Camera Critters: Neighborhood Newbies

This lovely little fawn showed up in my yard yesterday morning. I saw it run across the meadow between me and my neighbor. I have waited all summer to see them emerge from the woods. Toward evening hubs was going outside to bring in the garbage cans from the street and as he passed the sunroom he whispered for me to join him. I knew he had seen something and I knew my camera was in the sunroom. Here the little thing was in my back yard less than 50 feet from my deck. It was a little nervous and noticed my presence when I stepped out on the deck but it let me take a couple of pictures before scampering off. As was the case in the early morning hours when I first saw it there was no Mama Doe to be seen. I sure hope nothing has happened to her and I hope my little visitor returns in the days ahead.

Yesterday morning I also watched this young squirrel try every way he could to get to my bird feeder. He is much smaller than this image makes him appear and I think he is one of the baby squirrels from spring. The morning was quite pleasant and my sunroom door was open. Heidi the cat sat looking out the door not making a sound when I looked up and found this little guy sitting on the deck railing. I got this best of three shots before he discovered me and ran off to a nearby tree. I had seen him earlier 'steal' a walnut and start stripping it. I'm guessing that's a crumb laying at his feet.

For more animal antics and Camera Critters click here.

Wild Bird Wednesday

I noticed weeks ago that a couple of squirrels were building a nest in a tree at the corner of our yard where it meets the woods. One morning last week as I went to turn on my computer I glanced out the sunroom window and noticed more than the usual two squirrels. Yep, Mama and Daddy had brought their three little ones to dine under the bird feeder. Later, Hubs put out a little corn for them which in turn brought out the birds in full force. Here a common grackle munches down. I watched them put the corn in their mouth and use their foot to stomp it trying to break it down.

I've seen this guy around a couple of times. The first time he was too far to capture a good image. I tried researching this a little and think he may be an example of a leucistic bird (in this case a grackle) or one whose pigmentation wasn't fully developed. If any of you knowledgeable birders can give me some insight please do see in a comment.

I see Blue Jays but not everyday so I was glad this guy showed up for lunch as well.

Of course I have to show you mama school chowing down. She needs all the strength she can muster to raise THREE babies!

One of the babies under my lilac bush. The grass really wasn't as long as it looks. He was just so small. I love how soft and furry he looks. His tail isn't as coarse looking as his Mama's.

Note: Since last Wednesday Blogger has had a problem with users being able to comment on some blogs. It seems to depend on the template and comment form of some blogs. If you visit and I don't return your comment it's because I tried and couldn't. Please know I appreciate your visit.

To my Wild Bird Meme friends Springman and Gary: I tried you two first because I couldn't comment last week either. I've seen both your wonderful posts this week. :)
Posted for Wild Bird Wednesday and Midweek Blues.