Nature Study

These tracks were in the snow this morning.

Jonge noticed them when he got out of the car.

I later went out to take pictures of them so we could compare them with tracks found on-line.

Raccoon tracks, we're thinking. Although, I've personally never seen a raccoon here. We know that there are wood chucks, rabbits, squirrels, possums and mice.

Jonge and Famke had a lot of fun looking at all of the animals and their tracks at different on-line sights. I had to reassure Jonge several times that the raccoon could not get in the house. Just to be safe, he checked all the locks. Of course, I chose to skip the story about the possum that I came face to face with in my home once long long ago. It came back, too. That is a story for another time.

In the afternoon while we were eating lunch Jonge told me that he heard a noise that sounded like the hawk. I didn't hear or see anything. But, about 20 minutes later that unmistakable dark shadow passed by the window.

It is SERIOUSLY hard to get a picture on a gray day like this one was.

These two were the best I could do on short notice. With Kado in his highchair trying to unweave loomed potholders, Famke announcing bathroom success from her potty chair and Jonge trying to keep his eye on the bird while I dove for my camera it's a wonder I got a picture at all.

The second picture isn't good, but I love the effect of the picture having been shot through a window screen. I like weird stuff. But you knew that already.