Whoa. But isn’t that always the way? You turn your head and that’s when everything happens.
Well, I didn’t see ours, and I’m not sure it’s nature, but a raccoon has ripped open some roof vents and gotten into the wall between our neighbors and us. Argh.
Wow, I agree with @teelabrown, great shots indeed.
I remember when great blue herons returned to the lake I grew up next too. We were all so excited. Loons were next. Now, I tend to take them both birds more for granted but they are both deserving of our attention and care. Keeping lakes clean is a goal that pays the effort back very well!
A good day out in Shoreham today. First, on the shore boardwalk, we saw several wall lizards - always a treat. A little later, walking up alongside the estuary, we saw 4 or 5 little egrets - birds we haven’t seen down there for a few months. Per haps they migrate…? But these days I wonder if it’s even worth trying to find out if they migrate or not - I’m pretty much convinced that several species just don’t bother any more (some individuals, anyway).
Finally, highlight of the trip, we watched a curlew feeding in the mud flats.
https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/curlew/
Not at all common nationally, but a relatively frequent sight on the (very tidal) river in Shoreham, we were told.
Highlight of the trip, but not the highlight of the day:
Today we saw two robins - beaks stuffed with insects - land on the fence. A quick look around and straight into the tree, hidden from sight, then straight back out again, one after the other. Methinks the chicks are hatched and hungry.
j
That was quite a day @Treppenwitz!
It’s black bear season. They are done hibernating and in search of food. We have at least one nearby. And, I’ve finally spotted a few local trees in bloom. A Magnolia, a Cherry, and a Witch Hazel. Yay!
Damn, yes! My gf is in New Orleans for JazzFest. Yesterday the dogs freaked out. I looked out the living room window where the dogs were looking and a huge black bear sauntered across the yard, maybe 10 yards from our front door.
Now I’m leash walking the dogs and have the bird feeders in the garage.
Yesterday at dusk I was walking around the lake and saw what I think is a beaver:
At least I hope it was.
I think so too! Nice. 
Pretty sure you’re correct . Always a good find!
The ferns are sprouting back! And the irises in the background too!
Bees drink from the moist soil (wonder whose paw imprint that is in the middle):
And flowers. So spring is here at last:
@Dung_Beetle and @Tamerlane , thanks for verifying.
Our local creek is a substantial river at the moment after our record-breaking rainfall this last winter. Normally, this creek has plenty of little backwaters occupied by mallards and other waterfowl. Now, however, it’s a torrent and we didn’t see one calm place at all during our morning walk today.
We did see several mallards flying high along the creek, presumably looking for some quiet water in which to land, but the poor duckies were out of luck. They had to keep flying and flying until they were out of sight. I wonder where they’re nesting this year?
nevermind discourse
Right, this isn’t going to be the best photo you’ve ever seen - and if you’re viewing on a phone it’ll most likely be no use to you at all. However, our robins are skittish as they service the nest, and I’m not going to invade their personal space as they go about their chick-raising duties. I was at a certain distance when this robin landed on the end of the fence, and I took the best photo I could without approaching any closer.The nest is in the lime-green tree at about fence height - the robins somehow manage to fly straight through the dense foliage to the nest. If you can expand the photo you can just about see the colossal beakfull of worms.
Mrs T was digging in the garden this afternoon and had to put up with constant harassment from the robins as they flew in for more worms.
j
But it is still a cheerful sight.
I spotted foxes in the early morning light. I just hope they are careful around the busy highway and don’t bother tom turkey too much.
@kayaker, I’m glad you and the dogs were inside for that first bear viewing! Best of luck with getting another safe eyeful.
I was watching a UK TV program from a number of years ago, and IIRC they said beavers had become extinct in England, but they were introducing them.
Was I hallucinating? Or was it a different water mammal, like an otter?
My god, how did I miss the bear story?!
How long do you keep this up?
No, you remembered correctly.
https://www.rspb.org.uk/our-work/policy-insight/species/beaver-reintroduction-in-the-uk/
j
My gf returned from NOLA at 2 am. She is going to discuss the situation with our neighbors, who both have trail cameras set up.
I leash walked the dogs one at a time throughout the day yesterday. My gf works from home, so I’ll let her decide what level of caution is appropriate. Her horses and our dogs survived my care, so I’m happy.
Thank, Og. I’m not completely senile. Yet.