The two I refer to as the 'twins'. These are the two very tiny but scrappy little raccoons that suddenly appeared outside the Retreat last summer - without a mom! Later they joined a slightly older group of youngsters that appeared almost very night. Oddly enough, though much smaller than the others they were accepted as part of the group. The smallest one (on the right in this photo) was actually very dominant of the whole gang. the small one is also the most inquisitive and seems to be quite willing to become friends with me. (And so far ONLY me). The other larger chappie is actually quite timid.I have no idea of their sex. Time to give them names, I think.

I think this is the mother raccoon I met just over a year ago. She has been visiting the Retreat almost every day this year. Lady is still very cautious, but will take treats from my hand now. Hopefully she will show off her new kits as soon as they are able to go out.

Little Red arrives for Christmas Dinner

Winter Arrives

The Retreat is surrounded by christmas card scenes. 

Just waiting her turn, momma would be proud.  (Yea, right!  GRIN).

All ready to come right on in to see what treats may be given. 

One of the three friendly kits - almost full grown by now.  What a happy face!

Swift water, cool and clear!

The Color of Fall

Big Red as the Retreat lookout!

August Skies

Little Red

Wow, can this guy hop!

Lots of friendly chipmunks here

Two of three racoon kits - regular visitors

Momma raccoon

We have hills - and forest.

Both wild and cultivated

You again?

Shallow near the shore line

The Supermoon - May 5th.

We have moved - and in the process of unpacking.  What a job.  The 'Retreat' has been relocated though it will be some time before the cameras are ready and running.  Nights are still cold, but the last few days have been sunny and reasonably warm.  There are lots of birds returning to th area - including at least one very big hawk.  Milady is sure she saw what may have been a wolf just the other evening.  No sign of any raccoons yet, though I'm told they are around.  Yes to the chipmunks, but I have not seen any squirrels yet.

Looking for his girlfriend?

I met my first friend

Sunrise over the mountain

So silent too!

April in the mountains

Up just before dawn, and what do I see?  I arrived at the new house the night before to check out things before renovations started. Snow I was not expecting, though,of course, it was no surprise. The beauty and the fresh air was! 

A New Path

I'm surrounded by boxes! In less than a month the Retreat will be moving to it's new loation. I can only wonder what creatures may come to visit. We will be far away from traffic noise, low flying aircraft and heavy freight trains. It's bound to be quite an experience. Hopefully both still and video cameras will be set up and running in short order. ATB!

It looks like it will be a white christmas

First a touch of freezing rain, then a day later about an inch of snow. Today it's very cold -17C or about 0 on the farenheit scale. Just in time as christmas is only a day away.

Hey, Rusty.....

It snowed last night, and Mr Squirrel is complaining about the bird food.. (Which he will at least sample).

Winter Arrives

But with a light freezing rain - no snow. The trees and shrubs seem covered with diamonds as a new day arrives with a clear sky.

Move Delayed

The proposed move to the north country has been put on hold until next spring. This photo is about where the 'Retreat' will be relocated - hopefully by early next May. The main house is just out of sight off to the right. The small river is straight ahead and just in view. It should be a great spot to watch all sorts of critters. (Including bears - i'm not sure I'm too keen on them). Grin.

Summer Past

The flowers have faded. Halloween will soon be here.,

It'sthat time of year

The sun will be setting just behind the church about November 11 or so. The winter cold will start moving in again. But can spring be far behind?

Almost ready for winter

Gizmo has been storing up reserves for the coming winter.

Gizmo Hogg packing it on...

And almost ready for winter.This little fellow is becoming quite content and seemingly happy.

The Night Shift Arrives

This friendly youngster is quite willing to clean up anything that has been left by the daytime birds or Gizmo Hogg. Thankfully this one is almost completely odorless, at least for now. :))

Gizmo Hogg

Gizmo is wondering why I have not left his breakfast out.

G.H. (Aka Gizmo Hog) Returns

Gizmo is ever alert and ready to scram for home. I must move very slowly and quietly. This has to be the smallest groundhog I have ever seen. But I'm happy he seems to call my backyard home. Being a vegetarian he has a taste for the bird food I put out.

Old Friends Return?

Much to my surprise this time. But that's antoher story. Now these two seemed to know me, perhaps a pair of kits from last year. Or - is this a mom and one quickly growing kit? I have no idea.

More Flowers

In spite of the miserable spring weather, the summer heat has done wonders for many of the plants in the garden.

A New Garden Friend

Now I know who was making all the noise under the retreat. It was not a young skunk, but this little groundhog. Though very shy, he (or she) keeps coming back. Yes, I call him (or her) Gizmo. I have no idea why that name seemed to stick - it just did.

A Hint

Of (I hope) the Retreats new location by this fall.

Summer Arrived - at last.

Though things were late in starting,the new blooms are doing great. We are still getting ready for our big move. I hope to be able to show you the great place that will be the new home for Rusty's Retreat - deep in the Laurentians, with a small river within feet of the front door.

This bird finds warm is good

Quite a difference from the picture taken back late in the winter.

It's been too long. Computer problems were part of the problem in keeping things more or less up-to-date.

However there are some very BIG changes coming to Rusty's Retreat. True, things are going to be slow until the Fall, but wait and see.

ATB! Rusty

Waiting For Dinner

A friendly Visitor

There are quite a few of these birds around but I don't have a clue what they are. Though fast moving, they don't seem to mind me sitting just a few feet away.