local wildlife

Just a quick look at our recent nature opportunities.  We had fun waiting for our monarch caterpillar to hatch from it's cocoon.  We actually missed the actaul moment it emerged but we had fun holding it while it got it's strength together.  Here is Jaybird showing off his new buddy - it actually stayed around us for over an hour.

Now you have to look really closely but here is Spiderman holding a cool spotted salamander we found out back.  That's the first one we've ever found here and I was glad to see the boys were both interesed in holding and examining it -though the girls kept their safe distance. 

 

Here is Goose trying her hand at milking a cow.  She had been bugging me for a year or so about wanting to milk a cow and we finally had our chance.  All the kids gave it a shot and figured out the proper technique.  We were really put to shame when Mr. Noe took hold and did some serious milking in very little time.  Very impressive.  The kids tried some fresh, warm milk but decided they prefer it cold!  The Noes were nice enough to send our milk home with us so we could enjoy it for the next few days.