Another small path.

Another small path.
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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.

Barbed Wire Scars

Barbed Wire Scars
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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...

Branta Canadensis Scat

Branta Canadensis Scat
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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.

The Osprey came BACK!

The Osprey came BACK!
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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.

St. John's Wort 1

St. John's Wort 1
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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.

Margot on the Job

Margot on the Job
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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.

Follow Me, Please

Follow Me, Please
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

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.