I love those little unexpected lessons that come about when you live in the woods.

The children spent much of the morning following, studying and observing this little guy.

Apparently, if you lay just so on the ground, right at his level, you can see the heart shaped spots on his flank.

This little fellow was actually not doing well at all when the boys spotted him. I suspect he was severely dehydrated. They very gently transported him to the banks of our stream, leaving him lying amongst the wet leaves, with a small pool of water beside him. Thankfully, the water did the trick and he perked up almost immediately and provided them with a morning of viewing amusement as thanks!