What interesting creatures live in your garden?

[Pulsegleaner]

Holy Belgium, those are big! I'd assume those are grubs of one of the large Rhinoceros or Stag beetles. I'd say Goliath Beetle, but I'm not sure those live as far South as SA. Plus I imagine the larva of a beetle that can get to be a foot long is even BIGGER than these!

 

[baymule]

Rhinoceros beetles are in the good bug category. I unearthed some of those monster grubs, thinking they were giant June bug grubs, I gave them to the chickens. Only later did I find out that I destroyed beneficial insects. Now I carefully relocate them to safer places out of mine and the hens reach.

 

[seedcorn]

This year, toads. So glad to see them. While weeding corn, found a huge one taking shade under weeds. Hated to disturb him but weeds thicker and taller than sweet corn. He can hide under straw and weed mulch now

 

[Smart Red]

Again, not right in the garden, but yesterday I spotted a quail beside the road about 1/4 mile from here. I haven't seen any of them around here for decades. Also in short supply are pheasant. We used to see many of them in the course of a year. Last year I saw one and none so far this year. Either coyotes have decimated their numbers, or the wild turkeys are kicking them out of their habitat.

 

[sumi]

I spotted my first garden creature today, exactly a week after we moved back here. A big, fat mouse was collecting thyme leaves and disappearing into the tall grass with it, where I'm assuming it has a cozy nest. It is freezing cold here at the moment, with wet weather predicted Small wonder activity in the garden is slow.

 

[Nyboy]

Sumi what is freezing cold in your part of the world?

 

[sumi]

Daytime highs of 50*F and nighttime lows of 32*F. I know, I know, I'm a wimp But we have no heating in the flat. We foolishly sold our two little wood burning stoves before we moved, not thinking we'll be staying here again during winter.

 

[catjac1975]

Hey, @sumi, I guess we have more in common than gardening. Here is a photo of my visitor. My crabapple trees are in the background.View attachment 3236

Wait? Red? That's a real giraffe near your yard?

 

[Smart Red]

Wait? Red? That's a real giraffe near your yard?

In south-est, central-est Wisconsin?

Real giraffe?

Yes and No. No, it is not near my yard, it is in my yard. Yes, it is a giraffe (mask) inside my bushes.

 

[catjac1975]

You got me. It looks real-sort of. Thought the zoo was next door.