Tuesday, May 14, 2013

What was that???


We were out and about over the weekend.  One of our favorite places to ride is in Lambtown, which is in Ledyard, CT, and adjacent to Quakertown.

There is an obscure dirt road that runs alongside a swamp. It's on property that once belonged to my husband's family and it was a favorite place of his in childhood.  Over the years we have seen so many birds there:  great blue herons, red wing blackbirds and other birds that enjoy being near the water.

"What's that?!" I said.  Something dark and fast was scurrying across the road. From a distance, we thought it might be a small otter or beaver.


What a surprise when I got out to take a photo. It was a large snapping turtle!  It looked so prehistoric dragging its heavy tail behind it.  It was moving quickly so it was hard to get a photo. The swamp is across the street and it was definitely  on it way to the water.



Later in the  day a very large red headed woodpecker flew in front of  our car and we we thrilled to see it land nearby.  Over the course of the day, we passed many wild turkeys, cranes and egrets. Yes...spring is here!  Magical!



My drawing continues as well as other art projects.  Outdoor soccer has started.  Hard to believe we have been attending the grands' games for 8 years. It really is nice sitting outdoors again.

We woke up to a very chilly 38 degrees Fahrenheit this morning.  The sun is shining and it's a gloriously beautiful spring morning.  The goldfinches showed up early at the feeder in their springy bright yellow attire.  The cardinals and jays added some color to the yard, too.  Now if those chubby little squirrels I have been feeding would stay out of my window boxes!


Hope that nature shows 

herself to you daily,

and as always,

enjoy the day!  


5 comments:

Simply Shelley said...

I miss getting out and about like that. It should to be a great past time for me. I love your little fairy drawing...so sweet...I am gal spring has sprung in your neck of the woods :) I recently saw about six of the redwing blackbirds at my birdbath. I was thrilled to see them ,and had never seen any before. They were so pretty. I didn't even know what they were called,but look them up right away. Blessings dear friend.

Beth said...

Happy Spring to you, Helen!

Beth

Lee Prairie Designs said...

Cute post, Helen!! Happy Spring to you, too!!!

vivian said...

hide that snapper.. my son will catch it and kill it and make turtle soup out of it! disgusting!
I always get excited when I see turtles out and about. they are such neat looking creatures and I love when they hide in their shells.
Im glad youre enjoying spring! It was a bit cold here today.. I'm so looking forward to warming up soon.. I want to buy some plants and play outside a bit.. maybe this saturday.. fingers crossed!
see you on facebook!
xoxo

Vintage Fairy Tales Rebecka said...

I had this year's first rendez vous with a hedgehog today!
They show up in the evening in my garden:)
Have a great week Helen
XX
Becky