The weather here in Sugarcreek has been beautiful with not a drop of rain for the past week or so. The blue skies and early morning sunrises are breathtaking. I do wish it would rain though. The ground is hard and cracked in places I could never reach to water. I have been watering in some areas though and have come across many of nature’s wonderful summer visitors.

Most of the baby birds are off and flying. and last year we had a hummingbird nest right outside our back door. She has returned again this year to raise her young. It is amazing to watch her flutter around and land in a nest no larger than the size of a ½ dollar. The butterflies too are plentiful. We plant many flowers and milkweed that bloom throughout the season which are attractive to both of these species.

Oh, and the bunnies. Well, they are quite brave this year. We have had many adults along with offspring stop by and visit. The babies are a joy to watch as they hop around in the tall grass that I have yet to mow. I am thinking of borrowing a few signs from the zoo. You know the ones that explain the unkempt areas are really wildlife nesting areas. We need a few  dozen of those.

Then there are the groundhogs. We’ve had one nesting under our shed for years. Normally she has her babies and once they are old enough off they go. This year they have decided to take up residence under the garage. This is not good for the structure of the garage so hopefully they will be gone soon. The butterflies, hummingbirds and the bunnies are welcome to stay.

Sometimes living with nature can be difficult. They like to dig and nest in places they shouldn’t and sometimes they like to taste test the veggies before they are even ready! The trade off of watching them and allowing them a place to safely reside is well worth it though.

Baby bunny