Porcupines and Butterflies and Deer, oh my!

 This summer at camp we have had the unplanned opportunity of a uniquely experiencing the northern Pennsylvania land in a new way...with a limited human foot print. Oh how the lovely sound of children laughing, chatting (and occasionally screaming) was missed but in its absence the wildlife thrived! It was a lovely Sabbath year for both I'm sure the land and the creatures, and there were many to be seen. 

For those of you not as familiar with the Old Testament, the Sabbath year was a year of rest, once every seven years by the Lord where the land and it's inhabitants were to rest from farming the land. Where the nutrients could replenish and the Lord would bless them, not through their own labor but His provision.  Despite the uncertainty that came with COVID-19, this was a visible year of Sabbath rest for us at the camp...though there was certainly work to be done. 

That said, for those who may be interested. A list of animals that poked their little...or not so little noses out was collected over the summer for our fun and now hopefully for you enjoyment/amusement. 

List Animals include:

Birds
Birds all of kinds - and I wish I knew my Ornithology well enough so that I could name them all to you!
Chicks
Dove
Ducklings and Mamma Duck
Eagle
Gold Finch
Hen
Rooster
Sparrows
Woodpecker
Wild Turkey

Insects
Ants - by which David was very impressed with given they were all "friendly" compared to Honduras' fire ants.
Bumblebee
Butterflies - they seem to like David a lot!
Carpenter Ants - at some point flying in swarms.
Caterpillar
Cicadas - David knows them as "chicharras"
Crane
Crickets
Fireflies
Flies
Grass Hopper
Wasps

Fish
Bass
Blue Gill
Sunnies

Mammals
Bat - one of which managed to interrupt one of our Bible studies when decided to come into the Red Room and then fly tirelessly looking for the exit!
Bear
Chipmunk
Deer - we were able to see a mother deer and her fawns grazing peacefully throughout!
Gofer
Hare
Orange Cat
Porcupine
Rabbit
Raccoon

Reptiles
Garter Snake - a common, harmless North American snake that typically has well-defined longitudinal stripes and favors damp habitats.
Turtle

Miscellaneous
Gastropod 
    Snails
     Slugs

There seem to be a story that accompany almost every encounter with these wonderful creatures those follow up stories would be most likely published soon. How great of an experience it is to observe God's creation and be a witness of His displayed wisdom. I am reminded of the Psalm that says "The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it" Ps. 24:1.