Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Wednesday wildlife, coyote country

These seem to be healthy enough:



Too bad they aren't keeping he rabbit population down.

Friday, March 10, 2017

Friday is buck day, Rumps!

Walking away from the camera and showing their best sides:



By the shed, a poor silhouette but a nice rack:


Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Wednesday wildlife, looking for a home

Immediate Occupancy: Small country bungalow with views of rolling hills overlooking the scenic English River valley. Perfect starter home for that young couple who are looking to begin their family. Recently built with a cedar roof and open floor plan, interior completely stripped just a few short months ago.

 
The frugal-minded will appreciate the attractive styling and three-dimensional construction. Southern exposure with young trees nearby is just the thing for a growing young family. No appointment necessary to view this lovely home that could be yours for just a song.



This bluebird pair worked in concert with one on the ground while the other perched on a young walnut tree. While I first spotted them a week ago, this past Saturday they were checking out the house. I'm hoping that this will be the year a young brood will emerge and we can enjoy them for years to come.

Monday, March 6, 2017

Box elder blues, young trees needing gone

I spent this past Saturday cutting several dead, dying and rotting trees. A dead elm that need to be removed for a couple of summers and 8 box elders that ranged from 8 to 15 inches in diameter. One proved troublesome and it leaned north but turned to the southeast. That came back on me over the fence.

The property has an overabundance of these box elders in the fence line, some of which I would much rather have the wind take down. Even though these were small, almost all had rotten centers and a couple were dead. One of these had rot up to 12 feet and only a few inches at the base was keeping in upright.

The second one I cut was about 7 inches wide and I discovered ants:



Another example of a smaller 5 inch tree:


I like the red blending through the wood grain, but it's rare to get a log of any size that is worth to cut.

I'm thankful for the chain brake for the saw and I pretty much have the habit of hitting the brake after a major cut or if I have to step around the brush. A missed step could have cost me a foot on Saturday.

About 5 hours of cutting, stacking and dragging brush around and I called it a day:


Not quite going off in the sunset, but back to the truck.

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Wednesday wildlife, 4 AM coyote call


Our first pic of a coyote this year. The neighbors have had several hunts after reports of the predators attacking young lambs. They can have their fill of rabbits on our acreage and leave the livestock alone.