I celebrated Memorial Day by kayaking and hiking at Gifford Pinchot State Park this afternoon. I spotted a turtle in the reeds (in the lake) and a black snake in the brush (Quaker Race trail). Of course, you expect to see such creatures when you're at a state park.

But on Sunday, during a cookout at my parents' house, I was impressed to find a mother dove had nested in one of my mother's hanging flower pots on the front porch -- right by all the commotion of people banging the screen door shut in their comings and goings.

I was amazed I was able to get close enough to photograph her without her freaking out or taking flight. She didn't even seem bothered by the flash.

What type of wildlife have you had close encounters with? (not counting the mother goose who took up residence at Borders earlier this spring!) Post a comment and share! Better yet, e-mail me your story (and a photo if you have it) and I'll post it on here.