I went out after dark (long after dark) to lock up the chicken yard. The farm cats were scattered around hunting bugs, as usual, their little glowing eyes in the beam of my headlamp identifying their location. But one animal in particular wasn't behaving like a cat hunting bugs. It's movement was much too quick and irratic, and it didn't have the same kind of glowing eyes that a cat has at night. Finally, in the beam of my headlamp, I could see that it wasn't a cat afterall!
Seems the armadillo is about!
Hunting bugs, turning up small bits of sod, looking for tasty snacks.
Sorry for the poor quality photos -- it was the best I could do to focus in such darkness, at the rapid changing pace of the armadillo. Thankfully, the flash on the camera lit up the area for the photos! I would have continued taking photos, but just after the last photo the armadillo decided it was done with the photo session and high tailed it under the shed.
Wow..he's cute! I've only seen those critters behind a fence at the zoo. Yea Ardie the armadillo!
Posted by: Vina | August 30, 2010 at 11:45 AM
Your photos are clear enough! For a northern-born and -raised girl, it's funny to see an armadillo close-up.
Posted by: Cheryl R | August 30, 2010 at 09:16 AM
Armadillos just make me giggle! They're an animal I've never seen in person so they seem kinda myth-like to me. You found a dinosaur roaming your farm! LOL!
Posted by: jenny4wheel | August 30, 2010 at 05:44 AM
You just never know what you'll find on your farm, huh? Are they a threat to any of the animals?
Posted by: Jennifer K. | August 30, 2010 at 03:56 AM
Oh, what a darling! The last photo is great. I've never seen one, live or dead. I hear they've made it up to KS, but the jury is still out on whether they are living there or are just hopping rides on semis. If they are living in KS, then, maybe soon, Southeast Nebraska! Woo Hoo!
Posted by: Shala | August 29, 2010 at 03:16 PM
They're such funny little things, aren't they? I think your photos are exceptionally good! That's cute that he was shy and hid. :)
Posted by: Shellie Daniel | August 29, 2010 at 01:13 PM
Oh, it's been decades since I've seen one of those! We used to have them in our yard when we lived in TX. I thought they were so COOL looking! Just so crazy, like a opossum with armor or something...hehe...
Great pictures, even in the dark! You are an amazing photographer...I enjoy your pictures so much...
Have a wonderful week! :o)
Posted by: diane mcvey | August 29, 2010 at 10:37 AM
Oh my what a great picture! You are a brave soul Anna
Evelynn
Posted by: Evelynn Saddler | August 29, 2010 at 05:58 AM
Gosh, even the wild critters down in Texas are scary-looking!
Posted by: bonnie weiss | August 29, 2010 at 05:52 AM
Until a few years ago we didn't have armadillos in Missouri, but they they made their way here. I have never seen a live one-only dead ones along and on the highway but I have seen places in the yard I thought might be their work!
Posted by: Bev J. | August 29, 2010 at 05:00 AM
Lots of really slow armadillos in Florida. I've only ever seen them dead on the side of the road. Nice to see one not dead for a change! You take cool pics!
Posted by: kathynruss | August 29, 2010 at 04:28 AM
Oh My Goodness!!! I've only read about them!!! I used to live in the "Texas Panhandle" area but never saw one that wasn't road kill - therefore unrecognizable.
What awesome photos Anna!! It's really much uglier than I thought it would be! LOL
Posted by: Sharli | August 28, 2010 at 09:55 PM
Your photos are terrific. This is really up close and personal. Too close for me though. Great shots.
Posted by: Sandy Hill | August 28, 2010 at 09:16 PM
That is so cool!!! I've only ever seen them at the zoo! Don't get many armadillos here in Wisconsin :)
Posted by: Michelle | August 28, 2010 at 07:29 PM
I think that's the first live armadillo I've ever seen. The only other armadillos I've ever seen were deceased - as in road kill - somewhere around Little Rock when I was driving cross country from CA to VA way back when I was just a young pup. Yours is kinda cute. He looks harmless too. Great job with the camera, BTW.
Posted by: Gabriela (Gabi With An Eye) | August 28, 2010 at 06:57 PM
Eeeew don't think I would have stayed to take photos. I might have bet him under the shed ! LOL. SO Dad doesn't like spiders. I know how much you dislike them. Must be genetic :) hugs...
Posted by: Carol Dee | August 28, 2010 at 06:00 PM
Wow, you get just the most amazing array of animals in your yard!
Posted by: Jacque Kelnhofer | August 28, 2010 at 05:33 PM
It looks like a flat football......or maybe not.I would not walk outside under those trees to take pictures.(in the dark) I hate big spiders that drop nets........ gives me the willies......Love, Dad
Posted by: DK Wight | August 28, 2010 at 05:17 PM
How funny! I haven't seen a live one since I lived down your way a long time ago!
Posted by: Jessie McLaughlin | August 28, 2010 at 05:03 PM
That's crazy talk!!
Posted by: ~liz | August 28, 2010 at 04:55 PM