This video is NOT exceptional, but it is my first drone video using an actual “controller”, not my phone for control. The controller allows many, many more capabilities than a phone controlled video. The controller only arrived in the mail a few hours ago.

At the end of the video you will see me sitting on my deck … next to the forest (my bird feeders are to the right, my left). In fact two nights ago the feeders were pulled down by Mama Bear and her two cubs. In addition, I have a Bobcat that likes to hang out on my deck in the middle of the night. Both the Bobcat and Bears have been visiting since early April! Four days ago I saw the Bobcat in person for the first time, not just via my trailcams. (video link for email subscribers)

And a photo of my house from about three weeks ago.

This is the time of the year when new young birds are bursting on the scene … the end of June / the beginning of July. Over the past few days I realized there were some new residents in our yard. It helps to learn the begging call of your local birds. I knew that some time spent looking for my local Northern Flicker Woodpecker Nest would be time well spent.

These images and video (video link for email subscribers) were taken just before supper last night. The BBQ was lit and the coals were getting hot. In the meantime I spent time with the Flicker Chicks. The images are in succession over about 10 minutes. Enjoy!

Northern Flicker Chick Feeding at the Nest Hole

The Movie!

I was enjoying a morning read on the couch at 8:15 when I heard a crash. Boo-Boo was back and he was hungry. This younger Black Bear (a yearling?) proceeded to attack my five bird feeders. As always, suet is the favorite.  Apparently this bear is part of a Minnesota DNR research study as it has two ear tags (#108 and #109). I have submitted the sighting to the DNR. In total the bear was with me for about ten minutes. I was watching from about 15 yards away … at my window seat in my living room. Other than the suet feeder, everything looks quite repairable.

I did some editing to remove the ear tags in the photographs. I have provided one image at the end of the post with the tags still included.

Boo-Boo the Black Bear Visits Amity Creek (video link for email subscribers)

And the still images of my morning visitor …

With the tags …