Bear update

Actually, there are 3 cubs with Mama Bear. Last night the Baron heard the bird fountain tipping over. He was at the front window in a flash. They were too far away to be easily seen with only the house lights but the big torch lit them well, cleaning up the cardinal food at Jennifer Trailhead. (That's the end of the cardinals' evening treat for a while.) The Baron snorted and clapped. The cubs took off into the forest without a second thought, crashing and barreling though the trees. Mama stood her ground, but not menacing or apparently nervous, facing us until the babies were well away. Only then did she turn and amble off following the cubs. I don't think Mama could see us on the upstairs deck; she certainly saw the light but it didn't matter to her: she perceived danger and wasn't going to turn her back on us until the babies were well away.

The chicks weren't disturbed at all. They now all seem to have found a night perch, but some prefer sleeping under the stars on the cross piece screwed to the red plywood. About 7 were huddled together, pushing and shoving each other on this 2x4. A nice line of chicken poop collects there overnight. Most of the others were crammed on the opposite, parallel, perch. There are 2 other 6' long perches that they could use, but I guess they like to touch each other for comfort. At least they are off the ground; we've had about .5" rain today and it only got into the low 60s. Their feathers are waterproof; water rolls off like it is supposed to.

The Baron has his grand steed to haul compost and other baronial necessities.