Little Woodpecker

Sorry I've been a little MIA...I've been packing and getting ready to head back to school!  Tonight is my last night at work, and then I have a ton of packing and cleaning to do.  Getting excited...


The other day I opened the curtains to the sliding back door, and saw a sad little sight, I thought this poor bird had died because his head was down and he wasn't moving.  My mom and I opened the door and thank goodness the little guy moved his head, but sat oh so still, allowing me to get some great pictures.  

I took one step too close, and it flew to the lowest branch possible and just sat there.  We thought it may have been sitting on something, but there was nothing in the grass.  Little guy must have been hurt. 

But he's so presh.  With all these creatures you'd think I live in the middle of the woods instead of the suburbs! (I love it).

Furry & Feathery Friends

The fur...
so we've had a groundhog living under our shed in the backyard for sometime now.  The other day, I got out of the shower and saw it...he (or she) is so big now! 

The feathers...
A few weeks ago, I thought I heard some chirping coming from our chimney, but for the longest time no one else heard it.  I thought I may be going crazy until my dad heard it too.
My parents wanted to block off the chimney so the mom couldn't get in but of course, I cried a bit and found an article about how it was illegal to mess with a Chimney Swift nest and how they're loudest in their last two weeks (meaning they're leaving soon).  So they conceded.
     
I got my mom to help hold a flashlight while we tried to get a few pictures.  They're really close, and I do say, I don't mind the chirping.  It's rather nice background while I sew (: 

It was so difficult to get a good picture.  You should have seen my mom and I, leaning into the emptied out fireplace with a blanket to pad the brick and straining to get a good angle. 

(These next pictures aren't mine, but they're definitely better)

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I'm really impressed with how they build their nests!

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Hope you like my new friends! haha