A Blessing of Beasts

Welcome to the wildlife Green anole – photo by Andrew Shaw

We have been without a pet for almost three years. Our nerite snail slunk across the rainbow bridge shortly after we moved into our new home. The five gallon aquarium where he lived now sits empty inside the garden shed. Taking care of an animal requires a burden of care that we are not ready to assume. Not while we have the caretaking responsibility for Andrew’s mother. We were fortunate to buy a house already equipped with handrails and wood floors, wide doorways and an extra bedroom. But we found the best blessing in our backyard.

We have frequent visitors to our garden.

Myrtle the box turtle – photo by Andrew Shaw

This is the second year we have been visited by a box turtle. Last year, after confirming her gender, we christened her Myrtle. Female turtles have brown eyes and their shells do not have a flare at the bottom. Males tend to have red eyes and flared shells. Box turtles are not endangered, but they are listed as “vulnerable” as their habitats are shrinking. If you find one in your yard, don’t try to relocate them as they are territorial. Andrew and I believe Myrtle lived here near our creek long before we met with a realtor. We are happy to see her when we find her strolling through our flowers.

Green anole enjoying the bugs – photo by the author

A multitude of little green lizards lurk among the plants. We call them all Jake. They are most likely all related and don’t seem to mind sharing that moniker. If I approach slowly they will allow me to offer them a dried meal worm. This, I feel, is an adequate reward for their hard work clearing the insects from our vegetables.

Small toad – photo by the author

After a late summer rain finally soaked our yard, I found dozens of very tiny toads hopping across the mulch. Each one is barely the size of my thumbnail but they have an impressive jump when startled. I can empathize. The toad in the image above can be found in the center of the bottom third of the photo. If you can’t find him here is another pic of one I found on our walkway.

Very tiny toad – photo by the author

As summer ends, we keep the fallen leaves and brushy plants in the garden. Less work for us and more places for our wildlife to shelter when winter arrives. The lantana in particular has been a colorful home to bunnies and a draw for butterflies and bees.

Lantana – photo by the author

“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” –John Muir

Cicada shell – photo by the author