Who Needs the Zoo?
I've often joked that we have so much wildlife in our back yard, we don't need to go to the zoo. But I've since realized, it's no joke. That's the truth. Zoo's are great, don't get me wrong, but our house is free!
We enjoy being invaded by the "honkers" (the spring geese) who use our grounds as a meeting area deciding which water to check out first, the pond or the lake – watching the brave wood ducks, who make their home in the neighboring pond, waddle on by without a care in the world – the gazillion (that's a word in our house) varieties of birds, including an owl and a pileated woodpecker, perch in our comfy trees – the gutsy deer who roam the property eating lush vegetation that is my gardens. (And let me tell ya, if I could hunt here in town, my walls would be sporting some awfully large antlers , spray painted bright white and dripping with light catching prisms of course ;) – the cute little unsuspecting bunnies/squirrels/chippies who have a heart-attack when chased off the premisses by either the boys or the dog (whoever sees them first) – there are the toads and frogs in summer time that keep the boys busy most afternoons as they race them down the driveway or build tracks for them in the sandbox – and then we have a sneaky gray coyote who makes an appearance a few times a year, but never seems to stick around long enough for everyone to catch a glimpse. So many creatures catch our eye(s), but on this occasion, it is the simplicity of the robins, who came to eat the berries off the trees, that grabbed our attention at the front window.
I love how each sighting brings so much amazement and excitement to these little ones. As they watch the animals, i watch the awe and wonder spread across their little faces. I'm thankful for the opportunities to discuss God's creation, and to be reminded myself what a creative & mighty God we serve, full of wisdom, compassion, and really… sense of humor, which really seems to stand out as we watch the interaction between the polite robins and the playfully rambunctious gray squirrels.
We enjoy being invaded by the "honkers" (the spring geese) who use our grounds as a meeting area deciding which water to check out first, the pond or the lake – watching the brave wood ducks, who make their home in the neighboring pond, waddle on by without a care in the world – the gazillion (that's a word in our house) varieties of birds, including an owl and a pileated woodpecker, perch in our comfy trees – the gutsy deer who roam the property eating lush vegetation that is my gardens. (And let me tell ya, if I could hunt here in town, my walls would be sporting some awfully large antlers , spray painted bright white and dripping with light catching prisms of course ;) – the cute little unsuspecting bunnies/squirrels/chippies who have a heart-attack when chased off the premisses by either the boys or the dog (whoever sees them first) – there are the toads and frogs in summer time that keep the boys busy most afternoons as they race them down the driveway or build tracks for them in the sandbox – and then we have a sneaky gray coyote who makes an appearance a few times a year, but never seems to stick around long enough for everyone to catch a glimpse. So many creatures catch our eye(s), but on this occasion, it is the simplicity of the robins, who came to eat the berries off the trees, that grabbed our attention at the front window.
I love how each sighting brings so much amazement and excitement to these little ones. As they watch the animals, i watch the awe and wonder spread across their little faces. I'm thankful for the opportunities to discuss God's creation, and to be reminded myself what a creative & mighty God we serve, full of wisdom, compassion, and really… sense of humor, which really seems to stand out as we watch the interaction between the polite robins and the playfully rambunctious gray squirrels.
We were all enthralled with the show, but Owen and Elsa watched the longest. I think Elsa's excitement and expressions may have had something to do with the length of time Owen stuck around. They have really begun to build a bond, which of course makes my heart smile <3
This little guy may look unsuspecting, but he was a trouble-maker as far as the robins were concerned. Boy did Elsa get a kick out of the ruckus he stirred up : )
I'm not sure what the deal was, but there were hundreds on this particular day. And when one flew to the next tree, they all flew to the next tree.
