YAKIYOL BLOGGER

Showing posts with label Wildlife. Show all posts

Monday, February 21, 2011

Deer

7:19 AM

mateng

Here’s a look at who’s hanging out in our backyard:

Vole Hunter

6:28 AM

mateng

Remember Max the Fox? He’s still around, making us proud as he’s grown into the best Vole Hunter around. Here is Max, expertly catching breakfast:

To learn more about our friend Max the Fox see these previous posts:
Fox Rescue
Fox Kit
Fox Kits
Night Watch
Garden Fox
Max the Fox
Hunting Fox

Wood Frog

5:48 AM

mateng

Frogs, frogs, frogs everywhere!
Here’s Caden holding a magnificent Wood Frog:

We have greatly enjoyed the hummingbirds that *Summer* in our yard; they constantly charm us with their acrobatic flying skills, inquisitive demeanor and dazzling personalities. Over the years the Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds have been a frequent sight in the Wildflower Meadow but this year they have really come up close and personal with the introduction of flowers to the vegetable garden. The Potager has been absolutely buzzing with hummingbird activity; they love the Zinnias and Nasturtiums. Here are a few of my attempts to catch these sparkling green gems in action:

I’ll try for better photos, but they seem to know when I’m without the camera because that’s always when they get the closest, hovering face to face, as if they are as curious about us as we are them.

In the western world, many traditional cultures have developed a mysterious bond with this magnificent tiny creature; imbuing the hummingbird with powerful religious and spiritual significance. For example, some view the hummingbird as an important symbol of resurrection. This is because the hummingbird appears lifeless on cold nights, but it comes back to life again when the miraculous sunrise brings warmth. Hummingbirds are also considered to be symbols of peace, pure love, joy and happiness. Ancient pagans held them sacred for their tireless energy and anxiety. In mythology they are seen as messengers and given the ability to stop time. Hummingbirds are said to represent the qualities of sweetness and optimism, inspiring wonder and the celebration of life. The hummingbird is said to teach us to laugh and enjoy earth’s bounty and Mother Nature’s creation, to help us appreciate the magic of being alive, and to discover the truth of beauty.

If you can’t tell I am a huge Hummingbird fan! Here are a few examples of my work that features Hummingbirds:

Learn more about: The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

Tomato Thieves

8:00 AM

mateng

We introduced a new species of tomato to the vegetable garden this year that has caused a crack like addiction in our resident Red Squirrel and Chipmunk. Here they are getting their sugar high on with our Sun Gold:

I read a number of articles on tomato thieves and it appears not much can be done to deter these deviant rodents once they have gotten a taste for these sugar laden treats. Okay, so admittedly they are adorable, but not only can consume masses of tomatoes in a single sitting, they are also making a huge mess, leaving tomato skins and partially eaten tomatoes all over the place!

7:37 AM

mateng

Masses of Monarch Butterflies have been enjoying the Purple Coneflowers in the Wildflower Meadow this summer:

Wild Kingdom

4:00 AM

mateng

One of the primary destinations on our Maine mini-vacation was a visit to York’s Wild Kingdom. Here is a pictorial overview of our family’s perfect day at the zoo: