We gave Grace a New Zealand bird and animal field guide for Christmas, as she was constantly asking us what this bird and that road kill was. While we couldn't identify the deceased for obvious reasons, we did manage to find a kid-friendly guide for her to identify the living. Coupled with the binoculars she received from Santa, she climbs up the willow tree in Faye's backyard and sits there, waiting for creatures to appear.
So far she has identified a Singing Frush (Song Thrush), quail, and a seagull who was a very long way from home. Faye's gorgeous garden is also home to many critters that don't get a mention in Grace's guide. Like this little fellow. I just happened to glance out the kitchen window and here he was, ambling across the lawn. Quite unusual, as hedgehogs are usually nocturnal. It's not the first one we've seen here either. One day, when the kids were swimming in Faye's pool, a tiny baby hedgehog made its way down to the edge of the pool and had a drink, chemicals and all. Wasn't phased one bit about the children splashing and screaming in the water.
And then, of course, there is Peter Rabbit. Not to mention Flopsy, Mopsy, Cottontail, and their multitude of sisters, brothers and cousins that can been spotted feeding on Faye's grass at any time of the day. I can safely say that I have never seen so many rabbits in my life. And my parents live on a farm.
Last but by no means least, my personal favourite, these big, slightly uncoordinated, bumble bees.
Someone told me recently that according to the laws gravity, considering how tiny their wings are compared to the size of their body, these bees should not be able to fly. I find it amusing to watch them alight on a delicate flower, only to have the stalk bend down towards the ground under their weight. Not only are they huge, but they also emit the most disconcertingly loud buzz.
