I've been busy clearing away unruly trees and shrubs from the lane to our bush lot as well as the bird box trails. Prickly ash and dogwood bushes are the main culprits that if unrestrained will gleefully become roadblocks. Call to duty the bush hog, chain saw and clippers!
If not parked in the shade, I make my own shade with a tarp over the cargo bed and a curtain stretched across the sunny side. The bench seat and backrest are lovely and comfortable for taking iced tea and snack breaks.
During these breaks I love to run my smart phone's bird sound identity app. I had observed most of these birds around me but the Warbling Vireo was a surprise.
Each recording lists the birds it hears and highlights each bird detected in real time. (I'm becoming less sad about giving up my flip phone.) Here is a screenshot of what "Merlin Bird ID" is hearing these days:
On the evening of June 26th, I had a special treat.
At dusk I looked out the kitchen window and saw a mother raccoon with her passel of five youngsters. Checked a short time later to see where they went but saw something else instead.
A doe was laying down and licking her newborn, twin fawns. It was too dark for taking pictures. Also, there was a window screen and foliage in the way. But through binoculars I watched the spotted fawns as they explored their new world on unsteady young legs. Eventually the doe stood up and the dainty youngsters nursed. Midsummer sweetness!!!
Yesterday I noticed a large patch of wild blackberries. I picked enough to make a pie but decided to just enjoy them fresh from the brambles. So luscious and flavourful!!! More midsummer sweetness!!!
Since I no longer own a dog, the cottontail rabbits feel quite safe in the backyard. When I'm outside, they pretty much just ignore me and go about their munching business. I certainly enjoy their company.
Life here has been a joy. Friends dropping by, nightly firefly shows, young birds growing up and flying free, yummy root beer floats and pretty summer bouquets. All midsummer sweetness!!!!
