August 15-21

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My yard

This week was spent working in the yard. I needed to clear an area from the driveway in front to the back yard in order for large equipment to access the drain field.

That involved digging up plants -- bromeliads, shrubs, small trees, and more -- and moving them out of the way; then, digging more holes to plant the vegetation. All of this before minor outpatient surgery next Tuesday after which I can't do any heavy work or exertion. So prep work in the yard took precedence over hiking.

But I did get enjoy vicarious wildlife sightings using the trail cameras set up in front of the house and at the side.

Big mother Florida Black Bear and a Bobcat were the large visitors. The bear was here Sunday and Thursday nights. She was very laid back, enjoying some peanuts and quiet time.

The bobcat was here Wednesday night and early Friday morning. Wednesday it was hunting while Friday was quieter.

Thursday night/Friday morning was especially busy. Cottontail Rabbits and a Virginia Opossum shared the side yard early; then, mother bear wandered through; then, while the Bobcat was lying in wait, one of the opossums walked out of the palmettos, directly in front of the Bobcat, and continued on to eat some peanuts. The Bobcat watched it go by before getting up and wandering off.

After all of the big critters had left, the Southern Flying Squirrels came out to finish up what every thing else had missed. Here's a short video mashup of the goings on.