But the ever dwindling woodchuck family is now down to three.
Momma chuck and two children.
The sextuplets are now twins.
And even more outnumbered by the starlings than ever.
But they’re growing quickly and packing on the pounds for winter.
So much so, it’s getting hard to distinguish them from their mother.
Until…
She stands up.
No doubt about it then.
Does anyone know where I can get a woodchuck girdle?
Asking for a friend.
We caught another glimpse of Bambi last night.
Making it’s way into the woods with mom.
Can I get an awwww?
Last year’s babies antlers are growing…. this one’s straight up.
And this one’s up and out.
They’re brothers and no, I have no idea why their racks grow in different shapes.
And lastly, the end.
Of the deer, as well as my post.
We had our first little guy sighting of the season the other day.
And oh my goodness….
If that isn’t the definition of the word sweet I’ll eat a kale souffle.
The family kept a close huddle on the food.
But Junior managed to push his/her way into the fray.
I think I might have audibly squeaked in joy at that point.
Bambi!
We knew some of the does were pregnant, but they won’t bring the fawns up out of the woods for the first few months.
And even then it’s usually very early in the morning when yours truly is still in dreamland.
So it was wonderful to see them in the late late afternoon when the sun was still shining and providing light for pictures.
Welcome to the herd little one.
You’ll want to stick around, the crazy lady with the camera lays out a pretty nice buffet.
This is the time of year my heart goes out to these graceful wild creatures.
Because in Maine?
It’s fly season.
And there’s nothing flies like more than a juicy deer.
The poor things are covered in them.
Day and night, night and day.
All over their bodies.
They twitch, they scratch, they shake like a Parkinson’s patient to no avail.
I can’t even imagine how horrible this must be.
I go berserk if one nasty fly finds me when I’m mowing the lawn…. I’d be stark raving mad if I had to contend with this many!
Woodchucks are still being tormented by starlings.
And are sometimes drastically outnumbered.
Deer and fox happily dine together.
Squirrel keeps an eye on deer.
But calls in back up.
Until another fox shows up.
Who is so chill he lays down and eats like a Roman.
How chill?
He even smiles for the camera.
Deer, fox and squirrels depart, woodchucks return.
It’s the circle of life.
Otherwise known as an average afternoon in our backyard.
*note – these pictures were taken before the drought turned our lawn a lovely shade of brown*
This little female Baltimore Oriole for example.
She sat there for 15 minutes or so…..
Waiting in vane for dinner to be served.
Then there’s my sworn enemy little rat bastard red squirrel.
We may have evicted them from their corner post home…..
But it hasn’t stopped their daily visits.
And raids on the deer bound apple slices.
Turn your back if you want you pesky varmint…. we both know what you’re up to.
Our buck finally showed up at a light enough hour for me to get some decent photographs.
Yes you, you handsome devil.
And while I love seeing him….
I fully appreciate his wariness and reticence to visit the nightly buffet.
When you’re that handsome you have to be careful.
His rapidly growing rack will make him a prime target of every yahoo with a rifle in a few months.
And the thought of his beautiful head mounted on someone’s wall makes me physically ill.
But for now, he and his family are safe.
And we enjoy our rare sightings.
Even if his rude wife does keep sticking her tongue out at me.
I was finally able to grab a few pictures of our resident buck.
Which is getting harder to do as the summer wears on.
But this father son shot was pretty sweet.
Junior’s antlers are growing.
And it always makes me wonder what the felt feels like.
Naturally there are woodchuck photos.
And some close ups.
We have one lone chipmunk this year.
And yes, those pesky red squirrel babies are still here.
Using our deck railing as a cafeteria.
As well as a toilet.
Yes, I’m talking to you.
Clearly your mother didn’t tell you not to shit where you eat.
Bad form. Very bad…..
Of photos.
But after the post I did the other day, I don’t blame you for wondering.
Babies have grown up.
And venture out daily. Three in the above picture.
They are also getting fat.
Though I can’t imagine why.
I’m sad to say I saw a fox run off with one in it’s mouth last week.
And though momma chuck does her best, nature will occasionally have her way.
She started with 6 children, went down to 4…. and now it’s 3.
Quadruplets are now triplets.
But they’re still fun to watch….
I’m still trying to make friends…
And Momma still needs a good support bra.
Okay, if you insist.
I caught a couple of nice shots of our old doe in the field.
I don’t know how many seasons she’s seen, and the poor thing didn’t even blow her winter coat this year.
But she comes for dinner every night.
And brings her kids.
Whose little Frankenstein nubs always make me chuckle.
Everyone gets along well.
Except this one.
Who sticks his tongue out at woodchucks.
I guess everyone has a rude child once in a while.
River's world..... 