Just a thought........to slow down a bit........to ponder on

The "watering hole" ....

which is really a large tray that I fill with fresh water 

for the wildlife to drink from, 

has been getting the attention of many

colorful and .....most often.....

hard to see visitors.  The wild birds......all in 

beautiful colors, shapes and sizes stay continually

in and around the water, enjoying baths and an escape 

from the harsh high temps we have been having lately.

Even the shy and standoffish bobcat that usually only comes

around in the late, late, evening, has been visiting

in the early day for a relief drink.  As you can see from 

the photo above, it is panting in the 104 heat of the day.  

Underneath the watering tray......there is a little

world......living in the damp coolness and unseen

from the eyes of predators. Hundreds of Pill bugs

are always abundant, but, for these past 6 weeks, 

this young Tiger Salamander has been calling this 

spot it's home

I am surprised to see it.......everyday.......because the salamanders

that I have seen here in the past, usually only come out at night

after a heavy rain. I have only seen them twice in all the years 

we have lived here.  I change the water every day........and 

this salamander was only about 1 1/2 inches long when I first discovered it.

It is quickly growing and is now almost 3 inches long. Salamanders

are very friendly and do not mind to be picked up.  I just wonder how much

longer it will stay and if I will see it when the cold winter arrives. 

Also living underneath the water tray are several baby bullfrogs.

It always amazes me to see bullfrogs here when we hardly 

have any rain or any ponds nearby.  These are not the rain toads 

that we also have an abundance of.  These will grow to be very large with

spots and good jumping legs. 

I spend the early mornings watering what flowers and plants that are

still hanging on in this heat.  The rest of the day, I spend

inside.......grateful for air conditioning and keep my fingers busy with 

my stitching. 

Summer is almost over, however.......

what has your summer been like?

Have you traveled?  Have you had guests?

Have you raised a garden?

What kind of creatures have taken sanctuary in your backyard?

I would love to hear!