Imagine an eerie sound waking you from a sound sleep. That’s what happened a few nights ago. The time was around 1:30 AM and, as already mentioned, I was fast asleep, dreaming of my two favorite men, no doubt — Ben and Jerry, when out from the dark night came a high-pitched cry.

Listen…

What could be making that so very strange call, you ask? Well, it’s a juvenile Great Horned Owl calling out to Mama or Papa for a tasty mouse. ‘I’m hungry; feed me.’

Scott Ramos caught a much better video of the little guy/gal in action. Of course Scott was catching the action during the day, not in the dead of night, so give me some credit for being alert enough to grab my phone and hit record.

Great Horned Owls aren’t the only creatures that have been spending time in my corner of the Concord River. I have a plethora of yellowjackets lately and let me tell you, they are stinking nasty. I was stung three times in August; twice at one time! Man, I’m not a big fan of yellowjackets.

The wild rabbits are also kicking up some dust in my garden. They seem to think I planted the tall phlox for their own enjoyment. Even my mums are falling victim to these wascally wabbits.

Other creatures include my Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds…

and American Goldfinches.

Don’t let their cute faces fool you; even the Goldfinches snack on my plants.

The butterflies have been enjoying the bounty of my garden.

Also added to the mix are a Hummingbird Moth and Black Swallowtail Butterfly.

And I was treated to a rare daytime view of a Polyphemus Moth. Did you know the Polyphemus Moth is named after Polyphemus, the giant cyclops from Greek mythology? Well, now you do.

Want more fascinating creatures?

How about a white-breasted Mallard hen?

I found a pitiful looking cicada while out walking Harlee.

The poor thing was near dead (the cicada, not Harlee). I placed him in a clump of vegetation (again, the cicada, not Harlee), blessed him (cicada!!) and went on my way (with Harlee).

Let’s see, who else has crossed my path? Does a heart-shaped slime mold count as a creature?

That pretty much wraps up the creatures that have visited me this past month. I don’t know about you but I am glad August is over. September, please be kind.

Blessed be :}

Mi manchi, mia amata immortale.