SNOWSHOE HARE (WINTER) SNOWSHOE HARE (SPRING) SNOWSHOE HARE (SUMMER)
MAMA BEAR AND CUB WOODPECKER WARBLER
HAWK MOTH LUNA MOTH WILD TURKEYS
RACCOON DEER SKUNK
The snowshoe hare is a year-round visitor to Rivendell. Seen here in February, he will turn back to brown by April. The dense softwoods around Rivendell provide excellent protection from the hawks, owls and foxes.
Black bears are often seen in the yard between May and October. They come for the sunflower seeds in the feeders which are removed once we spot them' but they still come around looking. They have a regular route they travel, visiting each of our neighbors. This one is a little too close for comfort.
Red squirrels are everywhere around Rivendell. They can be seen chasing each other or screeching at each other any time of year. Late February is mating season, so they are quite frisky.
Black-capped chickadees flock here in all but the warmest weather. They are often accompanied by nuthatches, woodpeckers and titmice. Very friendly, they sometimes will eat right from your hand.
Raccoons are more frequently heard than seen, arguing with each other over dinner. But many nights they can be found on the deck, scavenging seeds that have dropped from the feeders. They often bring their young and we have seen as many as 6 at a time. This one happened to wander up in the middle of a rain storm .
Woodpeckers are usually seen only in winter, hanging out on the suet feeders. Along with the Hairy Woodpecker, we also see the Downy Woodpecker and once in a very great while, the much larger Pileated Woodpecker.
Wild Turkeys are prevalent in all of Vermont. We usually see them in the fall, scouring harvested corn fields for lost kernels, in flocks of 8 to 20. As the snow begins to melt, they begin to leave their roosts in the dense conifers to feed. This paid us a visit on Easter morning. And yes, they can fly!
We have seen many more moose on the roadside, than in our yard. They lick the salt that has accumulated over the winter. There have been a few around the house, with one leaving his prints at the back steps. This was taken on a sunny October morning in our driveway. Careful driving at night, especially in the spring.
This is a Hawkmoth. It flies and hovers just like a Hummingbird, which I first mistook it for. Here it is feeding on the phlox in front of the sunroom. Its proboscis is fully extended and about 4" long.
This poor guy flew into the living room window and temporarily dazed himself. It's a Canadian Warbler. Only a summertime visitor, this one was here just long enough to take this picture.
One of the largest moths in North America, the Luna moth is not uncommon, but has a life span of only a week, so the time to spot them is short. Their 5" wingspan makes them a little scary on a warm July evening on the deck.
Chipmunks are our most abundant visitors at Rivendell. They first venture out during the first warm days of spring, even before the snow has melted, and stay until October. Right now they are constantly hoarding sunflower seeds and corn for the coming winter. Some are so fearless (or hungry) that they even allow you to pet them.