"Westley, what about the R.O.U.S.s?"

So I live in a busy suburb of a major metro area. If you've been following my blog the last couple of weeks, I still get a lot of visitors in my backyard despite being located near major roads in my area. However, most of those guests haven't surprised me much. They've mostly been birds and squirrels with the odd fox, all of which I expect to find everywhere, even my busy suburban apartment backyard (well, the fox surprised me a little). However, today's backyard sighting caught me off guard...

Your eyes do not deceive you...that is a groundhog. In my backyard.Seriously?

Yes, seriously. He ambled into view outside my patio door and I dove for the camera. Thankfully he moved slow enough that I could grab a bunch of photos.

He actually reminded me of a R.O.U.S from The Princess Bride ("Rodents of Unusual Size? I don't believe they exist."). And actually, it shouldn't surprise me too much. I've seen them alongside the interstate we frequently use, so why not in my own backyard? I guess I'm just so used to my regulars that this surprise guest threw me for a loop. :) But I'm glad he came and allowed me to give him an entry in my digital "guest" book. Maybe he'll be a return visitor? :) Only time will tell...