We have been experiencing some really great weather. It is warm but the breezes have been pleasant and kept the insects at bay. Watching the birds as they bath in the waterfall or bird spa is a great activity. They seem to be addicted to the water, splashing, leaving and return to splash some more.
We haven't seen Mr. P our neighborhood Pileated Woodpecker for a few days. We always get concerned by his absence btu know that when it heats up he usually returns deeper into the woods. We will keep our eyes open and our ears as well. His loud thumping as he builds a nesting hole or looks for bugs often reassures us of his well being.
He will be the next drawing in my large birds series,
As promised here is the completed drawing for the Red Shouldered Hawk.
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| Red Shouldered Hawk |
I am also posting a short video of deer as they meander through the back of our wooded plot.
These
deer like to travel through the area on a regular basis. As a result of
their habitual visits I have learned which plants to leave growing. The
first year here I trimmed all the Sassafras trees which only open our
gardens up as a salad bar for the deer. I now plant many shade and deer
friendly plants. This cuts down on their nibbling. However, when they
are hungry they will eat anything. I have started to use Plant Skyd on
plants that bloom and those that seem to be very tasty to the deer. This
seems to be working well. Since ther is no hunting allowed t=in the
state park behind us they do not sscare easily and often I feel they
come to watch the people.
