... worm, caterpillar or grub? I think, in this case, it's a caterpillar.
Out on the deck early this morning having my coffee and I remembered to bring my camera out with me. From the corner of my eye, I saw movement and turned in time to see a bird fly down and pick something up.
It flew back up into the trees and started beating it's catch against the branch.
Until the caterpillar was finally subdued!
Here are a few close ups:
Just goes to show you, it pays to get up early! Naturally. ;)
About a month ago, a doe started coming around the back yard. She didn't seem to be too afraid of me. As a matter of fact, she'd stand her ground and stare at me for several min. before walking away. This gave me an idea.
I got some cracked corn from the local feed store and put it out in a tray on the table I have set up in the yard. After that, it was just a matter of waiting.
She first came back one evening after sunset. I was able to get two good pictures of her. Quality isn't good at all, I took these through the window so as not to startle her and didn't want to use the flash....
After that, she started coming around right after I got home from work. I'd have just enough time to feed and walk the dogs. I'd put out the feed for her on the table and wait on the deck for her to show up. She never disappointed.
One evening, I got home late and was walking the dogs when they stopped and stared into the brush. I tried to see what they were looking at, but whatever it was I just couldn't see. All of a sudden, one of the dogs rushed at the bushes and out jumped the doe. She took off for the woods and for a long while that was the last I saw of her.
I'd put out the feed, but she would only come around really late at night. Then she just stopped coming. I thought that she had just moved on. Oh well.
About a week ago, I was working from home and had just gotten up to answer the phone. I glanced out the door and there was a fawn on the mound mound in the backyard and the mother was behind it at the bottom of the mound. I ran for my camera. The fawn was distracted by something it heard in the driveway, I think it was a delivery truck. It couldn't see what was making the noise, but it sure was curious about it. The other fawn stayed pretty much out of sight and I couldn't get a shot of it until they were leaving. But the mother looked familiar and I think it was the doe I was feeding. Looking back at the pictures, I think she was expecting. :)
I'd like to think that she bought them by for me to see. I guess all is forgiven regarding the dogs. I will make sure the cost is clear before walking them around the yard next time. It's good to see her and her fawns and that they seem to be doing well. Time to stock up on the corn, winter will be here before you know it...naturally. :)
