FOY

Indigo Bunting on the patio
Black snake at the meadow pinch, 2'
Morels, 3, small, lower on the Bears' Lair Trail than last year.

and, Gambol flushed a turkey hen yesterday at the first water bar.  He appeared grateful that Paul called him off.  That hen might be in Ohio by now.

Happy Birthday Lady Terra

FOY over the last week: Whippoorwill at dusk, rose-breasted grosbeak, indigo bunting

Midyear view from Skytop

The fruit trees are big enough to see from across the valley.  The walking track is not visible behind the tall grass in the rest of the meadow.

Our walnut grove barely makes it into the picture behind the tree in the foreground on the left side.

We harvested the first (4) potatoes.  The potato bug had pretty well demolished the plant so it seems a good time to harvest. The potatoes were small but tender and tasty.  The delicate skin puckered right off after the boil.

Gambol found a nest of indigo buntings with 3 quarter-sized babies in a caged mountain ash in the meadow.  He said they were a good breakfast snack.   I have to learn when he points to have him hold until I check it out.

The video assignment was a 2 min. interview but I couldn't get organized when I had help around so I was left to my own devices.  I guess I get points for creativity.

Woodcock

We have incontrovertible proof that woodcock like our worms.  Unfortunately, we have one less this morning than yesterday.  On our early morning walk Gambol pointed about halfway down the meadow on the forest edge where it is still very soggy.  He held the point for at least 15 seconds but when I said OK, he dove and came up with something fuzzy.  He didn't mind giving it to me, still warm but definitely dead.  Buddy was watching sparkly air molecules float by as this drama was occurring.
If you ask quickly I'll save the pin feathers for an artist in our 'hood who make their own brushes.
FOY Indigo Bunting at the feeder, a beautiful flash of blue.