BABIES!!

I knew it... I just knew we would see more groundhog babies this year! Unlike last summer, this year's babies did not emerge until they were a bit bigger. Their mama must have kept them under wraps longer than last year's mama groundhog. In fact, this mama is far more shy and protective than the one last year. It has been quite a coup to get any pictures at all! But I managed to sneak a couple pics as they curiously investigated their surroundings under the rhododendron in front of our porch:

One was poking up through the hole looking for his sibling under the rhododendron... as you see he came out soon afterward.

There is A LOT going on around this rhododendron because a mother robin chose this as a great place to build a nest! My husband and I have a perfect view from our front window.

The beginning of construction

All moved in

The mother sits on her eggs and the father robin is always close by. He watches the nest when mom goes to get a bite to eat. He even chased a squirrel up a tree (no joke) when one came too close to the area. It is absolutely fascinating to watch. I managed to get a photo of the eggs this morning when mom went away. I won't do it again. Both mom and dad were incredibly anxious and protective and distraught. I still feel bad for invading their precious territory. But I did quickly snap this photo of 3 beautiful, blue robin eggs:

It is such a treat to be able to watch all of this from our own front porch. We are amazed at the brilliance of nature, not to mention endlessly entertained!

Now I have to share photos of my husband's special buddy, Nessie (nicknamed after the Loch Ness Monster). Nessie appeared from a pile of rubble/compost that my husband keeps and stirs around in our backyard. Okay... heeeeeeeeere's Nessie!

Yes, normally I would freak out at the sight of a snake. But this guy is more afraid of us and he is truly harmless. I have to admit, he is kind of cute in a slithery-don't come-too-close-to-me sort of way.

Gotta love all creatures great and small. :)