, Snow!

2011-12-29T22:19:00.010-05:00

We finally got some snow on the 28th. It wasn't much but it looked pretty coming down. It was real windy and cold. After having temperatures in the 40's for so long it was tough for some people. It snowed all day but we only ended up with about an inch.

The squirrels had to get used to the cold too but it didn't stop them. Never does.

I'm not seeing any cardinals around. And only a couple Bluejays. This jay was cold and just sitting there in the bush trying to keep warm. Got lots of Juncos around and House sparrows. That one squirrel on the bottom right is going to have a tough time staying warm this winter. His fur is thin. not sure why. He's a young one too.

The Crows are still gathering at dusk and then heading West for the night to roost.

This is all the snow we got on the day before. This is the morning of the 29th with the sun peeking through the woods. But it was only 9 degrees out there and only got up to 20 today.

A couple squirrels were chasing each other up in that tree.

Here one is sitting, watching something off in the distance. Probably a cat. They wouldn't come down for about a half hour.

A Junco and a House Sparrow.

The sky at sundown. I like the pretty colors.

And this was the moon tonight through some haze.

December 10, 2011-A Few Critter Pics

2011-12-10T20:43:00.006-05:00

This young squirrel sure is chubby. I like the way he's looking back at me.

We only got a dusting of snow the morning of the 8th. It melted fast though.

This little guy is still running around out there every day. The rat chases him but he always manages to run faster. So far.

Crows heading West in the evening. They do that every night. In the mornings they come back. I still don't know where they go.

Sunset on the 8th and the moon at 2:30 in the morning on the 9th. I got up at that time and looked out the window and saw it there so I took a picture through the glass. I didn't want to open the window. It came out okay. But the full moon is tonight, the 10th. Not sure if I'll get a picture of it. It's too cold to be opening the window to get clear shots. Going down in the low 20's tonight. Brrrr!

Critters From December 4, 2011

2011-12-05T22:35:00.011-05:00

This one rat seems to be the only one left out there for now. I'm going to call him Oscar. He is funny and cute to watch. Except for when he tries to catch the chipmunk or act like he's trying to find a way inside this building.. I'll leave him alone for now.

This is the only chipmunk that is out there also. I hope he's careful. I do worry about the rat getting him. It's a good thing he has that grate to run down into. The rat tries to get in there but can't.

I don't like to see the chipmunk running through the walls. It's supposed to get much colder this week so maybe he will disappear into his den for a while.

Just some sky scenery after the sun went down.

And the moon through the branches again.

December 3, 2011-Deer-Jet-Squirrels And The Moon

2011-12-03T22:05:00.008-05:00

Katie wanted to see how the deer would look as a penciled sketch so here it is Katie.

The Doe was out there with her two, almost grown up, kids. The male one looks as if he might be starting to grow antlers. Wish I had gotten more pics but they moved too fast and didn't stay because I hadn't thrown any apples or nuts up there. I don't throw anything up there right now because of the rats. I'm still seeing one rat so there might still be a family of them around somewhere.

Just a jet going past. I wonder why on some days the jets go by and their vapor trail goes away fast and on other days they stay forever and widen up so much. Do any of you believe in those Contrail stories or Chemtrails?? I've seen them a lot here on some days. The planes will go back and forth in all different ways and leave huge trails behind them that seem to just float to the ground. When I see those I never want to be outdoors. Just in case.. You never know what the government might be up to.

A squirrel dangling upside down in the bush and two more sitting up in the trees. A picture of the back woods and a pumpkin that someone put back there. Frost is on the ground also.

And this is the moon tonight. I tried to get a photo through the branches at first and that's how the first pic came out. And it was through the window. So I opened the window and got some good shots of it. I love how you can see all the craters in it.

November 30, 2011-Chipmunk

2011-11-30T22:28:00.003-05:00

This is one of the two chipmunks that are still running around out there. But the weather is finally getting cooler so maybe they will go back to their dens again.

November 28, 2011-Baby Rats

2011-11-29T09:07:00.004-05:00

Now I have baby rats out there. These two look like they are too small to be out but maybe their mom was one that died. They are cute and I feel sad for them. They seem to be alone but I was reading up on them and they are on their own at five weeks and did you know that male rats are sexually active by five or six weeks?? In captivity they take the males away from the females. They will even mate with their sisters and mothers..Yikes! No wonder there are so many so fast!! If you don't get at them soon they will multiply way too fast.
I still have to put more poison out in the wall but it's been too damn warm and the chipmunks are out again. So now I have to wait for cold weather to set in. By that time I could have dozens and dozens of rats.. I think I did get rid of quite a few but now I am still seeing a few adults and now these babies. Heaven only knows how many other babies are lurking in there..

Look at that little pug nose on that one..LOL

November 25, 2011-One Squirrel

2011-11-25T20:28:00.003-05:00

This squirrel was keeping a watch on something out there. Most likely a neighborhood cat.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone

2011-11-23T22:34:00.001-05:00

November 21st-22nd-2011-Scenery-Titmouse-Victims Of Poison

2011-11-23T09:49:00.009-05:00

I always enjoy seeing the sun coming up through the woods.. if you look closely at the bottom pics you can also see a jet stream behind the trees.

I love these little birds. They are so cute and have the cutest sound.

The squirrel's nests, far and close views.

Now we come to the little critters that ate some of the rat poisoned peanut butter balls that I put inside the rock wall. This is a vole that was dying.

These are three critters that have been affected from the poison. The field Mouse and Voles eat the balls inside the wall. Then sometimes they crawl outside and the skunk will eat them if they come across them dead. Apparently that is what happened to this skunk.

He's in the first stages of the poison right now and a bit wobbly. He did end up going back up around the rock wall and heading home. I hope he made it back to his hole and if he is dying will die inside it. I'm not sure if any other animals will eat skunks after they are dead. I'm still not quite sure if he is poisoned because he has a big wad of Burdock Thistles stuck to his belly and that could have been the reason. I'm hoping so. But I have my doubts only because they will eat any little critter they come across , dead or alive.

He was such a cute little skunk too. I was talking to him and he was looking at me with those little black eyes. I feel so guilty.

The Mama rat and two of her offspring are the only ones left out there that I can see now. She must not be touching those balls. She was my first one here and looks like she will be the last. I will have to try something else to get her. She's very smart.

November 19, 2011-Snow-Sky-Clouds-Birds-Rats

2011-11-20T21:56:00.007-05:00

Just a dusting of snow on the ground as the sun was coming up through the woods. It all melted by afternoon.

There's squirrels on the light, snow covered branches but you can't see them too well. Squirrels seem to like the snow around here. At least mine do..Ha!

A Blue Jay and House Sparrows and the moon in the morning sky.

A mixture of blue and gray.

I have counted nine rats now. Some are young and at different ages. I've been putting out the poison peanut butter balls since Tuesday. Haven't seen any dying yet. I should soon. I'd rather not see them dying though but just disappear. Their little faces look at me each day now and I feel so bad. But it has to be done. I very carefully put the small balls as deep into those rocks as I can so the squirrels won't be able to reach them. I got an old curtain rod and used one half of it. Slid a spoon into the slot of the rod and taped it with electrical tape. It's long enough for me to reach out my bedroom window. Works real good. But I still want the maintenance man to put some into their main entrance hole where I see the Mama rat go all the time. I will watch him to make sure he doesn't put them too close to the outside.
I'm not going to feed the foxes any more and will continue to feed the birds and squirrels all winter but not as much. And I'm not going to throw the nuts up over that wall any more. The nuts and seeds will be put in a dish below my window and they will all have to come down there to get them. Time to ween them off the food. It will give me more money in my pocket also. I've been spending way too much on all the critters.
Wish me luck on getting rid of all those rats.

November 17th-2011-Birds-Squirrels-More Rat Pics

2011-11-18T13:58:00.005-05:00

These two squirrels were playing up there or trying to mate.

Tufted Titmouse and Black Capped Chickadee with a squirrel in the forefront.

House Sparrows

And the mama rat. I have counted seven rats now and have started putting the poison out. Hope it works without killing too many other critters. And I hope they all die within that wall so no animals will eat them.

November 12, 2011-Rats-Birds-Fox

2011-11-13T10:36:00.004-05:00

Mama rat is digging into the dirt and looking at me sometimes. There are more out there than I thought. But of course where there's one, there's a dozen. I didn't see any chipmunks yesterday so I'm hoping they are gone so I can deal with these rats before I get attached to them..LOL
I won't!!!

Black capped Chickadee. The pictures are dark because it was a gloomy day.

Tufted Titmouse

One Gray Fox is all I've seen for a few days. The coloring was bad so I turned it into black and white.

November 9, 2011-Our Last Warm Day-The Moon

2011-11-10T18:44:00.005-05:00

It was quite foggy for the most of the morning. It got up past 70 degrees by the end of the day! Our last warm day I think. I didn't take any pictures on the 10th because it was raining all day and was in the 40's. Quite a difference from the 9th.

This was the moon on the 9th. I only got one clear picture before some clouds moved in. You can see the bright stars too. One is on the top left and the other on the bottom right.

November 7, 2011-Sunrise-crows-Moon

2011-11-09T12:21:00.004-05:00

The sun just barely peeking through the woods and the sky in the evening.

The Crows in flight on their treck to the next town for the night. Not sure why they do this every night.

The moon behind some trees and clouds on the 7th.

I didn't get any pictures on the 8th when the moon was full. I wonder if anyone saw that Asteroid going by on the 8th??

November 4th-5th-6th-2011-Critters-Sunrise-Sunset-Moon

2011-11-07T12:12:00.008-05:00

The sun in the morning coming up through the woods and the moon at night behind the trees.

So far I've counted three rats. The two siblings were hanging together.

A squirrel way up in the tree.

Mourning Doves and a squirrel.

Early morning sun. A squirrel climbing up the tree trunk and a BlueJay.

This chipmunk is starting to wind down a bit. he seemed tired. They should be going in their dens soon but the weather here has been too nice.

The sun setting and the moon in the woods.

November 1st-3rd-2011-Squirrel-Rats-Chipmunks-Scenery

2011-11-04T13:14:00.004-04:00

This chipmunk sits up on top of the wall being very careful because he knows there's a rat in there somewhere. So far I have not seen any injured chipmunks but I'm always afraid for them.

The moon behind the trees and the sky after sunset. We've been having some beautiful weather here. In the 50's.

There are now two rats out there. One is smaller and follows the female one around. It might be one of her kids. She still looks pregnant to me but maybe she's just fat and was weaning her babies.

Some of the chipmunks enjoying the last of the fall sunshine. I'm not sure when they will go in their dens. But right now it's too nice outside.

The woods was a bit foggy on this morning as the sun was coming up through them.

This squirrel was a distance away but I still took her photo. It's a bit blurry because I used the digital zoom also. I don't like using that as much.

The female adult rat sits in the wall watching that chipmunk. The chipmunk can get down inside that grate real fast though. The rat can't fit through the openings. She's too fat.. I'm glad. The younger rat looks out from the wall also.

Rat, rats, rats! Whatever am I going to do about them? I have to get rid of them or the landlord will find out if the women next door or upstairs reports them. Then I'll be told not to feed the animals permanently.

October 31, 2011-The Fox Pups

2011-10-31T23:09:00.010-04:00

In the early morning I first see the sun on the tops of the trees and then a short time later I can see it coming up through the back woods. These pictures were taken at the same time.

I missed getting a good shot of the fox when he was on top of that wall. He was looking down towards me before he turned around but I didn't get my camera in time. Then he was watching another fox coming down from the back hill. He's not quite sure if it's a safe one or not before he ran back there to check.

They both seemed a bit leary of each other at first. But they are siblings. I guess they have separted now and gone off on their own but will still come together at times. They have to make sure they know each other first. I love how they fluff up their tails and hump their backs.

Then the one came back over to eat more nuts and this one followed soon after. He or she had to stop and sniff along the way.

They are back to eating the nuts out there now.

I like to catch them with their mouth open now and then so I can check ther teeth. These pups have grown up nice and healthy it seems. Hope they survive the winter.

It's the end of another month. How fast time seems to go. This is how the moon looked tonight behind some haze.

October 28, 2011-Deer-Blue Jays-Rat-Squirrels-Fox

2011-10-29T22:30:00.007-04:00

Mom deer came out with her two young ones this evening. Two of the fox were out there at the same time. See the deer's three butts? Ha!

The deer and the fox

The fox wanted some nuts too and they would get as close as they could to the deer before the Doe stomped her foot and scared them and they'd run back and around the bush. At one moment the Doe actually chased a fox.

Lots of Blue Jays around. They will be here all winter.

Look at that face. I kind of feel sorry for her. She is looking for a better spot to have her babies I think. She's getting fat. She always tries to get down into that grate but she just won't fit. Then she's always sniffing under the siding. I hope to God she never gets up under there and inside this building. I'm waiting for the chipmunks to go to their dens for the winter but since it's still warm enough and no snow they will keep coming for more nuts.

A BlueJay is sitting high in the tree and then flies down. A crow is heading to the roof.

The frosty back hill early in the morning on the 28th. The sun was just coming up through the woods.

This fox was relaxing out there while eating some nuts.

A young squirrel enjoys a nut. And a squirrel's nest in the early morning sun. Not sure if any squirrel is staying in there. I don't think so. it just doesn't look sturdy enough for winter. They have a couple different spots and they sometimes will use these as a resting spot.

October 25th-2011-Hawk-Dove-Ladybug-Squirrels

2011-10-28T22:38:00.003-04:00

This Sharp Shinned Hawk wasn't having any luck catching anything. The little squirrel was hiding in the bush till he left.

This Mourning Dove was sitting up in the tree and then flew down to the top of the wall. He looked down at the ground for a while before he came all the way down to get some seeds. They get spooked easy so check the territory out good before coming down.

A jet passing by and a squirrel sits on a branch near it's nest.

This was a Ladybug that got inside somehow. I let her back out after I took these photos. Maybe I should have let her stay inside. It's supposed to be good luck I heard..

October 24, 2011-The Doe And Her Young Ones

2011-10-26T13:28:00.005-04:00

The Doe and her Two young ones were wandering around so I got a chance to see them. too bad it was such a gloomy day. That's why the photos are dark. It was nice seeing them again. I don't see them that often.

The mom was cleaning her son. Seems she pays more attention to him than the female.

October 20th Thru 22nd-2011-Fox-Hawk-Rat-Vole-Crows

2011-10-23T20:01:00.003-04:00

This Sharp-Shinned Hawk was sitting up in this tree and the Crows were having a fit. They were yelling at it and dive bombing it till it finally left.

This rat is not going to leave. It's a female and I think she is going to have babies soon. Just what I need..

This is a little Vole. It was eating the moss that covers the rocks out there. I think Voles are cute.

A flock of Crows flying off towards the West in the evening. They gather up in huge groups way back in the woods and then all leave together for parts unknown. They come back during the day and repeat the same thing every night. They must have a special place where they roost for the night.

October 17th-18-th-2011-Sky-Birds-Rat-Doe

2011-10-19T21:30:00.003-04:00

A jet had just passed and left it's trail in the sky. Puffy clouds. A Blue Jay. A House Sparrow and the sillouette of a crow.

This is the rat that is living in the rock wall now. He's cute but eventually he will have to go.

Morning with the sun coming up through the back woods. A squirrel on his way down to get some nuts.

This is the mom to the twin fawns. She was out there alone though. The kids were probably back in the woods not too far away.

October 16, 2011-Fall-Titmouse-Fox-Squirrels-Chipmunks

2011-10-16T12:36:00.004-04:00

The Squirrel's nest. Hope it stays together through the winter. All the leaves are falling fast around here.

Squirrels on the ground and one up in the tree hiding.

A young squirrel up on the tree. And some blue sky before the rains came the past few days.

Tufted Titmouse

Squirrel burying something and another squirrel's bushy tail.

The adult female fox that came to visit for the first time in in a over two months. I was so happy to see an adult. Thought they were all dead. Wish I would see Granny come back. This is one of Granny's daughters.

She came right down close like she always used to. She's a pretty one.

The Chipmunk

The Baby Squirrel On The 10th Of October-2011

2011-10-11T22:58:00.003-04:00

He was looking off towards the woods. It's a long way to run.
He eventually wandered onto the other side where I couldn't see him any more and I haven't seen him since.

This adult female came around and I'm hoping that maybe that baby is hers. But she wasn't paying any attention to it so I'm afraid it might not have been. She ended up going off into the woods. The baby was still in the wall.

The baby squirrel was out there on Monday, the 10th, but today, the 11th, I didn't see it at all. I'm hoping it's still alive but chances are it isn't.

October 9th-10th-11th Misc. Photos-2011

2011-10-11T22:34:00.005-04:00

I'm glad to see the bunny is still around. He's gotten big.

This squirrel was licking the dew off the leaves. I always wonder how they get their water. I do put water out all summer though.

This is another one of the young squirrels. He's a little older than the baby one that was here.

This is the squirrel that had something in his eye this summer. He is blind in that eye now but still getting around good. He's a tough old guy.
I'm not sure if a bug invaded that eye or maybe a branch went into it. At first I thought a Bot Fly had laid an egg in there but I think he just injured it somehow.

The very healthy looking fox pup.

I'm calling her # one.

This is the rat that is living out there now. That's all I need. A bunch of rats. Hope no one ever sees it or I'll be in trouble.

This small plane was going over the same time this squirrel was standing up like that. he stood there for quite a while just like he was listening to the plane. Maybe he thought it was a huge bird. Ha!

A squirrel was building onto that small nest this morning. You can see him lying on a branch nearby. And three Crows flew off after grabbing some nuts. And the other squirrel's nest is huge but I haven't seen any around it.

October 9th Photos-2011-Tiny Squirrel

2011-10-10T21:57:00.008-04:00

This is a tiny new squirrel that must have lost it's mom or fell out of a tree too soon. It hangs in that rock wall. I don't think it will be alive for very long. The fox is bound to get him and he won't be able to live through the winter being that young so late in the season.

If I could get hold of him I'd get him to a rehabber to keep till he was old enough to be on his own. But I'd never be able to catch him so nature will take it's course.

The squirrels are supposed to stay with their mom till at least three months old. Then the mom lets them come out of the tree and teaches them how to fend for themselves.
A mother squirrel was near him today but he hid down in the rocks and she ignored him. So it must not have been his mother. I feel so sad for him. Hope he don't suffer. Better if the fox does get him I guess. At least he won't freeze to death.
He looks healthy and was eating nuts but I don't think it is enough for him. He was crying for his mom and it was sad to watch.

Oct. 6th-7th-8th-2011

2011-10-09T12:56:00.011-04:00

The early morning sun through the woods and a crow.

The sky in the East And West after sundown.

One of the fox pups

Early morning sun on the 7t

Two of the fox pups came down

Early morning on the 8th. One of the fox pups eating nuts. he's not growling..LOL And a chipmunk looks cautiously in the rock wall for the rat.

A chipmunk sniffs at a dead vole. I think the rat killed this vole. If it had been a skunk or fox it would have been eaten. A fox did eat it later.

Mourning Doves

Squirrels

Gray fox pups

The squirrel's nests and a couple crows flying off after sneaking some of the fox food.

The fox pup. One of them.

The fox in the evening and then going back to the woods. I saw three of the pups out there but two of them took off before I could get any good photos of them. Good to see all three together!

The moon through the trees afterd ark and the sun going down on the 8th.

I'm A Winner! In The Kim Komando Contest

2011-10-06T20:58:00.002-04:00

This was the winning photo.

I won one of the weekly prizes in Kim Komando's summer photo contest! Three photos were picked each week for 7 weeks and then a grand prize winner was picked from those. Imagine how surprised I was that my fox pup photo was one of the winners!
I just recieved my prize in the mail today. A $100 Visa credit card to be used wherever I want and a year's subscription to Carbonite, the online computer back up system. I won't be using this though. Because I wouldn't be able to keep it up after a year went by. That is if I even live another year. I didn't think I'd live this long with this cancer all through my liver. But I'm still here! It's up to God, not the doctors to say when I'll die. The doctor didn't give me a year. It will be a year in November since my surgery.
So you all know how happy I am to be a winner!! This was the first contest I'd ever entered. Guess I should enter more huh? Ha!

October 5, 2011-Birds-Foxes-Squirrels

2011-10-06T20:27:00.005-04:00

A young male cardinal

The young squirrel and it's mom.

The Gray Fox Pup

I wish it wasn't so late in the evening when he did this. The pictures came out too dark. I love it when they get on top of the wall like that.

The European Starling in it's non breeding plumage. I think they look neat like this. And a Black Capped Chickadee

A fox pup and a squirrel keeping an eye on him.

October 3rd And 4th Photos-2011-Foxes-Chipmunks-Squirrels

2011-10-05T10:54:00.004-04:00

This pup was under my bedroom window on this morning. He was looking for nuts. I hadn't thrown out enough for all of them I guess.

One of the young squirrels. This one almost got caught by a fox. It ran up around the rock wall and was running tot he tree when the fox chased it. Thankfully this little guy made it up the tree. This time anyway.

One of the chipmunks. They are being careful now because there is a rat in the rock wall.

Rats don't like chipmunks and they will try to kill them if they can catch them. You can see the rat peeking out from inside the wall. Sometimes the chipmunks don't know he's there and come very close to being caught. Maybe some have already. I can't really do much about the rat right now. If I try to poison him I'll be killing the chipmunks also. And they are too smart for live traps. The only thing I can do is wait for winter to come when the chipmunks will be in their dens. By then I might have lots of rats though. I'm hoping it will disappear or the foxes will get it.

Good thing these little guys can hide down inside that grate. The rat could follow them down there but I think the chipmunks are faster and will run through the pipe and come out the other end. I would like it if thatr at did go out the other end. He might go somewhere else then.. He came when all the flooding was out there. Probably got flooded out of his old place.

October 1, 2011- More Fox Pups

2011-10-02T10:23:00.004-04:00

First time I've seen two of them come down below my window in ages.

This one stood up on the rock wall to look down just like one of the older ones used to. So cute. Wish the photo had come out better but I had to hurry before he got down.

This is another one that has filled out very well with a thicker coat.

This one keeps looking up at the windows above because that woman won't stay back and she scares them. She wasn't home so they stayed around for quite some time.

Last Day Of Sept. 2011-The Fox Pup

2011-10-01T16:36:00.004-04:00

After enjoying the nuts he went back into the woods.

The sun coming up through the woods that morning and the clouds in the sky later.

September 29, 2011-The Gray Fox Pups

2011-09-30T12:32:00.002-04:00

He was stalking something back there by the woods. Guess he didn't catch anything because he was down eating some nuts soon after. But he must be doing okay because he's looking healthy.

September 28, 2011-Deer-Chipmunks

2011-09-30T12:22:00.005-04:00

Spotted the deer way back by the woods. The pictures are dark because it was a gloomy, wet day.

You can see the Doe behind the trees and bushes. She sees me though. They have very good eyesight.

This little chipmunk was being cautious when the fox was around. He hides down in that drain and can run through the pipe and come out the other end if he wants to. At least it's an escape for them.

The young squirrel

This chipmunk is listening when he stands up like that.

Sept. 26, 2011-The Young Fox And Chipmunks

2011-09-29T15:48:00.002-04:00

This one ventures down closer at times but she's still shy. I don't let her see me at the window.

This chipmunk has it's mouth full leaves ready to take them to it's nest.

These two chipmunks are watching the fox.

Sept. 25, 2011-Squirrels And My Cutest Fox Pup

2011-09-26T17:30:00.004-04:00

This squirrel is healing up good after the Bot Fly left.

The new young squirrel that is around every evening.

The prettiest of them all. She has that gentle face like Granny had.

September 21, 2011-The Deer And Fox

2011-09-22T22:56:00.005-04:00

The Doe and one fawn was over in the neighbor's yard. They were looking towards the bird feeder area but didn't go that far. The deer all go to a bird feeder over to the right during the winter.

Here comes mom!

This Gray Fox pup was out there with them.

Mom and the two young ones.

The fox wandering around. In the header photo you can see one of the fawns looking at the fox. Every time the fox would come too close the fawn would stomp it's foot and the fox would back off a bit. But they are always out there together every year and tolerate each other. One year a fawn wanted to play with the fox pups. It was so cute.

The fawns have just about lost all their spots now.

You can see a few spots on his hind quarters yet.

September 20th -2011-The Fox Pups

2011-09-22T22:33:00.004-04:00

I saw three of the pups! There was four. It would be nice if I saw all four again just to know that they are all still alive and well. But I'm happy seeing three. I don't know what happened to their parents. They were always around. And were for the past few years. This year is very strange. I've lost too many adults.

This one was resting out back near the woods. He looked so comfortable.

Look how nice and healthy they look. And they are all grown up now. Even though the siblings are still traveling together, they will soon go their own ways. But I'm sure they will all still be back like their parents always were. They don't go too far. I think they all live within a certain radius all the time.

September 19th, 2011 Fox-Squirrel-Nuthatch-Chipmunks

2011-09-20T18:13:00.003-04:00

This fox pup came down close. First time I've seen one down close in a long time.

It looks healthy. Got a few spots on it from the thistles being stuck to it's fur. I still don't see it's parents any more.

This poor squirrel is infested by a Bot Fly. The flies leave their eggs under the skin. It turns into larvae then when it's ready to hatch out into a fly it comes out and the wound will heal. Sometimes the squirrels will die if it's in a bad spot or has a lot of them embedded under their skin. This squirrel will be okay I think. You can see he's really been digging at it.

I haven't seen a Nuthatch in along time. Nice to see one again.

Young chipmunks.

September 16th-18th-2011-Scenery

2011-09-19T16:33:00.002-04:00

Looking over the canal from the Herkimer waterfront area. Seagull are enjoying the water and a boat passes by.

This young chipmunk hides down in that grate all the time. I don't blame it. There's been a rat in the rock wall since the flooding. Rats will kill them.

An airplane flies over and a couple hawks flying around.

One of the six month old fox pups.

Some cows resting and a view of the sky as I came over the bridge on the 18th after the sun went down. I took this as I was moving and the window was up in my car. I was surprised it came out so clear.

September14th-2011-Fox-Woody-Baby Squirrel

2011-09-16T13:58:00.003-04:00

These are adult foxes so I was happy to see them. But the female is looking thin and a bit raggy. The male still looks healthy. He's the one looking right at me.

The young woodchuck is finally getting a lot fatter. The little chipmunks are all around him and he don't mind at all.

There must be a new litter of young squirrels around. This is the only one I saw though.

September 11th-12th-Chipmunks-Moon-Crows-Fawn

2011-09-13T17:28:00.004-04:00

The crow family. Juveniles with their parents. It is much more noisier around here since those babies were born.

One of the fox pups. I'm only seeing two of them now. Don't see the adults. There's been loud fox noises from up in the woods at night sometimes. A friend upstairs here says it sounded like they were in pain and hurting. I'm wondering if maybe there are coyotes around killing them. It seems odd that they are all disappearing. Last year at this time the parents and pups were all out here as usual.

One of the many young chipmunks. There's a whole new batch of them.

I took these pictures at 4:30 in the morning on the 12th. I usually open my window to take clear shots but I didn't want the animals thinking I was going to feed them.

The fawn was outside on the other side of the rock wall. I tried to get a good shot of her but she moved. Then I went into the living room and saw that it was with the younger doe. But when I got to the window I had to move the drape aside . They saw the movement and ran before I could get any photos. I would have had some real good close ups too. Darn it.

One of the fox pups. They are very leery and run now when they see me. They didn't used to be that way. Something is scaring them.

Chipmunks

Catching Up On The Critters-Sept.3rd-10th-2011

2011-09-12T11:28:00.005-04:00

This poor young Blue Jay was sitting all puffed up early in the morning. I knew it was sick or something. By afternoon it was dead and lying on the ground outside my window. It had been flying down a bit but I could tell that it was struggling. I'm glad it didn't have to suffer any longer. That night the skunks cleaned it up and by the next morning there wasn't even one feather out there. Weird. Nature has a way of taking care of things.

One of the many young chipmunks. There are quite a few new young ones around. The second litter of the summer.

The chipmunk family all hanging around at the end of the rock wall.

This little woodchuck was all wet after our storm on the 7th. This whole area got drenched and many roads closed and even all the schools closed. That's a first. We didn't get it as bad as down in the Binghamton area. They were flooded through the whole town and the water was real deep.
There wasa picture of a woodchuck holding on to the steel fence that runs along a highway. I felt so bad for it. I hate to think of how many animals drowned through that.

One of the younger skunks was out after the rain. I don't see many of them now, which is a good thing. Maybe it won't be smelling so bad around here.. Although I haven't been smelling any in a while.

This fox looks so thin. I worry about her. My granny never came back so I'm sure she has passed on to that other world.

This young woodchuck comes around almost every day and is very friendly. I don't see the big fat ones any more.

One of the fox pups. I don't see much of them any more either. Two of the pups come around almost every day. I don't see their parents much.
We had that terrible storm here and it knocked a lot of trees down all around here. One of the tall Pine trees in the neighbor's yard has been hit by lightening and the whole top is gone.. All that's left is a very tall trunk.

Chipmunks Photos-September 2, 2011-Deer-Sparrow-Fox

2011-09-03T22:52:00.004-04:00

September 1, 2011-The Deer Family

2011-09-01T23:05:00.011-04:00

I was happy to see the Doe with her Fawns again today. There is another young Doe traveling with her. Looks like it might have been born last year. It's so thin. I don't think one of these fawns is hers. I love watching the interaction between this fawn and it's mom.

This fawn seems to hang around closer to it's mom. The other one is always doing it's own thing and is the last to leave when they are out there. It's more independant.

The mom is licking the fawn and cleaning it here. Lots of flies get on them.

The Doe wants to come back over by the rock wall. She was there at first and one of the fox pups was there also and he ran and let the deer eat some nuts. That part is on video that I have yet to upload to Youtube. They all seem to be watching something over this way.

This was funny. She had to go.

When she was done she wandered back over to the top of the rock wall for a while. The other two followed but didn't quite come that far.

The fawn and the other yearling wandered closer but then turned back. The yearling is trying to get the flies off her back. She looks like she doesn't have much hair on her. Sure hope she gets a winter coat before it gets too cold in a couple of months.

August 31, 2011-Fox-Chipmunks-Deer

2011-08-31T15:40:00.005-04:00

This pup has a gentle face like one a couple years ago that I got a close up of.

Daddy fox is sitting in the sun over by the woods while one of the pups looks around for nuts to eat.

A chipmunk. I haven't seen that little rat again so maybe these guys will be safe.

Two adult Does.

This doe was peeking in at me early in the morning.

Then she went back up the hill and her fawns came out to greet her.

This fawn always lags behind. he's becoming more independent.

August 27, 2011-Young Woodchuck-Titmouse-Squirrel

2011-08-28T14:00:00.002-04:00

Tufted Titmouse. This is a young one. I have a family of them. They sound so cute.

The young Woodchuck. He is not fat enough to last through the winter. Hope he starts eating more to get fat like his mama.

This squirrel managed to escape any infestations or injuries this summer. Looks very healthy.

August 23, 2011-Fox And Chipmunks

2011-08-27T10:36:00.003-04:00

Curious Fox pup. He was watching a dove down below. He couldn't catch it though. Then he went off into the woods.

One of the fox pups with it's mom. I haven't seen them as much. Maybe one or two pups now and then and the mom. Granny has never been back. I miss her. But whatever happened, that's nature.

A couple of chipmunks being careful.

August 22, 2011-Woodchuck-Rat-Chipmunk-Doe And Fawns

2011-08-23T21:54:00.003-04:00

This woodchuck sure is fat. She's all ready for winter. The little guy is so thin that I'm worried about him not making it through if he doesn't hurry up and fatten up.

Look what I have in my rock wall now. Darn it. First rat I've seen in over a year. Sure hope the cats or foxes get him before he kills all the chipmunks. They will bite the hind leg area of chipmunks and cripple them so much that they die.

Saw the Doe and her Fawns finally!! One of the fawns went into the woods too fast before I could get a good shot at it. I did catch them on video though.

They are beautiful animals. I'm happy to have finally spotted them.

Catching Up-Aug. 17th-19th-2011-Fox-bunny-Toad

2011-08-23T21:31:00.003-04:00

One of the fox pups. I'm seeing a couple of them once in a while.

This one was all alone. I still have not seen old Granny and her family. The foxes faces don't seem as happy for some reason. So maybe somehting happened to make them sad. Maybe it's just my imagination too.

Not sure if this is the same pup or not.

The bunny was snooping around this day. Glad to see he's still alive and well.

My first toad I've seen since 2008 here. This was a tiny baby toad. When I came home late Sunday night from a family gathering there was a big toad at the front door. I was tempted to bring it in but I didn't. I was too tired to mess with taking photos.

Young Woodchuck-Juvenile Cardinal-Bunny-8-16-2011

2011-08-17T13:56:00.005-04:00

This is a different bunny. He's smaller than the other one. Nice to see them this year. That's because the foxes aren't running all through this area like they did last year. The bunnies are safer.

This little guy is not at all afraid of me. look at those feet! His claws are so long already. he'll need them to dig for a winter hole. Not sure if they all live together as a family or not.

A juvenile cardinal. It looks like a female but someone told me that it could be a male because it has red on it's chest. But I still think it's a female.

A Few Critter Pics-August 16, 2011

2011-08-16T13:00:00.002-04:00

One doe was out there. The fawn was out but I did not see it.

My three legged squirrel is doing great!

The doe heading into the woods and a little chipmunk with a big nut he found buried in the ground. Nothing I threw out. They have a butternut tree next door. That's what it might be. You can even see the hole where he got it..

I haven't been taking too many photos lately. Been busy with family stuff. My Granny Fox is still missing. The last day I saw her was July 30th. So I think something bad has happened to her. Makes me sad but I can't dwell on it or it upsets me.

August 8, 2011-Mama Woodchuck

2011-08-10T15:11:00.003-04:00

The big fat mama!

Mama and a squirrel

The Bunny again

August 7th, 2011-The Rabbit And A Cardinal Feeding It's Young

2011-08-10T14:45:00.005-04:00

The Cottontail Rabbit is still alive and well, thank God!

A daddy cardinal feeding his little girl..

This is the daddy

This is another juvenile female cardinal. She seems to have some of her tail feathers missing.

August 6, 2011-The Bunny-Skunks-Cardinal

2011-08-07T12:10:00.009-04:00

I was happy to see the bunny is still alive and well. I hadn't seen him in a few weeks and thought maybe the foxes got him. He roamed over my way to enjoy some nuts then he hopped back to his area near the back of the houses on the other street. Hopefully he lives under a shed where he's safe. They get caught easy because their nesting areas are not deep. Only under leaves etc. I guess. Unless they are lucky enough to find better shelter under a shed or porch.

I think this is a juvenile male cardinal.

Some of the skunks out in the rain the other night.

Young Woodchuck-August 4, 2011

2011-08-05T22:13:00.004-04:00

I finally got some better pictures of this little fella. He's getting used to me now and isn't running away as much. Besides, he loves the nuts too much..Ha!

The squirrels don't mind him as much as they do the bigger ones. There's a slug on his back. It was off later though. Yuck!

It's hard to tell in photos that he's a small one so I made sure some squirrels were near him to get an idea how big he is.

August 4, 2011-Juv BlueJays-Cardinal And House Sparrows

2011-08-05T22:06:00.004-04:00

A Juvenile Bluejay cooling off.

Juvenile House Sparrows

More House Sparrows. Young ones and a dad.

A Juvenile Female Cardinal

Another Juvenile BlueJay trying to get cool in the hot sun. They look so funny when they do this.

August 2nd-3rd-2011-Woodchuck-Foxes-Juv Cardinal

2011-08-04T10:30:00.005-04:00

Only got the baby's back end before he ran off up over the hill. He's starting to come down more. Maybe following his mom.

One of the fox pups and his mom heading back to the woods while the squirrel watches cautiously.

A fox pup with his mom. They both seem to be watching something in the woods. Probably the other pups.

This little guy got inside somehow and was on my arm then hopped over to the window sill onto a cup lid. I finally got him back outside where he belonged.. He even jumped on my camera lens at one time..Ha! But too blurry to see anything.

A juvenile female Cardinal.

August 1, 2011-Juv Woodchuck, Juv Skunk-Fox Pups

2011-08-02T18:31:00.002-04:00

One of the young skunks. This one is a loner now and is down early before dark. I haven't seen any of the mother skunks lately. They might be out there after dark though. last night it was sure stinky..LOL

Th adult woodchucks. The real chubby one is not used to me yet and runs when I open the window. The old craggy looking one stays now and waits for the nuts. I'm not sure which one is the male and female.

A squirrel on the lookout for the foxes.

This is a real young woodchuck. First time I've gotten a good look at it. It ran away fast though when it saw me.

One of the pups.

July 30th Photos-2011

2011-07-31T15:32:00.004-04:00

The old woodchuck, a squirrel up a tree when the foxes were out and another one keeping an eye on them. A juvenile crow taking off.

A young male chipmunk eating a nut.

One of the young fox pups. They look down at me like the parents do, waiting for me to throw them nuts.

Granny was down eating some nuts and one of the fox pups came along and later his mom came and ate some also with Granny.

Dad with a pup and one of the pups running around on the hill with mom. Mom was running with them and playing but she'd have to keep sitting down to rest. Kids can be tiring..ha ha .

A chipmunk close to the house sparrow. The bird didn't seem to mind at all.

An older chipmunk

July 29, 2011-Vole-Chipmunks-Woody-BlueJays

2011-07-30T14:16:00.002-04:00

The voles get pretty big around here because they eat so well.

My little buddy.

Gray fox pup and the chipmunk making sure he's safe in that wall.

Juvenile BlueJays. There sure are a lot of them this year. And they all want to be fed at 5:30 in the morning!

Chipmunks At Play Again-July 27, 2011

2011-07-29T15:27:00.002-04:00

These chipmunks were at it again. They were chasing each and one time were tumbling so much that they fell out of the rock wall. Ha! Ha!

They are so cute!

I wish this picture had come out better. They really do look like they are dancing..

I still think they are siblings having fun but maybe not. Maybe they are mates.

July 26th-2011-A Turkey-Crippled Squirrel-Woodchuck

2011-07-29T13:48:00.004-04:00

My cockatiel went screaming to the top of the cupboards and almost injured himself because this lone turkey was walking by. I did not see it when he did so didn't know why he was going crazy. Then when I looked out my bedroom window I saw this sad looking turkey. His head and eyes just don't look right to me. This is the first one I've seen in a very long time. He wandered off up the hill very slowly.

Chubby, wubby woodchuck.

And this is the squirrel with one leg missing. He seems to be doing real well though. Eats with one hand. I hadn't seen him in over a week so thought maybe he had died. He must be climbing okay if he's lived this long. I always feel sorry for the ones that are hurt or crippled.

Woodchuck-Juvenile Crow-Fox-July 25, 2011

2011-07-27T22:46:00.002-04:00

This is the fattest woodchuck that comes around. Not sure if it's a male or female. IIt runds when I open the window. But it always comes back for more nuts..

This is one of the juvenile crows. It was watching a squirrel. The squirrel was teasing it and running up the branch near it till it moved away. I don't have a pic of the squirrel. Only on video. it was cute watching them.

Some of the adult foxes. The yearling. And the daddy up near that tree. They always climb onto the rock wall in the mornings to look down at my window to see if I'm going to throw them some nuts. Even the pups are doing it now but I haven't been able to catch them in a photo.

I guess I'll have to go into Picasa and delete some more photos and get rid of some of my old posts because I'm about at my limit here. I always have to do that so I can continue to add new pictures.

More Baby Skunks-Six Of Them!-July 24, 2011

2011-07-25T16:36:00.004-04:00

This is another mother skunk. She's all white on top and she brought her SIX kits down last night. They are mostly white also. Look at all those sweet faces..Ha!

They all drank some water too and I was talking to them and they weren't afraid at all. That's because the mom isn't. She's used to me. There were other skunks out there later also and with all those skunks not one sprayed. Awesome!!
Call me the "Skunk Whisperer". Ha! Ha!

July 23, 2011-Cardinal-Juv Titmouse

2011-07-25T14:33:00.003-04:00

July 20th-22nd, 2011-Birds-Skunks-Foxes-Woodchuck

2011-07-23T17:01:00.004-04:00

This is another adult woodchuck. I think this is the mate to the old one that has the hole out back. I haven't seen this one much. It sure is fat! Notice it's foot pad as it runs off.

Mourning Dove, Juvenile Bluejay, A Tufted Titmouse and a male Cardinal.

The Yearling. She has to be careful. The other ones chase her away sometimes.

A close up of the chipmunk that is on top of the rock wall as Granny fox is down below.

Granny

More Foxes And Skunks-July 19, 2011

2011-07-20T13:47:00.007-04:00

A big branch broke off this tree. Not sure why. I guess it had just rotted at the bottom. The leaves were healthy on it and the squirrels and birds loved that branch. Now it looks bare. I didn't hear it fall and I hadn't noticed it when I first got up and fed the critters but did notice it two hours later. And at first I thought a fox was caught under it. One fox was just sitting there. Thank heavens he was just waiting for some nuts. The maintenance man moved the branch later. Nothing was under it.

The pup and his mom.

A pair of young skunks. They are siblings. Growing fast too!

The fox pup is staying away from the two skunks but he is still very curious and keeps looking at them from above.

The pup with his mom.

July 18, 2011-Foxes-Woodchuck-Juv BlueJays

2011-07-19T12:39:00.004-04:00

There are quite a few juvenile Bluejays around now.

These two kept looking up in the air for their mom I think.

Wish it wasn't so cloudy this day. Pictures never come out as good and I took this through the bedroom window. He was up on the bank where I couldn't get a clear shot. But I love watching woodchucks stand like that. He was eating a piece of apple.

The pups were out later in the evening so these aren't very clear. They are growing so fast.

I love that photo with the two of them looking the same way.

This pup was with it's mom. The mom has her ears back because that yearling was just down eating some nuts and it ran so fast back up over the hill. That mom would have growled at it. They all try to give each other space.

Daddy Gray Fox over by the woods and then when he came over closer.

The Old Woodchuck-July 17, 2011

2011-07-18T16:21:00.002-04:00

The old woodchuck is getting more used to me now. He still runs but not far and comes right back to get some nuts. I have not seen the young one again.

He's pretty battered looking and has knobs on his body. They could be from insects. I've noticed a few squirrels lately that have been invaded by those flies that lay eggs under their skin. I feel so bad for them.

Notice his bent ear? Bet he's been in a lot of fights.

I'm not sure if this woodchuck is male or a female. But I always call it a he. Maybe because it looks bigger and rough..

This juvenile crow still wants his parents to feed it.

July 16, 2011-Foxes-Cardinal-House Sparrow-Skunk

2011-07-17T12:40:00.004-04:00

This young skunk is thriving on it's own real well it seems.

I'm not sure if this is a juvenile but I think it's an adult because he's so red and his beak is. I haven't seen many juveniles around.

The pups are growing fast.

This is daddy.

The only reason I took pictures of this house sparrow is because it seems to be crippled. He doesn't land well. I think maybe his legs are deformed or he broke one maybe. But otherwise he's healthy and flies well. I see him every evening all by himself.

BlueJays-Squirrels-Woodchucks-July 15, 2011

2011-07-16T16:48:00.004-04:00

Juvenile BlueJays

The baby skunk that was in the rock wall for two hours one night. Now he seems to travel alone.

First time I've ever seen two adult Woodchucks at the same time and there was a young one out there crying. I have never heard a woodchuck make any sounds. Sure wish I had been able to get video but the young one was crouched up against the wall where I couldn't see him unless I opened the window. When I did he and the bigger adult ran like crazy. Never saw the little one again but I did see the bigger one.

A BlueJay and a male Cardinal.

This is the old woodchuck. He's a bit afraid of me. Not like the other one that comes running.

Squirrels up in the tree on a beautiful sunny morning.

July 12th-13th Critters-Skunks-Foxes-Doe-Fawn

2011-07-14T15:59:00.006-04:00

It was almost dark when I spotted the Doe with her Fawn last night. That's why these photos are not very good. I'm hoping to see them when it's a bit lighter. The fawn was so cute. It ran and the mom had to run after it. It wanted to play with the foxes I think..LOL Last year the fawns did play with the young foxes.

Granny's kid and Granny resting under the bush.

This one is coming down closer now.

A baby skunk running around on the grass not knowing which way to go. And below is the one that got deep into the rock wall. I thought it would get stuck and die in there. One of it's siblings tried to get in there but almost got stuck so backed out. This one did not appear for two hours. I was so worried. I have seen a squirrel get his head caught in those rocks and die. The little skunk came out but his mom and siblings had all gone home. He spent the night up in another area by the rock wall that has a deep hole. Then he came down in the morning. He stayed in that hole all day and maybe finally met up with his mom again last night. I sure do worry about these critters. If I don't see it then I don't have to worry but I do end up seeing a lot.

A Tufted Titmouse breaking open a seed.

A couple of the fox pups. I haven't seen all four together again in quite a while. Some stay with their dad or are running around in the woods. One is always with it's mom.

Here's one of the mom skunks with her kits. This one was so cute. It was a little afraid of me talking to it but seeing it's mom get up and down and not being afraid he stayed . You can see how he was climbing onto his mom's back..so cute!

Here's mom with two of her kits. This mom has three.

Here's that little one that was hiding in the wall.

I try to get these pictures on in order but ever since they changed something it doesn't work good any more. They seem to go in any order. I don't like that.

July 11, 2011-Skunks-Lots Of Them!-And Woodchuck

2011-07-12T12:07:00.006-04:00

Old Woodchuck coming to get some nuts. She's the old Mama. There is another one that is younger that comes every day also.

I threw her a few pieces of apple but one landed on her..Ha!

Then off she went to eat some green stuff.

I spotted a bunch of baby skunks under the bush over the top of the rock wall. There were lots of them! At least two families that I know of. The little ones were stamping their feet at the others. It was so cute. I couldn't get any good pictures though . They ended up going beyond my view. But when they finally came down below I could see five of them following their mom. Then another mom came down and one baby kept trying to get near her and she spat him away. Some hid in the rock wall. I've got to get the video uploaded to Youtube yet.

July 10th-2011-Mommy Skunk With Her Three Kits

2011-07-11T10:47:00.004-04:00

A crow family. I have had a pair around for quite some time. They sneak down to take a fox treat or some nuts. Then I saw them in the trees with what looked like their young ones. This is the first time they've brough the juveniles down close. There's only two of them that I can see. First tiem I've ever seen a crow family.

A juvenile Black Capped Chickadee.

This my friendly mom skunk bringing her three kits down again. She hasn't brought them down in a couple weeks and I've been wondering where they've been. So I guess they are still with her and haven't gone off on their own yet. They have grown a bit and a little more independent. They sure do vocalize a lot also. They were squeaking at each other like crazy and when one got away from the group and seemed lost he squealed a lot and ran back to where his mom was..ha! So cute.
And mom was begging for some treats and one of the kits was right behind her. Guess he will be doing the same thing next.. I wish it had been lighter so I could have got video and sound.

These little guys were grabbing her food. I had to give her more so they'd all have their own.

This was another mom skunk but she only had one kit with her. It was a very noisy little thing also.

More Foxes-July 9, 2011

2011-07-10T20:48:00.005-04:00

This pup was chewing on a bird's feather. The feather looked like it was stuck in it's mouth for a while but he got it out.

July 8, 2011-More Fox Pics-Granny And Her Kid

2011-07-10T08:22:00.005-04:00

I'm pretty sure this is one of Granny's Kits from last year. This one comes the same time as Granny and there's a younger one that sneaks in before dark every night that might belong to this group. It's a little older than the other pups. Haven't gotten a good photo of it yet.
This one is beautiful also and has that same face as Granny's.

This was Granny coming out of the woods. That other one came at the same time.

Granny.

Can you see the resemblance?

July 7th Critters-2011-Foxes-Skunks-Juv Bluejays

2011-07-08T20:03:00.008-04:00

The mom and one of the pups shortly after dark.

A chipmunk eating a slice of apple. I always throw out apples for them too so in case they can't find water they will still have something wet.

This is One of the skunks. She has a white tip so it might be Stinky but this one looks too fat so it might just be another one. I haven't seen the mother with the five babies again. Seems like they only bring them down once and then the babies all go on their own.

The fox family up on the back hill.