Critters Buggin'

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For those of you back home who may think we are on a blissful retreat, think again. In fact there are times when we sure would like a little bit of peace and quiet!

When we rented our little house we didn't know that it came with an entire family of squeaking, chittering and sometimes fluttering guests. Though the garden isn't large it does have a well established mango tree and many flowering plants as well as two ponds. So there is plenty of room for critters of all shapes and sizes to hang out. Sure, we are paying rent, but they have been here much longer than we have and even though some of them aren't as easy to live with as others (I'm talking to you red ants) generally, we all get along.

In the morning Matt and I have our tea on the verandah and take turns pointing out the creatures hiding under leaves or in the orchids. Yesterday two skinks decided to mate right in front of us. Not shy, those skinks. We respectfully turned our heads toward the fish pond just off the deck. Since Matt found a place to buy fish food the population of swordfish and guppies seemed to double overnight.

Bugs are huge here. HUGE. Luckily they generally stay off the deck. The geckos however have settled into the ceiling tiles which isn't necessarily a bad thing since they keep the space mosquito free. Mostly, when we've had enough we just go inside. Nothing bothers us there. Well, except for that one bat that flew in, became confused and then hit the ceiling fan.

The less said about that, the better.

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Photos

Calculating Tree Frog
Twiddling his thumbs while he plots world domination

Perky Agamid Lizard
Definitely had his coffee this morning

Unimpressed Toad
Not thrilled to be photographed

Satisfied Skink
Just finished eating an excellent cockroach and couldn't be more pleased

Small Tree Frog
So happy that this flower decided to bloom next to him.

Hungry Koi
These glorified carp never stop eating!

Moldy Leaf Butterfly
You can't see me!

Stealth Ducks
Almost as cryptic as the moldy leaf butterfly

Chicken Invasion
Seriously, it never stops

Hassled and Hagard Butterfly
Showing the scars from it's narrow escape from the mystery bird

Mystery bird
I don't know what this bird is, but it was pretty upset at missing out on its butterfly lunch

Our Koi
A face only a mother could love

Comments

[Heather]

Love those stealth ducks!
Your blog makes me very happy!

[RENanDREW]

Happy Birthday Matt!
I've just caught up on your latest blogs. You guys are making us miss Vietnam... your house sounds noisy but beautiful, and I love the pics of the adopted family :)