Wow!!!

I spent several hours today weeding* the front yard.  I moved a piece of plastic that is currently being "stored" in one corner, and found this guy.  He was somewhat peeved, and initially tried to pretend that he was invisible.  I was completely unaware what he was, I just thought he was an interesting colour - otherwise I'd have tried for more photos, and seen if I could turn him over to look at his belly.  But after I had lifted him up onto the pavers so I could take a few pictures, he realised that he was NOT invisible, and rapidly crawled off to a hole in the wall and disappeared.

Subsequent consultation with Mr Google suggests that he is in fact a great crested newt!  How wonderful is that?

My back is protesting rather loudly this evening after all the bending involved in weeding*, but I'm chuffed with the results.

*They may be "uninvited garden guests" elsewhere in the garden, but in the front gravelled yard they are very definitely weeds, and are all removed!