"Aaarrrgh! A Prehistoric Swamp Monster!!"

This snapping turtle had just emerged from a pond looking very much like a prehistoric swamp monster!

The property owner came over with a wheelbarrow, a big metal bucket and an iron rake.  His intent was to rescue the turtle from the road, then transport it to another pond. 

But first, some of the vegetation was raked off it's shell.  ("What??  Don't like your back scratched??!!")

An attempt to flee the scene.  (She, not me!)

The wheelbarrow was tipped onto it's side, the rake ready to guide the turtle inside. The snapper, naturally, did not like it. 

It was a little daunting when it spun around and faced me, mouth open (mine wa agape, too!), ready for a chomp!

And it became more agitated, swinging it's head from side to side in a blur of motion.

Hissing and chomping, hissing and chomping.

Believe it or not, the man was successful in getting the turtle into the wheelbarrow. 

It was then covered with the metal bucket so it couldn't see and to calm it down.

And it was wheeled over to another pond where it was released. 

Had I not already had plans, I would have loved to tag along on that little adventure!

Summer Blooms

Woodland Babies - Fawns, 'Coons, Cub

I watched these fawns bound into our backyard the other day.

Four baby raccoons were trapped inside a dumpster.  A nearby wooden fence gave them access to it, however, once inside, with their claws against such a smooth surface, they were unable to climb back out. Somebody came to their rescue by inserting a long stick inside the dumpster which enabled each 'coon to climb up and out safely.  I took advantage of taking a couple shots of these critters first.

This black bear cub followed mom into our yard.  Two other cubs remained in the outlying bushes.

Birds of Summer