Falcon Flight Path: This and That

Thursday, February 11, 2021

This and That

Snow hasn’t been the only weather event to note this year. Last night our temperature here at the farm dropped to 25 degrees, and so far our high as been 26, with a bit of wind. The dogs have gone out briefly and we have fed our cows, but otherwise we've been inside. There has been no construction activity on our barn, either. That is a disappointment, but the cold weather, which is expected to last for several more days, has given me the chance to go through my photos and prepare a blog post.

Right now, our bird feeders are very popular.

Large flocks of pine siskin are visiting us. Tiny little things, only 4.5-5 inches long, they are similar to a goldfinch in size, shape and behavior. They are certainly not a showy bird, but pretty in their own way. They are brown, with heavy streaking and a sharp-pointed bill. They descended on us, covering the elm tree off the back patio in search of seeds.

The snow and small amounts of rain we have received this month left puddles where they drink and bathe. Since they are common over most of the US in winter, we look forward to seeing more of them.

The pine siskin were followed by flocks of chipping sparrows. About the same size and color as the pine siskin, they make me look twice to see which bird is visiting.

Flocks of crows have also graced us with their presence, if you can call it that. Hundreds of them stream overhead morning and evening from and to their roosting area somewhere over the top of our mountain to the east. They are a noisy lot, but except for an occasional stop on our yard fence they don’t often linger.

Robins have also been frequent visitors.

I was told there are more of them than usual this year due to a drought in the southwestern states. As a result of the dry weather, the cedar berries in their normal winter range have been scarce. We have plenty, and I was fortunate to catch this handsome fellow as he foraged near our house. His cedar berry disappeared in one quick gulp. I know they're not popular in cedar berry season, as they paint cars, patios and outdoor furniture with bright purple bird poop. It's a small price to pay, though, for the entertainment they provide.

Can you see the berry in his beak above?

The females aren't as showy as their mates, but they are pretty in a quieter way.

But it hasn't just been about the birds. The dogs have had fun at the farm.

Rue and Kota rolled in something smelly and were rewarded with a trip to the dog spa. They returned looking beautiful and wearing ribbons and bandanas.

Cody and I have been busy with training sessions at Jack and Vivian Christensen’s place in Meridian. When we’re in Volente preparing the house for our upcoming move, we spend time in Elgin with Michele McGuire and in Bertram at Sheryl McDonald’s Destiny Farm.

We have attended one trial this year, a timed arena event at Circle T Arena in Hamilton. We didn’t set any records, but had a great time. Here are a couple of photos from our first run. It was cold and we were glad to be inside instead of at a field trial.

There are several more trials coming up in the next couple of months, and I hope the weather is more conductive to being outside.

John and I have received our first COVID vaccinations, and look forward to getting our second shots next week. Though we may never return to "normal" as we knew it, we do feel more confident about getting out and about. However, we don't have to venture far to enjoy the outdoors. A few days ago I stepped outside at sunrise to this!