Such Interesting Neighbors

These were taken on a hike about 5 minutes from our house.

Prairie dog

Rabbit

Bear scat and tracks... I think he was still in the bushes rustling around, but couldn't get a good look.

Rattlesnake... AWESOME!

This guy was found in the yard as I was mowing the lawn. I thought he was a mouse when he ran out!

Wolf spider
Maybe the coolest of all (except for the rattlesnake - awesome!) was the noise that nearly made me jump out of my skin at 3:00 in the morning (Pause the music player and turn the volume up).

Barred Owl

That is the noise they make when they are talking excitedly to their mate. Of course when it is the middle of the night and you were in the middle of a dream, it sounds like the aliens have landed.

This is another video that includes its most famous call: "Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?"

They are amazing! I am thinking of building an owl box with the kids.

We also found this cool game that is available for download for FREE. Pick your wolf and find your mate. Track scents and hunt your prey!

More cool stuff:

Who Pooped in the Park?