A Bonanza For Some

Had a nice chat with my neighbour who takes daily walks along my road. Among other topics, we compared notes on our damaged lawns. European Chafer beetles have become invasive pests in North America. The grubs of these beetles feed on grass roots, especially in lawns. Birds and skunks joyously cash in on the nutritious bonanza as they rip up the damaged turf. 

For the most part, I'm just going to mow over the messy patches with my lawn mower and let nature take it's course. But I've decided to take advantage of the free 'tilling' and sow some annual flower seeds in one of the sections.

  

Stationed at my drive entrance, this robin reminds me of a commissionaire on duty.

Checking for edibles in my newly raked, grub-infested lawn.

Unearthing an earthworm.

Turf ripped up by grub-foraging skunks and birds.

My fingers, for scale, and newly uncovered grubs.

 

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My lovely winter-long holiday of lounging about indoors are coming to an end. I'll soon have to slap on my groundskeeper hat and get busy. Last week I inspected and cleaned all twenty-five of my nest boxes. Was surprised to see that one of the boxes contained the distinct furnishings of a bluebird. Namely, a thick starting layer of pine needles.

This year I intend to clear out an overgrown nature trail in one of the fields. I may need some repairs to the tractor that I use with my bush hog implement.

Flaring his shoulder patches to impress the competition.

Sorry starlings, but I've got other plans for the owl box.

The lid on this feeder could use some rust treatment.

The jays are usually elsewhere at this time of year.

One of my three very agile red squirrels. 

Rabbits are plentiful here, despite coyote sightings.

 

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I'm still embroidering and adding patches to the quilt that my sister made decades ago. Also ordered cotton blend yarn to knit a few pairs of summer socks. I've definitely been on a needle-work kick.

A nod to our farm's dairy history. (Rather wonky stitching on the milk can.)

And for the many cats that have lived here over time.

My crocus are having their moment in the sun.

Ellie Mae, also having her moment in the sun.