Sounding like a nest of very disturbed hornets the tiny birds buzz back and forth, the brilliant plumage of the hummingbirds flash in the glare of the afternoon sun. Like aggressive fighter pilots locked in an aerial dog fight they tirelessly ascend and descend, with their characteristic elongated beaks and tiny wings beating they threaten and defend the sugary nectar in the feeders. It is hummingbird season in the Pacific North West and right outside our window they perform from the early dawn light to the red glow of sunset, luminous reds, rich golds metallic blues and translucent greens flashing through the air in an apparently never ending battle for existence. The hummingbirds are only part of the wonder of nature here on the ranch sharing the air space flora and fauna with the resident and transient Canadian Goose flock, the occasional scrawny coyote passing through, ( just in case…) the odd black bear struggling for survival, Rocky the ruthless racoon and the delicately beautiful black tail doe who just happened to be taking a late breakfast in our lower pasture this morning. After a quick photo call, fearlessly showing us her best profile and then her butt ( just so we could make a clear species ID…definitely a black tail) she trotted off through the belly deep grass. Now we know the culprit responsible for our broken fences !!!
With the camera still in hand, momma and poppa goose set sail on the mirror glass pond with their rapidly growing family of 5 goslings…another photo opportunity and the goose family were happy to show off their thriving offspring. Just to complete the wildlife photo shoot, Mr and Mrs. Mallard were having a few moments to just take in the beauty of the morning…or more likely, Mr Mallard was jealously guarding his new hard won mate from any competition that may be lurking. No ducklings yet..I guess it wont be long before they will be competing for pond space with the goslings.
The flags are back up, sadly the ravages of the Winter had rendered them unfit to fly but Greg got out his sewing machine and they are flying the colours as good as new.( you raised a wonderful son mom !!) I know that I am now an American citizen…but my Dad was a Brit as are all my siblings and children, the Union Jack isn’t going to leave the ranch any time soon!
The girl team, Quatra Carla and Rebecca, supervised by Greg turned lumberjack yesterday. Quatra offered to lift the Cedar Log onto the truck single handed, judging by the size of it, she needed just a little more Popeye porridge ! All the wood, potential cedar siding and firewood is safe and stacked in the barnyard the girls are still smiling, thanks girls!
Well, time to go,we are home alone today… Quatra is back to the city for a spell and Carla and Rebecca are going over the mountains to take part in a “Wolf Tracking” day. My suspicions are that they are on a clandestine area “clean up dog poop” exercise, they have been told to take pet poop bags. Don’t they get enough poop around here ?? smile. Hope they have a great day. Have fun girls
Wonder what trouble we can get into today ???
Take care, keep safe, M
With the camera still in hand, momma and poppa goose set sail on the mirror glass pond with their rapidly growing family of 5 goslings…another photo opportunity and the goose family were happy to show off their thriving offspring. Just to complete the wildlife photo shoot, Mr and Mrs. Mallard were having a few moments to just take in the beauty of the morning…or more likely, Mr Mallard was jealously guarding his new hard won mate from any competition that may be lurking. No ducklings yet..I guess it wont be long before they will be competing for pond space with the goslings.
The flags are back up, sadly the ravages of the Winter had rendered them unfit to fly but Greg got out his sewing machine and they are flying the colours as good as new.( you raised a wonderful son mom !!) I know that I am now an American citizen…but my Dad was a Brit as are all my siblings and children, the Union Jack isn’t going to leave the ranch any time soon!
The girl team, Quatra Carla and Rebecca, supervised by Greg turned lumberjack yesterday. Quatra offered to lift the Cedar Log onto the truck single handed, judging by the size of it, she needed just a little more Popeye porridge ! All the wood, potential cedar siding and firewood is safe and stacked in the barnyard the girls are still smiling, thanks girls!
Well, time to go,we are home alone today… Quatra is back to the city for a spell and Carla and Rebecca are going over the mountains to take part in a “Wolf Tracking” day. My suspicions are that they are on a clandestine area “clean up dog poop” exercise, they have been told to take pet poop bags. Don’t they get enough poop around here ?? smile. Hope they have a great day. Have fun girls
Wonder what trouble we can get into today ???
Take care, keep safe, M
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