It is not uncommon to see critters in the early morning hours here. The Hunter gets up early for work five mornings a week, often just as the sun is coming up. It can be the perfect time to witness the beauty of nature, one of the finer parts of living in Critterville.
We had an unexpected visitor early this week. We often see deer in the spring and summer months, and we have had a doe coming through the yard, stopping for a bite to eat. You could tell she had a fawn because she was all bagged up from nursing. She never brought the fawn with her.
This morning as I was getting ready for the day, I heard a noise out in the yard and here was our doe with not one, but two beautiful fawns with her...still with their spots! Oh they were just so wonderful to watch. One fawn was bigger than the other, The Hunter and I figure it is a buck and doe pair.
I wanted to get a picture of them, but before I could grab the camera they had left. We hope they come back soon.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
The Doorman
When you hear the word doorman, you likely think about high rise Manhattan apartments or a luxury hotel. Here in Critterville we have our own doorman - the garden snake. Every summer our front porch steps are guarded by this friendly little garden snake. The afternoon sun shines down on the patio stones next to the steps and provides him with a nice warm spot to sun himself.
As much as I do not like snakes, I have gotten use to seeing him, after several years we still scare the daylights out of each other and then go about our business.
However, it appears our doorman is now inviting his friends to join him. While bringing some things into the house I saw the usual doorman, but off to the side was another snake, a much lighter shade of green - I thought this one was dead. Until I looked closer and it moved.
I have a request in with the Hunter to relocate the doorman and his friend. One garden snake is fine, but if my front porch steps are becoming the latest snake hot spot; well, they will have to go elsewhere in the yard.
As much as I do not like snakes, I have gotten use to seeing him, after several years we still scare the daylights out of each other and then go about our business.
However, it appears our doorman is now inviting his friends to join him. While bringing some things into the house I saw the usual doorman, but off to the side was another snake, a much lighter shade of green - I thought this one was dead. Until I looked closer and it moved.
I have a request in with the Hunter to relocate the doorman and his friend. One garden snake is fine, but if my front porch steps are becoming the latest snake hot spot; well, they will have to go elsewhere in the yard.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Squirrel Repellent
We get a variety of birds at our feeder throughout the year. Finches, sparrows, robins, and orioles; blue jays - the kids joke that look like turkeys (they are well fed). The birds are pretty and are nice to watch as they eat the variety of seeds we provide for them.
Of course, we get the unwelcome guest - the squirrel. One or two of these little fellas can empty the bird feeder in a day. And the cost of feeding birds and squirrels can really add up when they start visiting frequently.
The Hunter decided to devise a plan to thwart the squirrels. First the bird feeder was put on a new post of PVC, thinking the slick plastic surface would keep the squirrels out. Nope, they scaled it and continued enjoying their feast.
A few days later, the post was greased. I think squirrels must have suction cups on their toes because this didn't stop them either.
We were quite convinced the squirrels were mocking us, especially when they would sit on the porch railing looking in at us, probably thinking, "that didn't stop us! What are you going to try next? And, by the way, good luck!" These squirrels were not going down without a fight!
The Hunter feeling frustrated got talking to some co-workers about his squirrel dilemma. One mentioned his success with a classic children's toy, the Slinky, one of the old-fashioned metal ones. He said to attach it to the bird feeder towards the top where the feeder rests on the post. Let it hang down. While the Slinky would not stop the squirrels from climbing the post, it would keep them out of the feeder.
I didn't waste any time going out and getting that Slinky, although the plastic ones are a lot easier to find than a metal one. They are still out there!
Turns out the co-worker was right. Squirrels do not like something about that Slinky. Not sure if it is the movement it creates, the sound or feeling of it. But a Slinky = Squirrel repellent and we go through a lot less bird seed.
Of course, we get the unwelcome guest - the squirrel. One or two of these little fellas can empty the bird feeder in a day. And the cost of feeding birds and squirrels can really add up when they start visiting frequently.
The Hunter decided to devise a plan to thwart the squirrels. First the bird feeder was put on a new post of PVC, thinking the slick plastic surface would keep the squirrels out. Nope, they scaled it and continued enjoying their feast.
A few days later, the post was greased. I think squirrels must have suction cups on their toes because this didn't stop them either.
We were quite convinced the squirrels were mocking us, especially when they would sit on the porch railing looking in at us, probably thinking, "that didn't stop us! What are you going to try next? And, by the way, good luck!" These squirrels were not going down without a fight!
The Hunter feeling frustrated got talking to some co-workers about his squirrel dilemma. One mentioned his success with a classic children's toy, the Slinky, one of the old-fashioned metal ones. He said to attach it to the bird feeder towards the top where the feeder rests on the post. Let it hang down. While the Slinky would not stop the squirrels from climbing the post, it would keep them out of the feeder.
I didn't waste any time going out and getting that Slinky, although the plastic ones are a lot easier to find than a metal one. They are still out there!
Turns out the co-worker was right. Squirrels do not like something about that Slinky. Not sure if it is the movement it creates, the sound or feeling of it. But a Slinky = Squirrel repellent and we go through a lot less bird seed.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Getting Started...and Welcome
Welcome to Critterville. Yes, this is a real place, just 10 miles past the middle-of-no-where upstate NY, we (The Hunter & The Critter Queen) make our home amongst the critters. Every day we are visited by several wild guests...deer, squirrels, ducks/geese, turkey, coyotes, skunks...just to name a few. There is never a lack of excitement from our porches to the gardens to the forest.
We have experienced too many adventures not to share! We're glad you are here and hope you enjoy our tails from Critterville.
We have experienced too many adventures not to share! We're glad you are here and hope you enjoy our tails from Critterville.
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