I hope this morning is one for our luck on the Christmas bird count, which is coming up soon. The girls and I were walking over to the barn at about five minutes past needing a flashlight. We were traveling real slow and cautious as it is nasty icy under about four inches of mealy, slick new snow.
Just as we got about half way there this huge, ponderous, slow-flapping bird lumbered over the heifer barn roof, barely flopping along. I was hoping for an exotic owl of some sort until I saw the long, trailing legs. Of all things to see in December when everything but the river and the Schoharie are frozen-a great blue heron. I know almost exactly how low it was flying because it winged its way right past the tower on the house. That is 72 feet tall and the bird was halfway up the roof part, we'll call it 65 feet. What a strange sight for this time of year. We have counted only two on the Christmas bird count in all the many, many years we have done it. I am crossing my fingers that he flies up to the Mayfield South section of the Johnstown count and sits around waiting for us to drive by. We just love those "ooh, ahh" birds. (That is what you say when you see one.)
***Herd health today. Cross your fingers, if you will, for lots of pregnant cows.
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- threecollie
- Embracing agricultural diversity, one species at a time. All rights reserved
Ha! That is so NOT what I say when I see one. lol, we have a koi pond, so that big blue bas**** means it's time for me to either grab a paint gun (unfortunately, it's illegal to shoot them) or sic the dog on 'em. They are beautiful though - just as long as they're in someone else's yard. Hmmm...and I am such an animal lover. lol, I just love my koi more.
ReplyDeleteHow cool was that! GB's are not unusual around the Loyalhanna Creek and its tributaries. I see them quite often in warmer weather, but they must be gone for the winter now. I haven't seen one since late October or early November.
ReplyDeleteWonderful sighting. We occasionally see them overhead. I do hope you have one around for the Christmas Bird Count
ReplyDeletetina, I can imagine how you must despise them. They haven't bothered my pond yet, because it is so small. The paint ball gun is an innovative concept...does it work pretty well?
ReplyDeleteStacy, we see them all the time in summer, wandering around the heifer pasture for some odd reason...maybe leopard frogs. There is no water there except a tiny creek, much too small for them to fish.
Endment, oh, thank you so much for visiting! I am delighted to see you here...and thanks, we are crossing our fingers, although we count a bit to the north so there is even less open water.
Yes, definitely, ooh ahh on the GB this time of year.
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed for your girls.
AMWD, thanks for visiting! The girls had a great day yesterday. there are a few that weren't bred, but most of them are and we are delighted!
ReplyDelete