Wildlife In The City

The Farmer's Market is going great but before I catch up on that, I have to share my two encounters with wildlife today. The first happened while taking my daughter for a walk in our neighborhood. There is a marsh not far from our home and every now and then you will see deer. Today was one of those days and the deer were munching on some flowers they found by the house that is right next to the marsh. The owners didn't seem to be home and it's possible they were out of town for the holiday weekend. I am sure they will not be happy to see there flowers gone, but I was happy to see them. I do worry they are going to get hit by a car someday but hopefully they are used to all of the traffic.

The second encounter happend on the way back from the grocery store. I noticed on the side of the road, a rather largh turtle trying to make its way off the curb and into the road!! I turned around and parked my car and ran over to the turtle. I really didn't know what I was going to do but I knew they he couldn't go into the road because he would get killed!! As luck would have it, two people saw me standing by the turtle and judging whether or not I could pick him (I am guessing it is a boy) and they came over to help! The first person lifted him back on the grass and the second, who happens to work at the zoo (talk about luck) picked "him" up and carried him back to the bushes. She said that it was a Lagerhead Snapper . . . . he was a big boy!!

While it is so fun to have these encounters, I do feel a bit guilty that we keep taking over their space. It has to be so confusing for them to one day be surrounded by their safe and familiar wetland or field and the next find themselves dodging traffic. However, it is good to know that while we are taking over their space, there are many of us who are trying to be good guests and help them navigate this crazy world.

I really wish that I had my camera so I could show you all photos of these creatures, but I am sure that if you are aware of your own surroundings, you will see plenty.