For a while we have neglected to talk about the backyard critters that we love so much. So far this is the best patio we have had for critter watching and all of the following visitors were within about 15 feet of our lawn chairs. For starters is Alvin, actually one of seven so far we have counted, and I have fed him a peanut or two and was able to stroke his fur without him being bothered a bit.

Then there are the cute little goldfinches which must summer here by the thousands.

This is a nice shot of our catbird of which there are two who munch mostly on dried raisons and other fruit. Again these guys are so bold that you can almost touch them, but not quite.

The perinnial land barons of this park are the kildeers who greet us every year. This pair had four eggs, again right in the driveway, and we waited about a month holding our breath ...

and two new youngsters joined the family. Here is an adult (male or female share the parenting) and one of the new chicks who is ready, running, and eating within hours of birth.

And our red squirrel who not only is cute but really adaptable as he manages to get into the squirrel proof feeder.

Lastly is a new species to us and that is the hairy woodpecker named for the brush of fuzz around his beak. Again, all of these critters are within a few feet of the lawn chairs ... really great fun!