Rat, Orange Mold, and Lichen Glaze with Lichens

Yesterday I found a 3′ long gopher snake in my garden. It was wrapped around the hose reel. Nearly stepped on it. Totally creeped me out.

Today I found a roof rat in my bird feeder.

Rat

When I was in the process of baiting our live traps, I found an orange with a lovely distribution of mold.

Orange with Mold

Why do we have so much wildlife in our gardens? Drought conditions and gardens that are great habitats for loads of critters.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t successful trapping the rat today, maybe tomorrow.


Update
This morning I asked my husband to open and set the trap. When he opened the trap, the rat ran out. Apparently last night when I asked if he closed the trap, and he said yes, he was talking about something else.

The rat ate all of the bait–a nice chunk or juicy orange and a saltine smeared with peanut butter topped with seeds.

Has the rat learned its lesson to avoid the trap? Maybe not. The trap was moved and more tasty treats were placed inside.


Cactus and Callistemon Flowers

When I purchased the Callistemon, the plant ID stated the flowers would be yellow. Not keen on the brilliant red, but bees and hummingbirds seem to be attracted to the flowers.

Bottlebrush

One of many bees enjoying the Callistemon (bottlebrush).

Callistemon (bottlebrush)
Callistemon

Callistemon

Seed Pods
Callistemon

Bottlebrush

From a different Callistemon that was pruned and is not yet blooming.

More Cactus Flowers
Cactus Flowers