Oh fall...

Random pictures from some of our walks lately.

Great blue heron on the Boise river.

Some rarely seen chukars.

I can't tell to which species of swan this one belongs.  But it expected a treat we didn't have.

This tree is a perfect example of our weather lately;  between summer and fall.

And yes, we're still overrun with kittens. They're getting bigger. And tamer.

A rare picture of Frankie (in front - who we're keeping), together with his cousin Francine (who we're not planning on keeping.)

And no, to answer your unspoken question, it's not smart to name the ones we're not planning on keeping but we've done so just to know which one it is we're discussing.  So, she's "Francine" until she gets a more permanent home.

And yes, their ears have all been notched.

That's what happens when you take in cats/kittens to the local humane society for spay/neuter.  They insist on the ear notch in case these cats end up living as ferals.  Which they won't.  That's part of why we rescued them.  Doesn't "Francine" look worried?  She is.  She's the shyest of the kittens.


Two of the kittens were outside with Felix playing with...

...this little guy.

First time we've seen a snake of any size in our garden.  (This one was very small.)

Kim rescued and relocated our visitor.

Feeding the "Birds"

I'm always amazed at the antics of squirrels. Kim and I were taking a break from gardening when three of these guys/gals showed up.






I didn't realize they could climb up poles until we saw this one do so; right up to the bird feeder which Kim had just filled that day - thank you very much.






We watched more acrobatics as one of them jumped from the tree to another bird feeder, full of seed and just waiting to be dined upon. Thanks again!




Here's a nice BIRD house Kim built years ago.
It has areas for bird feed on the sides.
Can you tell what is in the opening?






Let's take a closer look.






That's right. It's a little paw. It is NOT a bird's beak nor is it anything related to a bird.

It's this little guy.





I noticed the "bird" house was moving around quite a bit.
Then I saw this.
Twins?




I hope they're happy in their home.




Of course it is no big surprise to me that they've taken over the "birdhouse."
Two years ago I saw this little guy, literally sprawled out as if on his own porch, just before I snapped his photo. S/he seemed to be outside enjoying the sunset just as I was.






I know squirrels are pesky critters. They've moved a few plants of mine and I partially blame them for my lack of success with tulips in containers. But they're here to stay and we'll enjoy them as much as possible.