I've tried to get photos of the critters in my garden several times recently and mostly failed. It's usually sheer luck on my part when I manage to get a shot under the best of circumstances, and luckier still when that photo is in focus. Nonetheless, I thought I'd share a few.
![]() |
It seems the resident Anna's hummingbirds are currently at war with the visiting rufous hummingbirds. They never stop moving so capturing either is virtually impossible. Out of about 20 shots, this was the only one close to in focus.
|
![]() |
The mockingbirds appear to have nested in the area as they've been ever-present for months now. This guy was sitting atop a favorite perch in one of the peppermint willow trees, talking to peers I couldn't get a fix on.
|
![]() |
It seems the blueberries in these pots on our back patio were a major draw for at least one mockingbird. This photo was taken in early May when the bushes still had berries. I'd estimate he ate about 95% of them.
|
![]() |
The western fence lizards are ever-present, except when I'm looking to photograph one. I watch my feet when walking through the back garden to avoid stepping on one. My cat, Pipig, has brought a few into the house when they dare to enter her screened catio. I'm getting better at catching and releasing the captives outside (albeit often without their tails).
|
![]() |
I caught a photo of this fellow last month as I was preparing to open the gate. It's not a great photo but it shows the lizard's bright blue throat.
|
![]() |
This was a more unusual sighting. I was just in time to photograph the back of the snake before it disappeared. I'm assuming it's a harmless garter snake...
|
![]() |
This is another unusual sighting, caught from inside in the late afternoon on Monday. Skunks are frequent visitors at night but I haven't seen one out in broad daylight in years. I wasn't going to chase it down for a better photo so this partial view is all I have to share.
|
We're not as hot as other parts of the country or parts of Europe for that matter but it's getting more uncomfortable to be outdoors anytime between 10am and 5pm, leaving little time time or interest in picture-taking, much less work in the garden. I've got friends scheduled for lunch on our back patio tomorrow and I'm hoping the temperature will be more comfortable - and that neither snakes nor skunks will be anywhere nearby.
All material © 2012-2022by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party
