Wednesday Windage: You Must Let The Bear Eat You!

Catching Some Rays

 This doe was enjoying the warm sunshine, and probably getting a few minutes away from her baby.

Fox Kits Playing At The Back Door!

 One of our blog friends sent us this video, with permission to post it! This fox family lives in a major eastern city. Foxes and coyotes have adapted to urban settings, but it still seems unusual to see wildlife in developed areas. Foxes in rural areas have a tough time because coyotes prey on them. That drives foxes to live up close to humans, where coyotes traditionally have feared to tread. MANY THANKS TO JOHN for sharing this happy video!

Five, Count 'em, Five!

 Our resident nesters are the proud parents of five little fluffs! Doing their annual Spring Grind, raising young'uns.

Dying Can Be A Tough Process

 We had a sick skunk fall over the retaining wall at the end of our lower dog yard, and the poor critter could not get up and out after I opened the fence. It would move around a bit, and then curl up in a ball, occasionally having seizures as it fought for breath. It probably has either distemper or rabies. Both diseases are common with skunks. We don't want to kill him and get his blood and scent in the dog yard, so we have to let nature work its nasty, merciless process to the end.

Well, life continues for most of us, and there is plenty to do.  We moved the two fosters from the basement to be with the pack upstairs. We don't want them in their dog yard until I can spray a mild Clorox solution all over where the skunk could move. It's always something. Back To The Old Grind!

Thunder Chicken!

 There has been an eagle hanging around the pond for the last couple weeks. It will sit and watch the water for long periods with the patience of a cat. I hope we see it grab a fish. We don't let our Schips out unaccompanied. A Schipperke would be an easy kill for a bald eagle, so we go out and keep watch over them.

Morning Wildlife Show

 A few nights ago I saw a skunk on the pond dam, and raccoon eyes out in the trees. Morning came and there was a fox crossing the dam, a lone goose that was hanging around on the ice. Was it the fox keeping it out there or a raccoon. One passed by, and you can see it to the right of the goose.

Here's a better shot of the coon.

Then a pretty ten point buck showed up north of the dog yard. He had moved off into the woods by the time I got back with a camera, but I did get a photo to admire him. I am surprised he has survived. The neighboring wildlife outfitter has posted a dozen big bucks that their customers have killed, and there were others that were shot and not recovered.

I think he has figured out where his safe space is.

Sixty Degrees Today, Turtles Catching Some Rays...

 ...Frost warning for tonight!

A Big Dig!

Wednesday Windage: Build Your Hunting Habitat

 Susan and I planted these chestnut trees forty nine years ago, and we enjoy picking up nuts every year. We have to get out and pick up before the nuts are all eaten by wildlife, but we get enough for snacks. Our deer hunting friends always start out each fall hunting around these trees.

Fledged Phoebes!

 This photo was on June 26, just a week ago. I checked the nest this evening and the little birds have fledged. Younguns grow up so fast. We can use our outdoor lights again, until next spring!

Phoebes!

 We are not using the outdoor lights on the east side of the house. We don't want to cook our babies! Mama Phoebe has been very patient with us, flying a short distance away to watch us when we are near her nest. These babies will fledge soon.

What Are Raccoons Made Of?

 

Another Nighttime Hunt Is Coming Up!

 

We have another nighttime hunt coming up. A second armadillo has invaded the compound, and it will be ejected!

Proud Mothers!

 

Our first nesting pair of geese that showed off their goslings had five, then a few days later they were down to one, and then none. Coyotes, raccoons, bobcats, and snapping turtles are all suspects to that tragedy, but yesterday we had three sets of parents showing off their babies in our back yard.

Bird Behavior

I have seen turkey vultures spread their wings to soak up sun, but this is the first time I have watched one take a shower bath. He enjoyed the light rain this morning for several rotations.

 

They Are Beautiful!

 Fly north, have babies, fly south.

Fly north, Back To The Old Grind!

Armadillo Cleanup Squad

 

                                                                                     

                                                                                    

Just like dinner down on the Rio Grande. Back To The Old Grind!

The Next Pest...

Groundhogs don't cause near as much damage as armadillos, still, they can drop a barn by digging around the poles. Groundhogs are kinda cute, too, and they can make a Sunday dinner for the family. I have mixed feelings.

Out In The Daylight!

 There are two of these little barred owlets in the hollow hickory. One is bold and watches us closely. The other just barely peeks out at us. Every day has a new thrill!

We Got The Nasty Blighter!

 The armadillo is toast!