I've seen loads of runners and dog walkers and a couple of photographers. They often have spotted things I've not seen.
Photographer Karen was the one who found this nest.
It is empty now but it was quite the chirp fest on the day we were there.
The robins are out in force. I don't know what it is about my neighborhood that makes it a haven for robins, but I always see dozens between here and the ditch -- enough distance to know they aren't the same one!
I do know there are two herons, though. This Harry was perched on a birdhouse in the middle of the pond for two rounds of Ditch-walking (and who knows, maybe more!)
This one was at the far south pond.
But not for long!
You know that when I see the deer on the island, I feel like it is a special gift. This day was no different.
This little bun had a dilemma. He was trying to cross the pond divide from one walkway to another. It's only about three feet but he was just a little guy.
He went back and forth, trying to figure it out.
Finally, he took a giant leap. He almost fell in the water but managed to hang onto the side for dear life and climb his way out of the other side.
As soon as he made it, he ran off and joined what look like another juvenile and a slightly larger rabbit -- maybe Mom? I would have loved a shot of the three of them together!
The squirrels were having a ball, too. This guy was little. I'm not sure if he was just a small squirrel or another juvenile.
It was fun to see the Duckles again. I think there are two families. These little guys were out for a swim.
We'll follow these little guys for a bit. Meanwhile, in the words of Harry or his friend...
Gotta fly!
What a treat. Thanks Jeanie
ReplyDeleteLovely photos from the ditch, and it's always better to be out and about than at home with housewo**! Have a fun weekend. Valerie
ReplyDeleteWe have lots of bunnies and squirrels in our neighborhood and they are ever so cute. One squirrel came to our sliding door had a stare down at my cat. It was funny to say the least.😼
ReplyDeleteReal live nature! I love seeing these photos.
ReplyDeleteOh, such a cute ducky-family!
ReplyDeleteAre Robins local? I´ve never seen one here!
Ohh, that poor lille hare! A brave one! I´ll take him as an example for a hopefully coming up job-interview, seesh, you helped me big here, Jeanie! I will brave up, also!
And the squirrel, aww. All those "guys", or "critters" are so cute!
Super photos again, as always. Lots of people here are taking out their garden ponds because they are easy pickings for the herons!
ReplyDelete~~~Waving~~~From Across the Pond~~~Deb in Wales
Awww, gorgeous pictures. I love the deer and the bunny. Actually I love all the pictures. xx
ReplyDeleteHi Jeanie: The small squirrel is a unique species, American Red Squirrel, quite different from the run-of-the-mill squirrel you are more likely to see emptying your bird feeders. It is an appealing little creature, but quite pugnacious and holds its own in any dispute with its larger cousins. Don't be fooled by their cuteness though. Unless you have really befriended one and have its confidence they can deliver a nasty bite. I am happy to see you enjoying the bird life, and two herons is better than one. I was wondering to myself the other day whether you will be able to go to the cottage this year, or will the ditch have to be a substitute?
ReplyDeleteI love your bunnies and duckles. We have quite a few in the yard, more than usual. We also have too many chipmunks. I think people with vegetable gardens are having to put up anti-bunny fences. A chipmunk can get through anything.
ReplyDeletebe well.... mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Hello,
ReplyDeleteAlways nice to see Harry the heron! Love the cute bunny photos. The ducklings and deer are adorable. Great collection of photos from your outing. Have a happy day, great weekend!
We have a bumper crow of robins over here this year, too.
ReplyDeleteIs that squirrel a red squirrel? They are smaller than the brown ones common in Michigan. We are starting to see a few black around here. When I was a teenager you'd have to go down near Gull Lake and Kalamazoo to see black squirrels. Saw my first one around here three years ago.
nice article guys :)
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy your walks to the ditch. You see such a variety of wildlife. And always get such great shots. That bunny is so cute. I haven't seen rabbits here in forever. Too many coyotes and bobcats I guess. Have a wonderful weekend. Hope it's a beautiful one for you. Hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteLife in Le Marais:)♥
ReplyDeleteNature is always such a beautiful thing. Life is always changing and babies grown to have families of their own. I spotted a baby rabbit (looked healthier than the one at the ditch) in my back yard last week. First one I've seen in about 12 years. Beautiful photos, sharp and crisp.
ReplyDeleteThat white eye ring on the squirrel was the tip-off that it's not our fox squirrel, and it certainly isn't a rock or gray squirrel. I suspect it's a red squirrel: a species we don't have.
ReplyDeleteI cracked up at that heron atop the birdhouse. Downsizing's a fine thing, but I don't believe that one's going to work out for him!
Bun, deer, birds,geese - all a reminder that life in Nature goes on regardless of the big mammals'(humans)being on lockdown or restrictions.
ReplyDeleteI say this over and over, but I love your photography from the ditch. Rabbits....we currently have Peter Rabbit, Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cotton-tail muching at our garden salad buffet. I told Ella Mae that we might be Mr. and Mrs. McGregor. She said, “are you going to make a pie?” I assured her I would not. Have a lovely weekend, Jeanie!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the wonderful trip to your living gallery! GREAT shot of the heron taking off!
ReplyDeleteI love your ditch visits, Jeanie. And, you describe all your sweet friends in such a delightful way. I know they must feel special knowing that you write about them. We have had a few bunnies too and they are not in good standing with me, they were into the delphiniums once again.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend, Jeanie.
I absolutely love those ducks. So many wonderful nature shots. How does someone run in that kind of shoe? Yikes. Blessings, xoxo, stay safe, Susie
ReplyDeleteLoving your new pals! What wonderful wildlife you have nearby. :)
ReplyDeleteWow, Jeanie, Your ditch is the happening place. So much to see and photograph. I love seeing your trips there.
ReplyDeleteWhat a perfect day at the ditch! So much wildlife at one time is a really treat. That rabbit is adorable.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures ~ Thank you for the visual delight! ~ Enjoy the rest of your weekend
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures ~ Thank you for the visual delight! ~ Enjoy the rest of your weekend
ReplyDeleteGlad he made it! 😊
ReplyDeleteIt's so good to be out and about …
ReplyDeleteI just love seeing all of your photographs from the ditch …
Enjoy your weekend.
All the best Jan
Wow, just Wow! What a lot of wild life in the ditch. That bunnies antics would have made me smile. I do love seeing them all. What a gorgeous robin and the deer too.
ReplyDeleteWe have gray and black squirrels here. Glad the bunny made it safe to the other side! Janice
ReplyDeleteA win win to walk to The Ditch and see the happenings of the day.
ReplyDeleteDucks and bunnies and squirrels and birds and herons and more . . .
Nature at its best . . .
So many great captures of the sweet animals Jeanie! Blue herons are my favorites to watch when I'm on the coast. I love it when they open their wings like they are sunning. Our resident heron, Freddy loves to have a drink out of our pool and the other day I actually caught him wading on the steps IN the pool! I wish I had gotten a pic! Have a lovely Sunday,
ReplyDeleteJenna
I just love seeing all the critters. Thanks for sharing. Have a great weekend. Stay safe. Stay healthy.
ReplyDeleteyour photos from the ditch are always my favorites - love the bunny, birds, squirrel and deer
ReplyDeleteLove the flora and the fauna. Love that bird's nest. Wow!
ReplyDeleteGreat short story with wonderful corresponding photos, so enjoyed walking around the Ditch with you today.
ReplyDeleteMaggie@ turning the page
So awesome that you get to see so much wildlife without having to go far. We have not seen many ducks lately on our walk. They must have a new hangout! There is still plenty of things to see, though!!
ReplyDeleteThe brush has grown up so densely around the pond across the road. We can't see any of the critters anymore. :( No sign of the loon this year either, though the geese are passing over between the two ponds back of the hill.
ReplyDeleteI have two robins and a flicker that are ALWAYS together on my front lawn. I'm trying to figure out if flickers lay an egg in another birds nest?
Great pictures and storyline too! You see quite a bit of wildlife on your walks!
ReplyDeleteJeanie, another beautiful day at the ditch. I could snuggle with that little bunny. Great pictures telling some beautiful stories..Stay well..xxoJudy
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos. A nice place to walk and see so much wildlife. I enjoy your stories also.
ReplyDeleteGlad that you have been able to get out again and update us on the goings on at the Ditch, Jeanie. The ducklings have really grown up fast if these are the ones from a few posts ago. I knew that David G. would help out with the squirrel ID and he did not disappoint.
ReplyDeleteGlad you have all that wildlife to keep you company and entertained on your walk. Must be wonderful.
ReplyDeleteOften takes me a while to catch up on things too. Knowing it's not just me is actually comforting.