The Unexpected...

I was beginning to think that I had run out of critter blips as I have managed to capture most of the usual residents by now...except of course for the snapping turtle and the merganzer...but never fear, there are always surprises here.  

Today it was this charming American Toad hanging out on the dock appearing to be enjoying his new home. I like him a lot; he is even cute in  a way...and he didn't run away or try to hide. In fact he almost posed! He seems friendly and not about to cause any trouble, so we will not be deporting him. 

And then there was the Ruffed Grouse (extra) with her family of at least 6 young ones. We aren't sure how many, as we lost count; the little ones were so well camouflaged that they were almost impossible to spot unless they moved!  And then they were off and running! Fast!

And to top it all off, I started to open up the umbrella on the dock and surprise! A bat was sound asleep in one of the folds! (extra)I didn't want to wake him; he seemed so comfortable and probably had a long night ahead of him, so I furled up the umbrella again and let him be. It was too hot to sit down there anyway! 

The heat wave they have been threatening rolled in and boy was it hot. There was a good breeze up in the porch of the main cottage and it was actually pleasant to sit out here for almost all of the day. My sleeping quarters though are in the bunk - I like the privacy -  but the breeze doesn't help much there; it is going to be a very hot and muggy night ..

My sister and I have booked our boat taxi to town for Wednesday morning as we have to head home.  It will be back to the city, but also  back to air-conditioning, so there is an upside!