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!
15 comments:
That is so hot, no wonder the beautiful bobcat was panting. And if we all provided water for the wildlife, their days would be a lot happier. That salamander, a great photo.
Since the bobcat can not speak I want to thank you for your kindness in giving him water. And the salamander, toads and birds too, of course. Heat is hard on wild critters and water is a blessing, especially for those who can not fly. I have a bird bath I keep filled.
I've never seen a bobcat..he is handsome. The poor critters. We had 3 rounds of showers this afternoon and some rumbles of thunder. Utterly delightful. Everybody got a fresh dose of water and cooling off.
You've reminded me, I should set out water for the birds and butterflies.
One summer I had a soaker hose in the flower bed that had a bigger hole in it and made quite a puddle. It was fascinating to watch mocking birds playing in the water. The bobcat looks like a big kitty. ;)
I always enjoy seeing your photos of the creatures and wildlife you have there. I hope you get some relief from the heat soon.
All must really appreciate the water you leave out for them.
It's been a hot and dry summer here too but not as hot as your temperatures! Nevertheless the birds are in desperate need of water and I keep an eye on the birdbath making sure it's full. Just this evening as we sat on the porch having supper with the birdbath maybe 10' away we saw Robins, Collared Doves, a Nuthatch, Chickadees, and the ever-present House Sparrows.
You got a great shot of the Bobcat. He must be very very thirsty to come right out in the open like that.
What a great picture you got of the bob cat. I am surprised that he allowed you to get so close. We have them here too, but don't see them very often. I have water containers set here and there around the yard and gardens. Over the years I have collected broken rocks with hollow centers which make great containers. The birds love them.
I hope the heat wave breaks soon, Kathleen, for you and all the outside animals you take care to provide water for. The salamander and bullfrog were amazing go see and, of course, the bobcat which hopefully will not harm the chickens you also have in the yard.
To answer the questions...we no longer have a yard since we live in an apt now, so no visitors there. We have had a few visitors this summer, friends and family. And as you know, we have taken a long road trip in early spring and are now on a couple of short ones here in New England.
For once since we've been here, no grasshoppers which would have made me very happy. Except, so hot along with rain almost every day the past month or so. I do have a few flowers which are in pots in case, you know the grasshoppers wouldn't be able to reach. :)
Take care, Kathleen!
xoxo
What a beautiful posting. I'm so glad the animals are enjoying a fresh drink of water. It's really thoughtful of you to set out water for them. How interesting the many different animals that come to drink.
This has been a busy summer and I can hardly believe it's almost over. The kids are back in school and fall is coming soon.
I had a salamander in the basement last week. I think he was as confused as I was. I swept it gently into a box and took outside. Seems to have been a good solution. I t was gone the next morning and I hope was fine.
Loved the pictures.
Here I have a Teiú lizard,
came here puppy is now almost 1.60 in length grew
enough comes and goes as you please.
Thank you for visiting August.
PEACE AND GOOD.
janicce.
You write the most beautiful posts. I love the picture of the bobcat. I worry about animals and all the small creatures having water in this hot dry weather we are having. Keeps me busy filling buckets and pans with fresh cold water. I also have a pan of water in the middle of the garden with rocks and a couple of potted plants near by for shade, for the frogs and lizards, and insects. I am late seeing this post but enjoyed it so much.
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