Everybody has such interesting critters. We do have many dove and quail (hmmmmm, should that be doves and quails?), and it is so sweet to see momma quail with half a dozen or more babies all lined up behind her as they scurry across the field. I love hearing the dove coo.
We also have a resident roadrunner who nests above a column at the guest house; but the neatest critter experience of all was once when we watched a little wren family build a nest on a wreath on our front door (it has glass panes so we could see it all!) Then they took turns sitting on the eggs until they hatched. When we had company come to the front door, momma & daddy bird would fly to a nearby tree and keep watch until it was clear to return to the nest to tend to the babies. We watched as one baby (the others didn't make it) tried its wings and flew awkwardly to the nearest tree. Then they were gone, but it was awesome!
Those are/were the sweet guests. The questionable ones? Let's see - once there was a porcupine in the shrub by the front door - that was interesting - so afraid our dog would spook it and get a zillion quills shot at her. Same dog found a new playmate in the field one day, and they were just frollicking along, darting in and out of the back yard. It was a pretty little thing - black with a white stripe down it's back. Fortunately, Sugar didn't make that playmate angry either. :)
But the most unwanted of all was a rattlesnake who crawled up on our front porch, and coiled up so that it could look through the glass pane at the bottom of the door. Anyone ever had a rattlesnake looking in your house? (but he didn't get away, and we have a couple of gashes on the porch from the hoe that killed him!)
I remember the nest on your wreath! I have seen a coral snake here years ago..
I saw a wild turkey the other day at the corner..no quail..lots of whitewing doves. I live in town so I really love having critters.
I saw 2 roadrunners in the cul de sac years ago..I was like a kid..LOL
I have only seen porcupines at the zoo...I’ve not seen the usual armadillos this year. Skunks are cute...but I don’t want to be around if they are startled or mad. No skunk sighting here..but my daughter had them come on the patio after cat food.
Thank you..I love amaryllis.
Phelps just won another Gold..GO USA!
A few years back, a friend (and her dog) came to visit. I joined her on the front porch, with my little furry kid. She went to sit down on the wicker chair - and just before she sat, she gasped, "Get the dogs in the house, NOW!"
I grabbed both yorkies and looked at her face, as I scurried into the house. She was running to the front door, just behind me, but looking under the chair she was about to sit on.
I followed her glance, and was shocked beyond belief - to see a ten foot long diamond back rattlesnake, relaxing under the chair she was about to sit on.
I immediately called 911, and they sent out Animal Control within minutes. The officer used his 'catcher' to grab the monster by the neck, just under the head.
But, he had a problem - he held the snake way up over his head, and it was so long, the tail was still dragging, (and whipping around and rattling, angrily).
It took two officers to get that monster into a large bucket - to relocate. I was so shocked, I don't think I took a normal breath for over three days.
The officers were visibly shaken, as one told me that was the biggest rattler he had ever seen!
The thing that bothers me, is that rattlesnakes are territorial. They always return to their "home". I have never seen it again - but sure keep my eyes open.
Well, most everybody. LOL. I'd sure like to get rid of mine - the fruit rats. At least we don't have snakes here and I've not seen or smelled any skunks. The jays and mockingbirds are about as interesting as it gets. We do have moles/gophers. I could do without them too. Oh, and I love hearing the call of the redtailed hawks and watching them circling overhead. Although, I know they are looking for prey......hopefully not someone's little chihuahua or kitten. Hopefully, maybe someone's fruit rat. LOL