Thanks to having three “drumming trees” in my yard, over the years I have learned to identify my local woodpeckers by their “drumming sound” … . Pileated Woodpecker yesterday evening letting my wife and I know who really owns our yard!
Unless a dead tree threatens your house, leave it be! You will be rewarded. (video link for email subscribers … Pileated Woodpecker drumming)
When the fog sort burned off I went hiking this morning at 6:30 am. Overnight there had been huge thunderstorms, heavy rain, and strong winds … and of course … fog. The forest is drenched, and one gets quite wet walking beneath the canopy, and the trails are a combination of streams and ponds. I found the owl family, and I somehow imagined the Great Horned Owl family conversation going like this …
Owlet: “Yeeech … Mom, … living near Lake Superior is horrible! Tomorrow is June 1st. It’s only 48 degrees, and I’m all wet”
Mom: “Junior! Stop complaining and eat your morning crow!”
Owlet: “I’m outta here!
15 minutes later Mom had a crow trapped low in the forest below her. The crows have the advantage out in the open but within the deep pines, the crows have to be very careful as the advantage switches to the owls.
I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day Weekend. Our family … all three kids, their spouses, and seven grandchildren got together, and a grand time was had by all. Between the thunder storms which worked their way through the state, and lots of great family time, I did get a few minutes hiking outdoors … normally around 6 am before the rest of the crew greeted the new day. Here are a few pics …
First I found my owls upon returning home, or should I say they found me.
Wild Turkeys were trying to impress their lady loves
Even the local porcupine got into the business.