Thursday, December 28, 2017

Grandkids and More

 We were blessed with the family in town for Christmas and we made a trip out to the farm (in spite of the weather).
 The brave (and hardy) ones went out for various tours.
 And I had some helpers with me in the tractor.
 It was so cold, we didn't see much wildlife moving but we did see these tracks on the ice at the pond.  Raccoon?
 Interesting crystal patterns in the pond ice also.
 Some of the guests noticed some burrowing in the gravel behind the a/c unit.
 It went to a little cave under the barn slab.  I set up a trailcam to see who it might be.
 The culprit on the left side of this shot.  It has a rat like tail - I believe a young possum.
 We also made a visit to the Newport Aquarium.
 It was thoroughly enjoyed.
 A Christmas gift - new LED lights for the Ranger.
More touring - 11F!




The trailcams had a massive amount of squirrel activity.


 Another impressive rub discovered this trip.
 Fox


Not as much coyote activity.

 Still some nice bucks around.

 Interesting couple.

 This buck lost one side early but is holding onto the other side.



 Juvenile fight.








And the does.

Sunday, December 17, 2017

Winter Prep

 It's been cold already but I got most of the machines started.  The one exception was the small (old) Ranger.  Probably need a new battery.
 So I got the maintainers on the machines that I don't run every week.
 I've learned that it is a losing proposition if I don't do this.
 Looks like winter - doesn't it?
This field of radishes, turnips, and sugar beets still has food available,
They're working on both the greens and the roots.
 As always, the pine trees are under attack.  This is a pretty substantial rub.
 I usually have good intentions about burying the gut pile from cleaning the deer.  There were four gut piles here a couple weeks ago.  Not a trace anymore.
 I think this coyote is carrying part of it away.
 On my drive out, I encountered some wildlife on the road.
 Do you think that it is an invasive species?
Interesting trailcam capture.  I'm not sure what type of birds these are.
 I recognize these - turkeys.
 Not sure if this is a fight or courtship.

 Same couple?
 Lots of coyote photos this week.



 Also some fox.

 So the antler drop has already started.
 There are always a few early ones.

But most hold on to them until about Feb/Mar.



 Buck on the left of this shot.
 Crab claw.


 Lots of does about.
 Winter.

 Joan ordering the pruning of her holiday greenery.
I've picked up all the meat from the various butchers.  We won't starve this winter.  Had my first backstrap Friday night.