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Do you have a favourite time of day?
It would be hard for me to choose.
Dawn is special but so is sunset.
And then there is late afternoon.
Yesterday afternoon I stopped to enjoy the different textures of the fields and trees.
There is so much life there!
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What is it about the afternoon rays lighting a flower that makes it so appealing?
For me it’s the contrast of darkness and light, I think.
For a perfect image, I ought to have removed the hose lying on the ground in the background. I could edit it out, or re-take the photo.
But strangely, I like it as it is.
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As it happens, I took a closer shot which better captures the shape and loveliness of the colours.
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The purple gladiola was more of a challenge, which proves the importance of having the right light.
The gladiolas by the garage don’t seem happy there. Today I made a point of viewing this one that has its back turned…
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The softer morning light seemed to suit its colour better.
Because it faces the garage, I had to make a point of introducing myself.
I’m glad I did.
Next year I’ll plant more strategically.
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This morning the 5th rose of Sharon bloomed.
It’s the first time all five bushes have bloomed.
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What was it that made such a difference?
The deer left them alone.
Previously, my polite requests had been ignored!
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Perhaps it’s because the deer have found other forage…
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Just before dark last night, this nice chap wandered up.
We caught him snacking on Grant’s butternut squashes. Now we know who the culprit is!
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Deer are usually very nervous. The stag nervously grazed under the apple tree.
But this doe Uni allows Grant to approach within just a few feet and even then only walks off slowly.
This is not due to any effort on Grant’s part.
While we would love to interact, it is better that we don’t encourage wildlife to trust humans.
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Some of the groundhogs have become comfortable about approaching while I cut carrots.
This is not one I usually see but I always talk softly when I go up to that burrow so perhaps I’ve been observed and found trustworthy.
Or the groundhog was hungry!
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We have been watching out for the appearance of fox cubs and two nights ago Grant saw activity out by the old wall where the foxes hang out.
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There appeared to be three adults and just one kit but it was hard to tell because they were moving about and the light was going.
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Last year I think there were three kits.
They were smaller although I photographed them only about 10 days earlier than this.
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Our observations this night were further challenged when another party turned up.
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Raccoons and foxes may not play together but they are happy to ignore each other.
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It’s lovely knowing they are there.
‘Lovely knowing they are there’. That says everything about the enjoyment of nature and wild animals, Carolyn.
Best wishes, Pete.
Thank you, Carolyn, for the delight of a post! To see all the creatures that you support and trust you, restores my faith in humanity! A big thank you!
Joanna
Although we don’t seek to gain acceptance by wild animals it is always a privilege when some of them feel confident enough to ignore our presence.
Here on the east coast, mornings are my favourite time (because then I can see the sun rising over the ocean), but on the west coast it’s evenings (when I can see the sun setting over the ocean). But I also like mid-morning because then I always make a lovely steaming cup of tea and eat a cookie or rusk/biscuit. Looking at your photos, I can see why you like late afternoon – the colours are perfect! The deer’s facial expression speaks for itself: “Guilty as charged!”