On my way into my sister’s place to photograph her Peacocks, I spotted this momma Opossum crossing the road with 6 little ones riding on her back.
I have one living in my backyard, someplace. I only see it once in awhile and never with little ones.
She was slow moving and stopped to watch me when I got out to take a picture.
He’s decided he’d better get aboard or get left behind.
Once everyone was settled in, I stepped back and let her go on her way. She was headed towards a nice drainage ditch that would give her cover and access to water.
Opossums are marsupials. The only one in North America. When the babies are born, very tiny, they find their way to the pouch where they remain for 2 1/2 to 4 months, until weaned.
I read they eat cockroaches (we have huge ones in FL called Palmetto Bugs) that are found in the palms, roof rats? don’t know what they are, but my Mother always said there were fruit rats in the woods. I don’t remember seeing any, but one year I left some tangelos on the tree and when I got home a few weeks later…they were all eaten but the outside.
So…Opossums…you are welcome to stay at our place. We’ll be watching for you.
What a great series of photos! I have never seen an Opossum. How cute are those babies??? Nice captures.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures. Noticed the blackish one mixed in with the others. It looks like a rat rather then a possum.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures of the 'possums, Carol. I've never seen the Mama carrying her babies like that. Amazing!!!!
ReplyDeleteI remember Palmetto Bugs when I lived in Florida... YUK!!!!! The fact that they fly drove me insane.
Hugs,
Betsy
Wow1 Another great series of shots! I thought I had it bad when my twins were little and at least one seemed to be constantly hanging onto me. The first shot is great. She's looking at you and not seeming to care that you are there. What a great opportunity you had and fortunate that you had your camera with you. Good work.
ReplyDeleteThey are adorable! I love their beady little eyes. Great shots :)
ReplyDeleteVery cool shots! It's hard to capture the cuteness of possums but you've certainly done it.
ReplyDeleteHow fun. I'm a big opossum fan, but have never seen this classic sight. I love mom in picture 3, the way it seems she is gritting her teeth.
ReplyDeleteThese are great pictures.
We have opossums around us, very close and in good numbers. In all my years, I have wanted to see one with her young--you are very lucky to have found her and crossed paths on this day!!
ReplyDeleteA great series of photos! I have seen many opossums, but never a mom with young.
ReplyDeleteThese are great captures. Six little ones, can you imagine trying to do that with kids.
ReplyDeleteI finally got a chance to check out your blog and love it. Your wildlife is just right there.
Thank you for this series of photographs. I really enjoyed seeing Momma and her babies!
ReplyDeleteWe have Opossums too but I have never seen her with the babies.
Wonderful.
Sherry
Oh I loved this photos..
ReplyDeleteI hope you dont mind but i twitterd this so others could see how cool it was..
It's a Mammalian Minivan!
ReplyDeleteYou probably get told this all, your pics are amazing. What kind of camera do you use?
ReplyDeleteGives new meaning to the saying, "Will you get off my back!" That is one hard working Momma! Thanks for stopping by my blog!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful photo essay! Thank you! And welcome to the Nature Blog Network ;-D
ReplyDeleteLovely cute Opossums, the mum looks very proud and so should you.
ReplyDeleteGreat capture shots,well done. Love your write up.
John.
I had one visiting for several months. It would come right to the patio. I've never seen one with their babies. Very interesting.
ReplyDeleteAnother great photo opportunity- you really have some outstanding series of photos! Those don't happen by sitting indoors at the computer, do they? Very nice.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely adorable, I'm so glad you found my blog, so that I could find yours! I love it!
ReplyDelete