Joy Cometh in the Manuring

Thawed at last

Black Eagle Mountain on a sunny Sunday

River still frozen - as of today it is flowing again

Blue sky - sunny day

Looking toward the Three Circle Ranch

Bald Eagle

Bald eagle -2

Bald Eagle -3

Pine Grosbeak - rare in our area

Pine Grosbeak

Bird droppings on the gate! Welcome to Hill House!

Deer manure on the deck

A nest the rabbits made at 20 below, and rabbit manure

daily haiku

dead mice and rabbits
have disappeared this week
eagles

This week the Thistle Sock runs out of seed and I will not replace it.  I will miss it as I sit near the window and am about 5 feet away from the birds as they feed.  However my smart husband identified a problem years ago; the Bluebirds will not nest under the eaves if there are too many other birds close by - they are threatened by danger or territory at a guess. The Bluebirds are due to return in about three weeks; the territory needs to be clear so they can delight me with their presence once more, this spring and summer.

I've also been visited by Pine Grosbeaks this past month. I did not know they were rare to this area until I read an article in the Billings Gazette. They are brightly colored but tend to hang out with the house finches and purple finches, and so they are not quite so noticeable. Hidden in plain sight!

A covey/flock (?) of bald eagles moved into the river last week and that was very exciting. I first spotted them in the cottonwood trees as the sun was going down and all I could see were their silhouettes.  I thought they were Turkey Vultures returning early, for some reason, but retuning to the site next day I could see they were eagles. I managed to take the photos above.  I also heard one "talking" a strange sound I couldn't identify at first, but then it developed into the typical screech and I knew exactly what it was.

For the most part we are thawed although the ground is still frozen from night frost.  In the next few days we return to cold and snowstorms. I have been enjoying an afternoon walk down the driveway in addition to my morning walk, on the treadmill or along Birney main street.  I am enjoying this winter so very much.

After the retreat of the snow I was left with a lot of animal manure. Deer left their marks under the cedar trees, the rock patio and even on the deck, and the gate to the house is stained with bird droppings.  There is so much rabbit poop that it is unbelievable. The droppings get into my cleats and track indoors if I am not careful. However that may not be a problem in future - I think the Eagles have feasted on my rabbit population since I have only seen one rabbit of late. Nature took care of it.

So the next warm day I must get out with my broom and dustpan, enjoy the sunshine. Indeed joy will come in removing the manuring!