Not-so-cuddly

Spring creatures are emerging with the warmer weather.

A new resident in my water garden! I was wondering if another froggy would move in this summer. I don't know if this is true, but I feel like the little "pond" must be healthy if a frog wants to live in it.

Caught this snapping turtle digging a nest near the edge of a small swampy area. I was worried she'd wander into the road since she couldn't see, but when she was done she turned and slid down the embankment and into the water, and the clod of dirt slid off her head.

And then there were two! A smaller frog, about a third the size of my big frog, has made the water garden home as well. The cats have been haunting the poor things, so I put out some broken pots as little protective huts for the frogs when they're out of the water. The smaller one immediately started using his, but the big frog seems to prefer being out in the open.

Oh, happy day! My little water garden is officially a tiny ecosystem! I discovered that a frog has found its way inside the fenced yard and made itself at home in my "pond". Always happy to have an extra fly deterrent on hand!

I had just mentioned to someone that I'd never found and intact, complete shed from a snake. I walked out my back door, and there was one lying near the rocks. Serendipity!