Oh, the boss got an owl the other morning. He was up filling the wood stove just before first light and there was one calling from over by the cow barn. Alas, it was gone by the time he came in to get me.
We have spent quite a few hours driving out where we find them, to no avail. Not seeing much else either. I was talking to a friend in Alabama the other day though, and their feeders are full of irruptive winter finches, so maybe that is where all the birds have gone. We did get a Common Redpoll on the feeder this morning, only the second for the year, but it mostly the usual cast of winter characters.
Sometimes Lynk St. is good for Short-eared Owls
Not this year though
I always get antsy this time of year, wishing to see something, anything...interesting. Get anxious over the dearth of birds. And then February rolls around and they start moving slowly north and it gets fun again. This year though there haven't even been many ducks down on the river or even Canada Geese. Have they moved farther south to greener pastures? Or has the open water in other areas seduced them away from us?
Hard telling, not knowing, but better days are coming, it says here in fine print.
We do have a pair of Carolina Wrens (my favorite birds) wintering in the old cow barn and visiting the feeders regularly. February is always a bad month for them, but we will do what we can to keep them well fed.
Meanwhile, I am sorry I have been so lax about writing. Just no heart for it. Restarted working on the book I began writing when the Recorder fired me, so there's that. Maybe when the birds start moving the words will too.
Hang in there friends...you know what they say about better days. Much love from Northview Farm
Anybody missing a kitty? This guy seems to have moved in.
Pretty fellow.. as long as he leaves the birds alone
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4 comments:
What a pretty kitty. Will you keep him?
You aren't the only one who's been lax about writing these days. But YOU have a darn good reason for it, your psyche having to process an enormous blow, with great grief to deal with (not to mention the practical dealings about your parent's stuff). And I think we humans were really meant to hibernate during these bitter cold days, anyway. But I'm glad to see the birds still pique your interest and get you out. Thinking of you.
I have seen mention of Winter not being cold/snowy enough in the North for some birds to migrate down. Not sure how much merit this has. I hope you see an owl soon.
Beautiful cat, looks healthy. I always wonder what the friendly strays past stories are. Where did they come from, why isn't anyone looking for them, are they lost or dumped? I have a soft spot for cats, they have so many haters.
Linda, not sure what will happen with him. We live quite close to a housing development and he may be coming from there. Also new people in the little house at the bottom of the driveway (we miss the old owners something fierce) If he hangs around and doesn't seem to have a home my brother may take him. He needs a cat and this is such a pretty fellow.
Jacqueline, thank you for your kind words. I think of you often as well, and hope things are going okay.
Aurora, we saw one Snowy Owl late last year, but so far none have been reported locally. We keep looking. Friend just texted me that she found a Barred Owl in the county to the north of us, but with a busy day like we having we couldn't chase. As for the cat, we don't know where he originated. As I said above we live right next to housing development and he may have come over from there. We do get a lot of dropped cats as well. As long as he keeps eating mice and not cardinals he is welcome. lol
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