Another view of a different egret...such cooperation, finally!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Egret on branch 2
There have been many more egrets on the creek than usual for this time of year. They have been very skiddish especially by my house and over on the land. Yesterday they decided to cooperate. I first scared them off Cache Creek and they flew onto Copsey Creek. When I continued my walk, they all flew back to Cache Creek and on the third circuit, I was able to get these shots.
Happy New Year!
I tried to get a flock of pelicans on the wing, but even zooming, they were just too far away, but were lovely to see. All in all a very satisfying walk. Am not sure I will get back over today as I am cooking up some food for a little NYE celebration!
Happy New Year!
I tried to get a flock of pelicans on the wing, but even zooming, they were just too far away, but were lovely to see. All in all a very satisfying walk. Am not sure I will get back over today as I am cooking up some food for a little NYE celebration!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Great Blue Heron hunting toads
Waiting near the gate when I went over for my walk today was this beauty. Another reason to be thankful to live in Lake County would be beautiful clear sparkling days like today and the abundant wildlife.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Pond refilling...still in drought
Finally got back over to the land today...at least three weeks, what with the Panama trip. Another gray day, but at least there was some water in the pond and a pair of mallards who clearly weren't used to humans as they flew away before I could bring up the camera. I thought they might remember me from last season.
The osprey nest seemed to have a few new sticks poking up at random angles, but no birds. While I was over there, I only saw the vultures trying to dry out their feathers in the non-existent sun.
I still have about 30 pounds of seed to spread, and it is sort of a crap shoot with this weather. We had a forecast of 3" of rain and really got only traces. Where is that pesky El Nino when we need him?
I will put out the seed anyway in January...raking, mowing and sowing and hope for the best. All of the fall seeds are doing pretty well, except for the California poppies and some of the grasses. But time will tell...as we gardeners like to say.
The osprey nest seemed to have a few new sticks poking up at random angles, but no birds. While I was over there, I only saw the vultures trying to dry out their feathers in the non-existent sun.
I still have about 30 pounds of seed to spread, and it is sort of a crap shoot with this weather. We had a forecast of 3" of rain and really got only traces. Where is that pesky El Nino when we need him?
I will put out the seed anyway in January...raking, mowing and sowing and hope for the best. All of the fall seeds are doing pretty well, except for the California poppies and some of the grasses. But time will tell...as we gardeners like to say.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
P1050609
With the return of cold weather, the Vultures are back spreading their wings in all the oaks over on the land. This one was in a dead tree that I am leaving for habitat and where no vultures hung out last fall. When I came around the corner, he had his back to me, but with wings spread. As I raised the camera, he suddenly decided to confront me, or maybe he was just facing the sun.
Vulture on alert.
With the return of cold weather, the Vultures are back spreading their wings in all the oaks over on the land. This one was in a dead tree that I am leaving for habitat and where no vultures hung out last fall. When I came around the corner, he had his back to me, but with wings spread. As I raised the camera, he suddenly decided to confront me, or maybe he was just facing the sun.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Deer Skelton
About a month ago, I heard that a doe had died on the Lower Lake side of Cache Creek. This skeleton recently turned up in a partially dried out section of Copsey Creek. From my vantage point up on the bank, it looks pretty cleaned out.
If this is in fact the doe, she left behind a pair of twins that one of the oldsters is apparently feeding on his property.
I have seen the twins in the creek, and on my side of the creek looking a little lost, but they seem healthy.
If this is in fact the doe, she left behind a pair of twins that one of the oldsters is apparently feeding on his property.
I have seen the twins in the creek, and on my side of the creek looking a little lost, but they seem healthy.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Water in Pond again!
This was the view that greeted me after the first rain, which dropped almost 4"...a record in many parts of northern California for so early in the season. So far there has been no new erosion, and all the wattles and seeds held.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Walking Stick stuck in very deep crack.
The soil on the small hill is very different than the other soils on this 18 acres. I will not be able to walk on it at all this morning after 3+ inches of rain. Hideous sticking mud. In the summer it develops these very deep cracks and when my stick went into one, I was almost knocked off balance. Bizarre.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Conjoined Acorns with gall!
Finally made it back over the creek for a walk this Labor Day morning. It is frustrating how little time I seem to spend over there these days, but hopefully this coming week I will be there more.
There wasn't as much bird life as I had hoped this morning, Great Blue Herons, one small hawk, some swallows, but no amazing encounters. I have been spoiled I guess.
But I did remember seeing this on a day when I ran out of space on my camera card. I even remembered where I had seen it and luckily for me the squirrels hadn't discovered this triple delight. I have seen many double acorns with joined caps, but I think this is the first triple I have seen. I am tempted to cut if off and save it for an acorn drawing...but probably I could break down and print out an enlargement and draw and paint from there.
As a bonus, there was a perfect gall on the leaf. I have notice so many galls this late summer, usually on all the young oaks in my yard. I will have to see if I can identify this one.
Last week when I was walking I had at least four different deer encounters,...today, not a one! I am wondering where the giant buck is. My neighbors haven't seen him either lately. Will have to keep my eyes peeled for him as rut draws near. He is pretty scary.
These acorns are on a Valley Oak, Quercus Lobata.
There wasn't as much bird life as I had hoped this morning, Great Blue Herons, one small hawk, some swallows, but no amazing encounters. I have been spoiled I guess.
But I did remember seeing this on a day when I ran out of space on my camera card. I even remembered where I had seen it and luckily for me the squirrels hadn't discovered this triple delight. I have seen many double acorns with joined caps, but I think this is the first triple I have seen. I am tempted to cut if off and save it for an acorn drawing...but probably I could break down and print out an enlargement and draw and paint from there.
As a bonus, there was a perfect gall on the leaf. I have notice so many galls this late summer, usually on all the young oaks in my yard. I will have to see if I can identify this one.
Last week when I was walking I had at least four different deer encounters,...today, not a one! I am wondering where the giant buck is. My neighbors haven't seen him either lately. Will have to keep my eyes peeled for him as rut draws near. He is pretty scary.
These acorns are on a Valley Oak, Quercus Lobata.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Pond all dried up!
Exactly a year ago today according to my notes, I was investigating how to take title and how to frame my name when I made my offer on the Land. At that time I had been over at least once, and there was still a small puddle of water in the bottom of the pond.
When I took this photo on 8/8, 10 days ago, there was no water at all. And I am not sure how long it had been dry as I didn't walk down to the very bottom until the 8th.
Makes me wonder if I should just go ahead and fix up the pump house, put in a new pump and solar panels, ditch witch across and plumb to the pond. Those thirsty animals might really appreciate well water, rather than some of the water from the creeks.
The Algae is much better the past week, but now on Copsey Creek there is a real problem with mosquitos. I ran into Mosquito Abatement folks in a row boat on my land when they couldn't go further up Copsey due to low water. They wanted to spray. I mentioned that while I had seen the mosquitoes, I had not been bitten at all. They explained that these mosquitoes only fed on avians, and the threat was to the diseases spread by bird to bird contact.
I left them to that job, and thanked them for the mosquito fish which have been so helpful in the doggie wading pool.
I haven't been getting over to walk more than once a week, but will make a concerted effort this week to put in two days. There is some weedeating to be done on a couple of paths and while Stuart swears it is save as long as he uses the string it still worries me.
I want the lush wildflower area mowed down of this years stalks and star thistle. I have recently learned that even though the thistle will rebloom low to the ground, that the seed production is much reduced. If we keep after it...If if if.
When I took this photo on 8/8, 10 days ago, there was no water at all. And I am not sure how long it had been dry as I didn't walk down to the very bottom until the 8th.
Makes me wonder if I should just go ahead and fix up the pump house, put in a new pump and solar panels, ditch witch across and plumb to the pond. Those thirsty animals might really appreciate well water, rather than some of the water from the creeks.
The Algae is much better the past week, but now on Copsey Creek there is a real problem with mosquitos. I ran into Mosquito Abatement folks in a row boat on my land when they couldn't go further up Copsey due to low water. They wanted to spray. I mentioned that while I had seen the mosquitoes, I had not been bitten at all. They explained that these mosquitoes only fed on avians, and the threat was to the diseases spread by bird to bird contact.
I left them to that job, and thanked them for the mosquito fish which have been so helpful in the doggie wading pool.
I haven't been getting over to walk more than once a week, but will make a concerted effort this week to put in two days. There is some weedeating to be done on a couple of paths and while Stuart swears it is save as long as he uses the string it still worries me.
I want the lush wildflower area mowed down of this years stalks and star thistle. I have recently learned that even though the thistle will rebloom low to the ground, that the seed production is much reduced. If we keep after it...If if if.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Rampant Rabbit
This large fellow would be perfect copied and flipped to form a pair of Rampant Rabbits for a shield. Wish I were techie enough to design a shield on the computer with RR surrounding an Arching Oak, with a resting fox on top surmounted with a spread winged Osprey with fish in it's claws.
With the weather cooling off into the low 90s, I should be getting over to the land more these days, but again, the familiar plaint...only so much cool time and so much to cram into those hours.
And tomorrow I have errands that take me out of county again, so maybe early Tuesday morning will be the time. The Creeks are clearing out a bit since the dam has been opened, and that should effect some of the birds, hopefully in a positive way.
The little pond still has water in it, but I wouldn't mind this tiny bit of rain that might just come our way.
With the weather cooling off into the low 90s, I should be getting over to the land more these days, but again, the familiar plaint...only so much cool time and so much to cram into those hours.
And tomorrow I have errands that take me out of county again, so maybe early Tuesday morning will be the time. The Creeks are clearing out a bit since the dam has been opened, and that should effect some of the birds, hopefully in a positive way.
The little pond still has water in it, but I wouldn't mind this tiny bit of rain that might just come our way.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Fox on path
I drove up to the gate this morning and realized that I had been holding my breath. I hadn't been able to walk since last Monday, almost a week. My old dog Quiz had been down and things didn't look good so distractions kept me away.
It felt so good to get back and I started just to walk and walk on a very hot morning, around 8:30. I really didn't have great expectations, but it just was blissful to breath in that clean air, scent of tar weed, listen to bird songs...no one was up and using power tools yet, so it was perfect.
On my first foray down a narrow path I ran right into a Doe who bolted...saw three more deer in quick succession. Then onto the creek where the blue-green algae was not as severe, and on around on my loop. Egrets, swallows, wood ducks, all very peaceful and quiet.
On my last loop around, I decided to walk down a small path which deadends at the creek and a huge Manzanita. I only took a few steps when I saw something come toward me on the path. At first I thought it was a cat, then I realized there were two, and they were foxes! Talk about excited. Luckily I was wearing a dress with big pockets, and my camera was very accessible. I grabbed it and started shooting just before they spotted me.
I will post most of the shots on flicker...for once my excitement didn't get the better of me, and these two,( I am guessing mother and kit, as the second one was much smaller,) were very curious about me too.
It is days like this that make me feel a bit selfish for keeping most people out, and doing a lot of walking by myself. If I had had company, I doubt we would have been quiet enough to have this encounter.
On the way back to the car, I ran into the doe and her twins, the lame deer, a giant jack rabbit, and a beer bottle. All in a day's walk. Wonderful!
It felt so good to get back and I started just to walk and walk on a very hot morning, around 8:30. I really didn't have great expectations, but it just was blissful to breath in that clean air, scent of tar weed, listen to bird songs...no one was up and using power tools yet, so it was perfect.
On my first foray down a narrow path I ran right into a Doe who bolted...saw three more deer in quick succession. Then onto the creek where the blue-green algae was not as severe, and on around on my loop. Egrets, swallows, wood ducks, all very peaceful and quiet.
On my last loop around, I decided to walk down a small path which deadends at the creek and a huge Manzanita. I only took a few steps when I saw something come toward me on the path. At first I thought it was a cat, then I realized there were two, and they were foxes! Talk about excited. Luckily I was wearing a dress with big pockets, and my camera was very accessible. I grabbed it and started shooting just before they spotted me.
I will post most of the shots on flicker...for once my excitement didn't get the better of me, and these two,( I am guessing mother and kit, as the second one was much smaller,) were very curious about me too.
It is days like this that make me feel a bit selfish for keeping most people out, and doing a lot of walking by myself. If I had had company, I doubt we would have been quiet enough to have this encounter.
On the way back to the car, I ran into the doe and her twins, the lame deer, a giant jack rabbit, and a beer bottle. All in a day's walk. Wonderful!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Poised to Flee
This morning I went over to haul the rest of the brush that we cut on Thursday over to the big brush pile. I deliberately did not go near any of the know fawn haunts as I was earlier than usual and didn't want to disturb them. I was also in a hurry to get to work to avoid this beastly heat.
After I hauled the brush and almost got mowed down by a huge Great Blue Heron, I decided to finish the circuit in the opposite direction before heading home. It wasn't even 9am, but already hot as hell in the sunshine. I was trudging up my little hill, avoiding the narrow path by the deer spot, when suddenly I glanced to my left, and there they were, a darling tableau, posing just for me.
It was amazed how long they stayed, I was sure that when I reached into my pocket for my camera they would bolt, but no...then I realized that I could get better light if I climbed a little past them, they still stayed until I was done. They were starting to move a bit as I left. I sure don't want them to become too habituated to me. Of course they live right in the midst of a pretty large area of housing, since I see them or a trio just like them feeding on my neighbor's lawn.
Anyway, I loved the light on their ears, added a rather rosy glow to the morning.
After I hauled the brush and almost got mowed down by a huge Great Blue Heron, I decided to finish the circuit in the opposite direction before heading home. It wasn't even 9am, but already hot as hell in the sunshine. I was trudging up my little hill, avoiding the narrow path by the deer spot, when suddenly I glanced to my left, and there they were, a darling tableau, posing just for me.
It was amazed how long they stayed, I was sure that when I reached into my pocket for my camera they would bolt, but no...then I realized that I could get better light if I climbed a little past them, they still stayed until I was done. They were starting to move a bit as I left. I sure don't want them to become too habituated to me. Of course they live right in the midst of a pretty large area of housing, since I see them or a trio just like them feeding on my neighbor's lawn.
Anyway, I loved the light on their ears, added a rather rosy glow to the morning.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Hunting Egret Cache Creek
I have never seen so many egrets right across the creek from my house. But then I have never seen Cache Creek almost bank to bank with thick thick mats of blue green algae. It is really becoming unbelieveable but one can get used to anything, even if it smells like this.
If there are this many opportunistic birds of all kinds down here, I wonder what in the world it must be like down at the dam! A few minutes ago, I counted at least five egrets, three great blue herons, many small birds all enjoying whatever bounty they can capture in these mats.
I will be going near the state park tonight, and I bet the water there is clear compared to this end of the lake. Location, location,location as they say!
Even though I took this from my garden, it could belong equally to the land at Cache and Copsey. We startled a lot of big hunting birds when we went over to clear brush. 104o, not a great idea.
If there are this many opportunistic birds of all kinds down here, I wonder what in the world it must be like down at the dam! A few minutes ago, I counted at least five egrets, three great blue herons, many small birds all enjoying whatever bounty they can capture in these mats.
I will be going near the state park tonight, and I bet the water there is clear compared to this end of the lake. Location, location,location as they say!
Even though I took this from my garden, it could belong equally to the land at Cache and Copsey. We startled a lot of big hunting birds when we went over to clear brush. 104o, not a great idea.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Purple ring on Teasel
I have never seen the Teasel at this particular stage...some were blooming and then there was this one with the purple buds just showing color in one area. In WEEDS OF THE WEST, I just learned that in the second year of the growth cycle, these little spiny heads and purple flower show up. The first year, this biennial plant is only a flat rosette.
I always have been fascinated by the tall dried out thistles, it is really neat to see them in their green state along the banks of Cache Creek.
I always have been fascinated by the tall dried out thistles, it is really neat to see them in their green state along the banks of Cache Creek.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Lookout!
This morning I got to the land about 8:45 am, much later than I had hoped. But I was still rewarded.
After I closed the gate, I spotted the first Turkey of the season. Amazingly, she was alone and walking down the paths that we had mowed, hunting and pecking. Too far away for a good shot. Then I realized that between us standing stock still was a doe and her fawn, blending in with the brush along Copsey Creek.
As I climbed the little hill, thru the oaks I could make out a large bird on what I think of as the vulture tree or osprey tree depending on who is there. Today they both were...one vulture and two Osprey. One stayed with the Vulture and the other flew on down to the creek.
Next up was the doe and her twin fawns. Really on a roll, I found a small flock of Green Herons but they are always just out of range. Tomorrow I will take the camera with the stronger telephoto and see what I can get.
Forgetting all about the turkey, I was suddenly reminded when she appeared on the bank of the pond, practically under my feet. Of course by the time I regrouped, all I got was a blurry shot of her board back.
Next up was another, or the same, doe and fawn, and this quail warning everyone of my walk along the edge of the field.
All in all a lovely morning.
Tomorrow a friend and I are meeting at 7am to see what we might be able to see...extra batteries, two cameras and luck!
After I closed the gate, I spotted the first Turkey of the season. Amazingly, she was alone and walking down the paths that we had mowed, hunting and pecking. Too far away for a good shot. Then I realized that between us standing stock still was a doe and her fawn, blending in with the brush along Copsey Creek.
As I climbed the little hill, thru the oaks I could make out a large bird on what I think of as the vulture tree or osprey tree depending on who is there. Today they both were...one vulture and two Osprey. One stayed with the Vulture and the other flew on down to the creek.
Next up was the doe and her twin fawns. Really on a roll, I found a small flock of Green Herons but they are always just out of range. Tomorrow I will take the camera with the stronger telephoto and see what I can get.
Forgetting all about the turkey, I was suddenly reminded when she appeared on the bank of the pond, practically under my feet. Of course by the time I regrouped, all I got was a blurry shot of her board back.
Next up was another, or the same, doe and fawn, and this quail warning everyone of my walk along the edge of the field.
All in all a lovely morning.
Tomorrow a friend and I are meeting at 7am to see what we might be able to see...extra batteries, two cameras and luck!
Blue Green Algae on the move
Blue Green Algae on the move
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99
It will pass on to Yolo County, but in the meantime, it is a burden for all of us who depend on the lake for tourism, recreation or irrigation.
Just remember that it is a natural occurrence and that people are working to control runoff and other issues that contribute to these large blooms.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
An Acorn Year is Coming!
Valley Oak, Quercus lobata on the banks of Cache Creek.
Walking along at a fast pace, I almost missed the new acorns forming on the Valley Oaks. It took a very annoyed Red Shoulder Hawk to make me stop and look up, and while I did miss a shot at him, I did notice what was right in front of me. Once I spotted one, I noticed them everywhere.
Sometimes I pay more attention to the ground in front of me looking for snakes and possible tripping hazards. Slow down and look around!
Walking along at a fast pace, I almost missed the new acorns forming on the Valley Oaks. It took a very annoyed Red Shoulder Hawk to make me stop and look up, and while I did miss a shot at him, I did notice what was right in front of me. Once I spotted one, I noticed them everywhere.
Sometimes I pay more attention to the ground in front of me looking for snakes and possible tripping hazards. Slow down and look around!
Doe & Twins
On the run...they had been nesting down by the Night Heron and I was so focused on it, that I totally missed these guys.
Black Crowned Night Heron Wading
This is one of the first times I have ever seen a Night Heron on the ground or standing in the creek. I usually see them in the trees or flying away from me.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Finally a Black Crowned Night Heron
Racing against the heat of the day and a huge amount of gardening chores to be done, I managed to run over by 8:15. As I was putting on my walking shoes, I heard such a lot of squawking and carrying on that I was a bit alarmed. It sounded like crows, but I am nervous now about what I will find.
As it turned out, it was a particularly noisesome group of crows...and they moved about finally down to the giant Valley Oak by the pond. When I got there, he put up a huge ruckus. Never did figure out what the problem was, other than me.
The loudest and most lingering of the crows moved over by Copsey Creek, and was still there when I got over there. As he flew up and away, I glanced up too, and there, not moving was the Black Crowned Night Heron...one of the flock that I had been trying to photograph.
He stayed for me to get this nice shot. They must have a rookery in those willows somewhere. I was very happy to get this shot, then somewhat dismayed to realize that I didn't have a sd card in the camera! Dingbat! It wrote to internal memory which then announced itself full!
I always keep my camera books, but of course I can't find mine now for this particular camera, but figured if I hooked it up to the notebook with the card still out, it would show me what was on the camera as the external drive. It did...all the other 'errors' that I had made by forgetting the card. Not many and none memorable, but this was a keeper.
Happy 4th of July to all the critters! Hope no one even thinks about tresspassing over there with or without fireworks. There are a lot of campers on the creek, and more boaters braving the algae which is sinking...I hope.
As it turned out, it was a particularly noisesome group of crows...and they moved about finally down to the giant Valley Oak by the pond. When I got there, he put up a huge ruckus. Never did figure out what the problem was, other than me.
The loudest and most lingering of the crows moved over by Copsey Creek, and was still there when I got over there. As he flew up and away, I glanced up too, and there, not moving was the Black Crowned Night Heron...one of the flock that I had been trying to photograph.
He stayed for me to get this nice shot. They must have a rookery in those willows somewhere. I was very happy to get this shot, then somewhat dismayed to realize that I didn't have a sd card in the camera! Dingbat! It wrote to internal memory which then announced itself full!
I always keep my camera books, but of course I can't find mine now for this particular camera, but figured if I hooked it up to the notebook with the card still out, it would show me what was on the camera as the external drive. It did...all the other 'errors' that I had made by forgetting the card. Not many and none memorable, but this was a keeper.
Happy 4th of July to all the critters! Hope no one even thinks about tresspassing over there with or without fireworks. There are a lot of campers on the creek, and more boaters braving the algae which is sinking...I hope.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Mr. Fierce
Sorry to say that Mr. Fierce didn't make it. Got a call today saying that his wing tip was fractured and not repairable. He would never be able to fly so he will be put down.
I feel blue, but then I also had the impulse when I first saw him on the ground to let mother nature take her course. It is hard to know whether or not to interfere.
Some neighbors thought they saw something falling out of the nest after being harrassed by crows, so perhaps that is what happened. One survived, and one didn't.
There aren't huge numbers of Osprey here, so I was hoping this one would survive. At least he will live on in photos. Beautiful bird.
I feel blue, but then I also had the impulse when I first saw him on the ground to let mother nature take her course. It is hard to know whether or not to interfere.
Some neighbors thought they saw something falling out of the nest after being harrassed by crows, so perhaps that is what happened. One survived, and one didn't.
There aren't huge numbers of Osprey here, so I was hoping this one would survive. At least he will live on in photos. Beautiful bird.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Green Heron July 09
All was quite on the land this morning compared to yesterday's wildlife festival. But I was rewarded down by the water with a Green Heron who decided to ignore me unlike his relatives who all flew off when I approached. It was a shot almost all the way across the creek with the sun on him...hard to do, but this is the best of the bunch.
The Night Herons on Copsey Creek were not at all accommodating...they shrieked and flew off...I can't believe how many of them are over there in the dense shade. They are on the banks on my side and high in the trees on Gayle's side and skiddish as hell for living so close to people!
The Night Herons on Copsey Creek were not at all accommodating...they shrieked and flew off...I can't believe how many of them are over there in the dense shade. They are on the banks on my side and high in the trees on Gayle's side and skiddish as hell for living so close to people!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Osprey Waiting!
This morning the other young Osprey was in the same place, but also on the Oak were two adults who flew as soon as I came into view. On my second circuit, even this little guy had moved down to Copsey Creek. The Spirit Wild people will call me when they are ready to release the other one, so hopefully I will be able to get more shots in this continuing saga!
Beside this Osprey and his parents, right under the same tree was a doe with twins! They scampered out and ran down by the creek so some hiding place. Just by going an hour earlier I saw an abundance of life.
Other sightings, pair of Egrets, pair, at least of Great Blue Herons, at least two Green Herons, and all the usual woodpeckers. Sandie at Spirit Wild mentioned that she had a little woodpecker to release...it hangs on her...time to go.
Hopefully she will be able to release a lot of animals over there before she has to shut down.
Now to call the possible dog owner...nicely!
Beside this Osprey and his parents, right under the same tree was a doe with twins! They scampered out and ran down by the creek so some hiding place. Just by going an hour earlier I saw an abundance of life.
Other sightings, pair of Egrets, pair, at least of Great Blue Herons, at least two Green Herons, and all the usual woodpeckers. Sandie at Spirit Wild mentioned that she had a little woodpecker to release...it hangs on her...time to go.
Hopefully she will be able to release a lot of animals over there before she has to shut down.
Now to call the possible dog owner...nicely!
Monday, June 29, 2009
Family of three
This is the family of Canada Geese that have moved to Cache Creek year round apparently. They mostly seem to live across the creek from my house, in my neighbor's yard,, but have been coming up stream to the land to a spot overlooking the creek that we mowed.
I have spotted their scat but this is the first time I saw them up so close and personal. The alpha male is very watchful, and up close, very large and intimidating, but didn't make any aggressive moves. So, in order, we have Dad, Ma, and the kid, who is almost as big as Ma.
I think the huge German Shepard who swam the creek was coming after these guys because when I encountered the dog, and herded him with a go home command, he headed back where they had been and they were all swimming around in Cache Creek.
I was mainly concerned with keeping the damn dog away from the downed Osprey at that point.
I have spotted their scat but this is the first time I saw them up so close and personal. The alpha male is very watchful, and up close, very large and intimidating, but didn't make any aggressive moves. So, in order, we have Dad, Ma, and the kid, who is almost as big as Ma.
I think the huge German Shepard who swam the creek was coming after these guys because when I encountered the dog, and herded him with a go home command, he headed back where they had been and they were all swimming around in Cache Creek.
I was mainly concerned with keeping the damn dog away from the downed Osprey at that point.
Let Me Pet You!
Trying to avoid the beak and have a gentle touch before he leaves for a few days. Hard to do with camera in hand.
Thinking back on the morning, it is a miracle that this bird survived what with the really intense heat building up and the giant german shepard that had swum across the creek. This is one lucky Osprey.
According to Sandie, and as my two falconer acquaintances also said...Ospreys are not the sharpest birds...they all actually called them dumb. But they are so beautiful, and they certainly know how to fish...when they can fly.
Thinking back on the morning, it is a miracle that this bird survived what with the really intense heat building up and the giant german shepard that had swum across the creek. This is one lucky Osprey.
According to Sandie, and as my two falconer acquaintances also said...Ospreys are not the sharpest birds...they all actually called them dumb. But they are so beautiful, and they certainly know how to fish...when they can fly.
Gotcha!
Osprey captured...notice that beak! Sandie was able, making little osprey sounds to walk right up to him and grab him by the claws...notice the thick gauntlets she had on! The feather on the juvenile are tipped with white...that is how she could tell that the other one in the tree was also a fledgling.
OSPREY DOWN, OSPREY DOWN!!!
This morning, I thought I spotted something out of place as I looked back up toward the kill from the creek side of the land. On my circuit back up, I became convinced that it was an Osprey and sure enough, in all the tall grass, there was the bird. Spreading it's wings and crying out. I did another circuit trying to decide what to do and noticed another on high up in an oak tree.
I assumed it was the adult and this was the fledging and all would work out. But it all nagged at me, so as soon as I got home, I called Spirit Wild, Lake County's Wildlife Center. Sandie Elliott must have flown down from Cobb as I only beat her over there by about five minutes.
She feels that this bird is just not ready to fly by a couple of days, so she caged him up and took him off until he is ready to fly and then she will release him back to the land. The osprey up in the tree is also a baby! Yikes. What an adventure. More photos to come.
I assumed it was the adult and this was the fledging and all would work out. But it all nagged at me, so as soon as I got home, I called Spirit Wild, Lake County's Wildlife Center. Sandie Elliott must have flown down from Cobb as I only beat her over there by about five minutes.
She feels that this bird is just not ready to fly by a couple of days, so she caged him up and took him off until he is ready to fly and then she will release him back to the land. The osprey up in the tree is also a baby! Yikes. What an adventure. More photos to come.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Very colorful Algae on Cache Creek
The algae on the Creek is growing ever more colorful with this magenta appearing recently. I sure hope that it all goes away soon, as with the weather heating up, the smell will only intensify. Ugh! There is still a warning not to swim etc., in the infested areas. There are apparently several different kinds of algae this year beside the usual suspect. It can't last forever, can it?
Very colorful Algae on Cache Creek
The algae on the Creek is growing ever more colorful with this magenta appearing recently. I sure hope that it all goes away soon, as with the weather heating up, the smell will only intensify. Ugh! There is still a warning not to swim etc., in the infested areas. There are apparently several different kinds of algae this year beside the usual suspect. It can't last forever, can it?
Monday, June 22, 2009
Narrow-leaf Milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis)
Margot is the first one to point out that these plants were a variety of Milkweed. I also think I have found a different variety with more wooly leaves. I have found these out in the open field as well as very close to the pond in a shaded area. In the shade, I found one that had it's main stock covered in small orange bugs similar to aphids in size. At first I thought they were eggs, but they were moving.
Male Quail
I had just commented to a friend with very keen eyes that I hadn't seen any baby quail chicks when a family of two adults, and three chicks appeared on a path just ahead of us. They stayed just in sight as they scurried along with the male as lookout and the female as leader. The chicks mostly stayed in tall grass on either side of the path, but at one point, one tiny item flew to catch up with the rest of the family. It was pretty cool.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Triple Threat Star Thistle Bindweed Medusa Head
Today I realized that the star thistle is starting to do it's bloom, and at the same time I spotted this one, I saw the other evil plants, Medusa Head, and Bindweed. If only the Bindweed could strangle the star thistle or the Medusa Head, but they seem to be co-existing well. I am going to a lecture about the possibility of controlling Star Thistle with native Tar Weed. I seem to have that so maybe there is hope.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Leaping & Bounding
After pausing by the small oak to check me out, the fawn turned and headed across the meadow...he was so fast that I was so unprepared, but this does capture the essence of the fawn!
Spotted fawn
Walking around the very dense brushy perimeter of the land on the Copsey Creek side, I heard a massive rustling in the coyote bush, and out bounded the most darling little fawn...I was slow with the camera, but he finally stopped so I could get this shot. The next shots of him bounding off again are a little blurry but darling none the less. He hid under the giant oak by the pond until I made my way to the opposite side of where I had flushed him. Then he ran back to my trail and disappeared back into his hidey hole. I am sure glad his mother didn't appear during this event. She is pretty scary.
I do feel badly about startling the deer, but what to do? They are never in exactly the same place!
I do feel badly about startling the deer, but what to do? They are never in exactly the same place!
Fearless Doe
This is the fearless doe who just walks up and starts grazing. I think she is just one or two years old and is usually in the company of an older doe. The two wandered up while the weedeating was going on and then the leader took off and this one went to work eating.
Last Saturday when we took the dogs over we had a confrontation with a doe. We must have been between her and the fawn...she was very menacing, and the same thing happened on Thursday without the dogs. The Doe kept her eye on us the whole time we were near the suspect area. I have to be very careful. I have seen two fawn...maybe it is the same one. Impossible to tell.
The other wild life encounter while mowing was the most bizarre. I was following Stuart as he was weedeating a path thru dense vetch and shrubby vines and berries when I finally was able to look over the bank. There below me was a beautiful pink wild rose in bloom. I took a few photos though it was some distance down and there was no way I could get closer. When I walked about 10 feet farther down the new path, I felt something on my ankle, and I stopped to look down.
My god!...I couldn't even see my sock for all the huge red ants that were swarming my foot. I screamed and started whacking at them with my (thank god) gloved hands, and jumped around until I got rid of them all. It was really gross compared to the little ant swarms I have in my garden. Stuart must have hit a huge ant hill.
He is used to it and got a good laugh out of my distress!
We still haven't seen any big snakes since the little rosy boa when we were tearing down the old shack, but I am sure they are over there and that path seems like one of the likelier spots to encounter one.
I am keeping my eyes peeled.
To add insult to injury I also managed to get stabbed by a huge sack of star thistle that I was filling while Stuart worked. Forgetting what was in the sack, I hoisted it onto my back with a strong flinging motion, and YIKES!
That job of pulling star thistle is really a back breaker, and now that I have spent so much time blogging this am, I won't have to work on it today. best done in the early morning.
Last Saturday when we took the dogs over we had a confrontation with a doe. We must have been between her and the fawn...she was very menacing, and the same thing happened on Thursday without the dogs. The Doe kept her eye on us the whole time we were near the suspect area. I have to be very careful. I have seen two fawn...maybe it is the same one. Impossible to tell.
The other wild life encounter while mowing was the most bizarre. I was following Stuart as he was weedeating a path thru dense vetch and shrubby vines and berries when I finally was able to look over the bank. There below me was a beautiful pink wild rose in bloom. I took a few photos though it was some distance down and there was no way I could get closer. When I walked about 10 feet farther down the new path, I felt something on my ankle, and I stopped to look down.
My god!...I couldn't even see my sock for all the huge red ants that were swarming my foot. I screamed and started whacking at them with my (thank god) gloved hands, and jumped around until I got rid of them all. It was really gross compared to the little ant swarms I have in my garden. Stuart must have hit a huge ant hill.
He is used to it and got a good laugh out of my distress!
We still haven't seen any big snakes since the little rosy boa when we were tearing down the old shack, but I am sure they are over there and that path seems like one of the likelier spots to encounter one.
I am keeping my eyes peeled.
To add insult to injury I also managed to get stabbed by a huge sack of star thistle that I was filling while Stuart worked. Forgetting what was in the sack, I hoisted it onto my back with a strong flinging motion, and YIKES!
That job of pulling star thistle is really a back breaker, and now that I have spent so much time blogging this am, I won't have to work on it today. best done in the early morning.
Another small path.
With all the new paths that we cut in on Thursday afternoon, I will be able to walk about in much more shade. With care, I will be able to avoid most of the bigger paths and the road and stay undercover of the oaks.
Right now with the deer on the defense and sometimes on the offense, I don't always want to walk too close to the dense undergrowth. They hide those fawns well, but sometimes the fawns will venture out and then the doe becomes quite agressive.
I think I have identified four different does over there. There is one that limps, two that are a mother/daughter team, and the Big Bruiser Mama and her fawn. I have one photo of the spotted fawn, not too clear, but I might post it anyway. I might never get another chance at it.
Right now with the deer on the defense and sometimes on the offense, I don't always want to walk too close to the dense undergrowth. They hide those fawns well, but sometimes the fawns will venture out and then the doe becomes quite agressive.
I think I have identified four different does over there. There is one that limps, two that are a mother/daughter team, and the Big Bruiser Mama and her fawn. I have one photo of the spotted fawn, not too clear, but I might post it anyway. I might never get another chance at it.
Barbed Wire Scars
On the Copsey Creek side of the property, it is very densely overgrown with poison oak, berry brambles, willows, poplars, walnut trees, and oaks. There are remnants of old wire panels and bits and pieces of barbed wire. This tree is a perfect example of what happens when a tree is used as a fence post. The scarring on this tree shows that it probably came close at one time or another to girdling the tree.
Now that we have completed the small system of trails, I have noticed so much more than before...
Now that we have completed the small system of trails, I have noticed so much more than before...
Branta Canadensis Scat
Stuart mowed a circular area on a bluff above the creek, and when I went back the next day and walked out there, it appeared that the Canada Geese who are now living in the creek had already discovered it.
Shit all over! Mow and they will come apparently!
I have never seen them on this piece of property. I just assumed they spent most of their time at my neighbor's green grassy area and boat ramp. It is amazing that a family of three can leave such a mess. I wonder what Paul's yard looks like up close as he also has a doe with twin fawns, and a herd of about seven deer total.
Shit all over! Mow and they will come apparently!
I have never seen them on this piece of property. I just assumed they spent most of their time at my neighbor's green grassy area and boat ramp. It is amazing that a family of three can leave such a mess. I wonder what Paul's yard looks like up close as he also has a doe with twin fawns, and a herd of about seven deer total.
The Osprey came BACK!
Walking back down the road to meet up with Stuart who had started weed eating, I was quite startled to look up and see the Osprey on the nest! First time in 10 days, and the other Osprey was in a tree very close to the nest. I think they were quite startled to see me, and I barely was able to snap off this shot and then they were gone again. It is still unknown if there are eggs or chicks in the nest. We saw an Osprey fly over the nest last Saturday, so maybe my timing has been off.
In any case, I was happy to see them again even if they were unhappy with the little bit of mowing we did.
In any case, I was happy to see them again even if they were unhappy with the little bit of mowing we did.
St. John's Wort 1
While hiking around on the land, a friend and I climbed down a deer path to the shore of Copsey Creek. And there was St. John's Wort. Now I realize that I will have to go back to check to see if the flower has black spots on the pedals to determine if it is the native or the nonnative species called Klamath Weed.
As we clear more paths, there is more opportunity to find new plants that I couldn't see or, in some cases get close to. I think I will have to brave the thick soupy green water and tour the perimeter by kayak again.
As we clear more paths, there is more opportunity to find new plants that I couldn't see or, in some cases get close to. I think I will have to brave the thick soupy green water and tour the perimeter by kayak again.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Margot on the Job
Yesterday, clipboard in hand my sister and I walked the land looking at the different soils and all the different plants. It was very interesting and I learned a lot. Now to locate the soil profiles for that area.
I will have to post some of the plants that she identified for me that I had been wondering about. She also introduced me to a really interesting plant id site, called calflora. That was helpful in showing me the difference between two grasses that I though were something else.
Now I have a bug in my ear and am hoping it goes away.
I will have to post some of the plants that she identified for me that I had been wondering about. She also introduced me to a really interesting plant id site, called calflora. That was helpful in showing me the difference between two grasses that I though were something else.
Now I have a bug in my ear and am hoping it goes away.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Follow Me, Please
While walking, I again surprised a doe on the eastern edge of the land. She was so slow to move away, as if she wanted to make sure that I was not stopping. She led me all the way to the pond walking very slowly. I assume there was a fawn in the thick brush, but she is pretty plump, so maybe not.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Clouds over path
Ok, I admit it, I am besotted with paths, but with this huge cloud formation moving in, I couldn't help another photo. After I left and went home, I was treated to a audio show...thunder thunder thunder off to the east, Morgan Valley direction. Thankfully, there have not been any reports of lightening strike and fire.
Red Poppy...wildflower mix
Stopped me dead in my tracks...two of these were blooming in my test plot of wildflower mix. There were also two California poppies blooming.
Broken Blue Egg
Today I was able to only take a short circuit of the land for a lot of reasons. But it was sad to see that the Osprey nest was still vacant, and then at the end of the loop, I found two little blue eggs on the path. I had also seen one on my walk this morning. Maybe these spring winds are knocking these out of the nest, or perhaps some marauder is pecking them as appeared on at least one of them.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Salsify Puff Ball
How one day can be so much better than another. It was sheer bliss over on the land, even if I had to take plastic bags to pick up and remove yesterdays detritus.
I found my elderberry blooming in dense shade, saw a tiny fawn, and two does widely separated. And I found this! Exquisite.
The one thing I didn't see was an osprey, either on the nest or flying around. The last time I saw one was on Sunday morning, and as it started to land on the nest, a crow or raven took up the chase. Hard to tell from the ground what is going on up there if anything.
I found my elderberry blooming in dense shade, saw a tiny fawn, and two does widely separated. And I found this! Exquisite.
The one thing I didn't see was an osprey, either on the nest or flying around. The last time I saw one was on Sunday morning, and as it started to land on the nest, a crow or raven took up the chase. Hard to tell from the ground what is going on up there if anything.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Buckeye in bloom
While I had my eye peeled for a blooming elderberry today, the only ones I saw were on the other side of Copsey Creek. But on my side, the California Buckeye was in full bloom. Very beautiful and some solace for the appearance of the buckeye when their leaves turn brown in the middle of summer and fall away.
There is something about a path....
This afternoon, Stuart came over for two hours to cut in some more paths, and I realized that there is just something so compelling about paths.
I love to follow deer trails, and so some of the paths that we have been mowing are very close to some of the existing trails, if not right on them.
Poor Stuart, he put in 7.5 hours of weed eating all today today and just couldn't do more on my place. I surely understood. This is a very hard time of year in his line of work.
The unfortunate thing that upset my pleasure in the day and walking the paths as so gross that I didn't even consider photographing it. I probably should have but so disgusting compared to animal scat which I photo graph all the time.
This was at the base of a beautiful Oak tree where Stuart had decided to wait before weedeating. There was a pile of soiled toilet paper and a mound of human feces. Shit! No attempt to bury it, or cover it up, or even secure the toilet paper.
I did that, and tomorrow I will take a bag over and dispose of it. I don't want to make any fisherman upset, but I do think that since it was so close to the water, and the boat ramp, that is was probably a boater, if not a fisherman. Who else was likely to carry around a large amount of toilet paper?
People people people...
I love to follow deer trails, and so some of the paths that we have been mowing are very close to some of the existing trails, if not right on them.
Poor Stuart, he put in 7.5 hours of weed eating all today today and just couldn't do more on my place. I surely understood. This is a very hard time of year in his line of work.
The unfortunate thing that upset my pleasure in the day and walking the paths as so gross that I didn't even consider photographing it. I probably should have but so disgusting compared to animal scat which I photo graph all the time.
This was at the base of a beautiful Oak tree where Stuart had decided to wait before weedeating. There was a pile of soiled toilet paper and a mound of human feces. Shit! No attempt to bury it, or cover it up, or even secure the toilet paper.
I did that, and tomorrow I will take a bag over and dispose of it. I don't want to make any fisherman upset, but I do think that since it was so close to the water, and the boat ramp, that is was probably a boater, if not a fisherman. Who else was likely to carry around a large amount of toilet paper?
People people people...
Thursday, May 28, 2009
7:00 AM On the Job!
This morning I met Stuart at 7 am so he could start weedeating a few paths and areas he couldn't get with the tractor.
He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw that there was very little evidence of the early mowing we did with the tractor., But as it turned out, the mowing was pretty easy, he said...the easiest he will probably get to do this year.,
But then he doesn't know yet what else I have in store for him over here. He used up six tanks of fuel and finished around 2, with very few breaks. An awesome worker.
He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw that there was very little evidence of the early mowing we did with the tractor., But as it turned out, the mowing was pretty easy, he said...the easiest he will probably get to do this year.,
But then he doesn't know yet what else I have in store for him over here. He used up six tanks of fuel and finished around 2, with very few breaks. An awesome worker.
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