The critter post

What is summer without animals and birds? I have been spending much of my time outdoors, which has given me the opportunity to take pictures of some of our four-legged friends, as well as our winged friends. I've seen them in a variety of locations, including in gardens that I tend, my back yard, and at the Grand Island Farmers Market. 

Canada geese at Hyde Park in Niagara Falls, where the Master Naturalist group went to replant a few new trees and water all of the new trees. The next day, we visited the Stella Niagara Nature Preserve. The Western New York Land Conservancy purchased the land from the Franciscan Sisters of Penance and Christian Charity. The land is in the process of being restored. All invasive plant species are being removed and are being replaced by native plant species, which attract bees and other pollinators.

Canada geese enjoying a swim at Joseph Davis State Park in Lewiston, N.Y.

The Master Naturalist group enjoyed a birdwatching walk with Jajean Rose of the Western New York Land Conservancy. Thanks to a fun technology trick, I was able to photograph this bird.

The fun technology trick involved looking through a scope. To take the picture, I placed my iPhone on top of the scope. I was able to take a picture. This was the original version. I was quite gleeful. To get a better view of the bird, I cropped the photograph to produce the picture above.

Back at home, I saw this deer in the back yard. It apparently has a problem with its hind leg. People have sighted this deer for several years and it always holds up its leg like this.

squirrels are very curious critters.

This bird has a song in its heart.

A meeting of the minds.

Where do you think you're going?

This is a red-bellied woodpecker.

Ducks at the Grand Island farmers' market.

Let's mow the lawn!

It's time for a beverage. Who goes first?

Getting ready for the chicken races.

These rabbits are ready to be adopted.

Here are some adorable baby rabbits, looking for a new home.

Today's conversation: Animal or bird stories! I love them! And... don't worry about embellishing and exaggerating to make it funnier or wilder. Have fun, and I'd love to hear from you.