Rabbits, bluebirds, butterflies..

Now that April's here, we're seeing so many animals starting to emerge from their winter hideaways. 

I spotted a rabbit the other night in the circle of light shining from our neighbor's front porch.

A pair of bluebirds have claimed the nest box and are busy from sunrise to sunset, flying back and forth to raise the year's first brood. I'd love to peek inside, but dare not lest I upset the parents.

 Another pair of birds, Carolina Wrens, have made a nest inside an old BBQ grill that we were getting ready to throw away. A small hole had rusted through the bottom, and we noticed the male and female going in and out through it. You can hear the babies squeaking and peeping inside if you listen carefully! What a creative spot to pick for a nest; I'm glad we didn't hurry to get rid of the old grill when it was no longer serviceable. Turns out it had plenty of service left in it--wren sanctuary.

Last week the first hummingbird appeared by our back porch. I hurried to clean the feeder and make some fresh sugar water, and now a pair of ruby-throats are constantly around, sucking up the fresh nectar.

The first butterflies of the year have shown up. It seems early, but they're here. I saw a couple of beautiful swallowtails yesterday.

Today hasn't been great for animal spotting, because it's turned chilly again with lots of rain. The woodpeckers have been turning up at the suet feeder, though. Not much deters them, plus the feeder's hanging under an eave of porch and that keeps some of the rain off while they're up there. It's fun to watch them from the dining room window.

That's all I've got for today. Oh, and I'm on spring break! I've been off since yesterday and I don't go back to work until the 17th. I'm so happy for the time off, I can't even tell you how much. Once we get back to school there's only five weeks left in this year; the end is finally in sight. 

A very happy Easter to you all!