The recent rains and mild temperatures have encouraged the growth of grass, trees and flowers in the area. Birds are everywhere and other wildlife may occasionally be seen in Alva.

There’s a small creek down the hill at the end of our residential street that seems to be a hangout for deer. Sometimes late at night, we’ll see one or two strolling through yards. Friday evening when I arrived home at 8 p.m. the neighborhood wild bunny was happily snacking on fresh grass in my front lawn. Earlier this week I spotted a squirrel climbing our front yard tree. Another morning I saw the same squirrel be...