Nutria

Late this afternoon I went out for about 1 1/2 hours not really expecting to see much but was pleasantly surprised.  Quite a few birds out searching for their evening meal.  Blackberries are beginning to rippen and the ripe ones were getting eaten.  A few more days most should be ready.

One of the nutria was leasurely swimming about cooling in the shady area.  After a while it moved on, stopped and began some serious preening.  The dexterity of their hands reminded me of a raccoon.  Finally it moved on heading towards the pond.

As I was coming back across the bridge, I stopped distracted by the Vireo and a pair of Grosbeaks.  A slight movement and I spotted a young buck half hidden and giving me the watchful eye.

For the second time this week, I heard the Yellow-Billed Cuckoo.  This afternoon, it flew close by and yes, right to where I was shooting into the sun.  It will stay in the area for the summer so hopefully I will get another close encounter in good lighting.