Another Pumpkin Patch Attempt

We had 4 dry days and a couple more predicted.  So I decided to run out to the farm on Friday evening to catch up on the pumpkin patch.

 Imagine my surprise when I got caught in a downpour/thunderstorm on the drive out.

 When I got to the farm, the garage door opener didn't work - huh?  The power was out.  But I did get to see a really nice rainbow.

Lantern light and open windows in the cabin.  At least it cooled off to 68F after the rain.

 Hunters are prepared for these things.

What kind of luck is this? One blip in the whole state and it was centered over the farm.

 This was the rain gauge in the morning.  Almost 3".  Work in the pumpkin patch not likely for some time.

What a June.  11.9" dumped out of the gauge in June.  We hunt some places out west that don't get that in a year.

I did have a couple bucks come out to visit under the rainbow.

Saturday morning in the pumpkin patch.

Probably not going to get in here until late in the day - if at all.

 What slop.

 Had some dogs and coons inside the tape at some point.

I went tractoring - but it was really too wet for that too.  Did it anyway.

I decided to attack these willows invading the pond.

It was hot in the sun - steamy.

 Took a break to check cameras - can you tell I'm hot?

Pond with willows chopped.  I used roundup on the stumps.

Decided it was a good time to shoot and try out my Father's Day gift.

 I set up (in the shade) 200 yards away - sitting on sticks.  I shot the 223 and the 6.5.  40 grain 223 hardly moved the plates.  143 grain 6.5 sent those plates for a ride.  Here's videos thru the spotting scope.
Video 1
Video 2
Video 3
Video 4
Video 5

The clevis and pin appears to be the weak link.  Going to have to try a few things.

I found an "S" bracket in the barn.

 Repairs for next time.

Invasion of the millipedes.  They're everywhere.

 In the pumpkin patch. On the porch.  In the barn.  In the cabin.

 I finally took the tiller out even though still very wet.

It did ok.

 Rows desperately need hoed.  Another day.

Prairie plot.

 Swallow tail.

The monarchs wouldn't pose.

 A few other varieties.

 Wineberries still not ripe.

 Sunflower field - grass is winning.

 Powerplant field - grass is winning.

 Some good stuff in there.

 Another powerplant field - grass is winning,

 Some stuff in there.

 Clover is ok.

I mowed 1/2 of this clover field.

 Mowing last week.

 Mineral re-charge.

On tour.

Trailcams 6/30/19

 Starting to see some twin fawns - that's a good sign.

 From what I've read, twins are an indication that the population hasn't exceeded the carrying capacity.

Twins are supposed to be the "normal" situation.  When nutrition is scarce, does tend to spontaneously abort one of the fetuses.  One of nature's ways.

There are singles around too.  Of course that could be only one born or loss due to predation.

 It seems like the first ones that I saw were all singles.

Triplets aren't unheard of but I don't think that I've seen them on this property.

Speaking of predation, coyotes are somewhat controversial.  Some studies show them as a major source of fawn loss.  Other studies seem to indicate that they're cleaning up the ones that wouldn't survive anyway (lame, sick, etc).

 I don't think that foxes are much of a threat to deer.

Coyotes can be.

There were 6 blurry pictures like this.  I believe that it is an owl hunting.  Not sure what - mice, vole, bunny?

Getting to be a regular - pileated woodpecker.

 Looking like Junior.

 Not this one.

But this one.

One of my cameras died. I moved this one down to the mineral lick. We've missed two weeks of action down there.

 Wonder what sent this one airborne?

Infrequent visitor.

The regulars.

Thanks buddy.