Urban Wildlife

I think that's a wonderful idea. They can take over his taking care of himself training since mom isn't there to do it anymore. And they'll release him somewhere more out of the way so he won't get into too much trouble.

Of course, now that I have the plan in place, I haven't seen the babies anywhere. Crafty little buggers.

That they are.......and it's how they survive.

I was watching birds while I drank coffee this morning, and I saw a really nice 2-point buck run across the yard, into the pasture, and through the electric tape fence. I was thinking to him, "Stay away from the road! You can stay on our land so the hunters don't get you." He was fabulous... Big, good weight, nice (if small) antlers. He's going to be impressive when he grows all the way up. I hope he sticks around.

I hope he does too.

So do I..........I haven't seen a deer around here in two years.

There are plenty here. We have a whole family in the pastures for hunting season.

The tame ducks next door have an egg. They aren't sitting on it, so it won't hatch, but there it is. Right on the side of the road. Silly tame ducks don't have any idea how to be the mallards they are.

There are deer at White Rock Lake. I haven't seen them but I have seen signs.

I have a barn owl! When I went to the barn to bring in the horses, the owl told me I disturbed him. He sat on top of the loft ladder and stared at me. When I was done, he was gone, but I hope he comes back to hide out from the weather. He's welcome to live in my barn for his whole life.

How cool!!!

The bald eagle was sitting in the big pine tree near the back of our house. I must have startled him when I went out with the dogs after work. He swooped over the big pasture to the woods. He must be hunting the little creatures that seem to be wiggling around in the pine straw.

Cool......a barn owl and a bald eagle. You sure have the wildlife around your place Becky! I hope you see both of them hanging around the place again...... they'll keep the mouse population down.

I haven't seen the owl since the blizzard. I'm sure he's in the woods because I've heard some owl-y noises. The eagle is the resident. I haven't seen the mate, but I think she's around somewhere. I try not to bug any of the raptors. They are welcome to eat what they want.

This morning was the last of the warm spell. Bingo and I saw a frog on our walk. I know he's going to tuck back into the mud tonight, but it's nice to see them and to hear the peepers in the flooded pasture.

When I was flying out to the pasture to get the horses, I saw six bald eagles flying over our back yard and pastures. I think I saw a couple mating. I've never seen so many here before. I guess the storm had them feeling frisky. They seemed to be enjoying catching thermals and soaring in the big gusts.

One of my neighbors told me yesterday that she saw the first robin of spring! Of course, that robin is now cursing himself out for coming back so soon (it's snowing as I type this).

The goldfinches are starting to turn yellow. Our giant flying olives are getting ready to pair up.

Today's sighting was a pair of wood ducks in our flooded back pasture. The annual Canada goose invasion is happening, and they're looking for nesting sites alongs the banks of the flooded area. The ducks were happily swimming and singing while the geese honked at them. I think it's a pair and they might have a nest nearby. I hope so. I like watching ducklings in the spring. These will be a nice change from the mallards that are everywhere.

I saw a hawk in one of the birdbaths on Monday. I wasn't quick enough to get a photo.

Oooooo, what kind of hawk did you see Sue?

We have robins all over around here!

I have no idea. But he was having a fine time taking a bath.

I saw two woodpeckers when I was walking Bingo today. They flew out of a tree and right across my path. One followed the other. Wonder what was up. I hardly ever see them in groups.

Mating season?

Maybe... It is time for nesting and laying, so very possible.

Today's siting was a HUGE spider in the house. One nice day, and the ones the size of my hand are out. Argh! I can't stand spiders in the house. This one met an unfortunate end when a kitty decided to tackle it. Thank goodness. I'd be on the furniture cowering if it was still roaming the halls.

Good kitty. Who was the brave kitty?