Welcome to the Jungle...! My condo backs up to forest acreage which is a protected wildlife area, and it is also a designated bird santuary. Sometimes I'll see deer come out at dusk looking to feed, though mostly they are so still that you'd look right past them and not notice as they blend in with the trees. Last summer, I saw a bobcat, which made me a little nervous, but he was a beautiful creature from afar! During the springtime, it isn't uncommon for me to find a rabbit den burrowed beneath the roots of my big crepe myrtle tree where the bunnymen camped out all winter long. One spring, there were three babies in the den, and they quickly grew and then were gone. However, the rabbits are out in full force at night. My tasty daylillies seem to be the highlight of their salad bar snacking!
A redheaded woodpecker has been around as long as I can remember, tapping out his cadence high up in a dead tree beyond my gate. Cardinals, robins, finches, and doves are frequent guests at the feeders, and often dive-bomb those pesky squirrels who try climb up the feeders and steal their bounty. The hummingbirds should be back anytime, but I've got to find a feeder which doesn't attract ants!
The turtle below has taken up residence in my back yard for three or four years. He is about the circumference of a salad plate now. I am regularly surprised by him when thinning the perennials. Nothing like sticking my hands down into the thick of things to yank up some stalks, and finding the Turtle Dude chilling out deep within, and smiling up at me! I have a healthy respect for the possibility that he could decide to take a snap at my fingers. I'm not sure how he got under the fence to begin with, but he sure does like it here!
Last summer, during the dog-day heat of August, I decided the resident turtle would be better served if he lived down by the stream where he'd have a constant water source, not to mention all the bugs he can eat, and do whatever turtles do. Okay, so I also didn't want any surprises wandering about when I'm out sunning and snoozing in the back yard, either. ;) I scooped Turtleboy up in my bucket and walked the 50 yards or so to the stream, and down the steep embankment to release him to his new home. I felt pretty pleased about this good deed for Turtlekind!
Three days later, he reappeared in my back yard. Again, I have no idea how he got under the fence. It only clears the ground by about an inch all the way around. And he's got a big fat shell he's sporting. I was astounded. Then I thought of him inching his way back up that very steep embankment from the stream.... trudging along thru the tall grass for three long days... passing condo after condo in the hot sun on his way back... hiding from the bobcat at night... dodging curious children... until he found just the right address... and was finally HOME at last!
After such an incredible journey, I think his name belongs on the mailbox with mine. :) -Six
