Getting Out and About - Turkey Time

 This was Joan's first trip out to the farm since hip surgery.  The good news is that there are no steps.

 She wasn't ready to tour via Ranger so we did a short loop via GMC Yukon.

 I got out and about though.

I didn't do an autopsy on this fish in the pond.  So far just one so hopefully nothing major.

The prairie planting from last year.

 There are some wildflowers blooming in it.

 I'm not sure if they were part of the planting or just the native seed bank in the soil.

 I suspect the later.

I mowed some of the clover plots for weed control.

 The redbuds are past peak but the dogwoods are near peak.

I don't remember pink ones in prior years - seems like they were mostly white.

I found a shed antler while mowing near the driveway stand.

 The rodents had already been chewing it.

 I set up a ground blind in case I can get some time to turkey hunt.  The season opens Monday morning.

 Green up has started.

 The grass is really long already in some spots.

 Joan spotted this rose breasted grosbeak at the feeder.  At least I think that's what it is.

 Ed was out and got the fertilizer spread.  We never made it happen last year.

 I did some spraying for grass control in the clover about 10 days ago.  No evidence of it working.  Broadleaf control is also needed.

A red fox showed up several places.

 Coyotes still in force.

In spite of the predators, the turkeys are here.

 Not as much strutting this week and I didn't hear any gobbles.

 More gobblers than hens on camera.

 The three amigos.

 Small antler bumps.

 Bigger belly bumps.

Stretch.

Nobody up there now.

It is the one year anniversary of the multiple murders in the neighborhood.  Still no arrests.  Here's the latest press coverage.
Pike County Murders Article

RMEF Videos

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has produced a couple of videos that I thought were pretty good.  FYI.

Red Buds and Strutting Toms

 I made a quick visit while the weather was dry.

 I needed to get a few fields disked up.  The redbuds were not quite at peak but getting close.

 Crabapple peaking.

 Apples in the orchard looking pretty good.

 When the redbuds are blooming, the turkeys are usually gobbling.

 They're pretty nice.

 But not completely open yet.

 Some blooms on the newer apple trees.

 Pumpkin patch.

 Firepit field.

 The main field.

 Lots of strutting on the trailcams.

 There were hundreds of shots.

 I picked a few.

 Mature Toms - not jakes.  You can tell because the tail fan is the same length.  Jakes have a step in the fan.

 Lots of attention for one hen.

 I think all the antlers have dropped by now.

 This guy has started his next set.

 Turkeys and deer sharing clover.

 Green up is none too soon for this one.  Skinny.

Keeping the minerals out.

What Are They?

 I've been trying to get a little exercise by walking around the lake at VOA Park.

 There were hundreds of these "mud chimneys" around the lakeshore.

One inch-plus burrow opening seemed too big for bugs.

 Mole? Bird? Amphibian?

 When I got home and Googled, I concluded that they are probably burrowing crayfish.  Ask a Naturalist

Some mallards on the lake.

 Redbuds are still opening.

 Aunt Karen has been experimenting with her new camera in Florida.

I'd say she's doing pretty well.

Random Stuff

 Video above from the Bloomsky weather station.  This still photo is from the video.  Apparently it is a fun place to perch.  I saw this article about the ethical dilemma facing nature photographers  Baiting For Wildlife Photos

 Went for a walk at home - Voice of America Park.  Flowers and flowering trees are starting.  They don't seem to be adversely affected by early warm weather.  Hope that's true of the fruit trees at the farm.  We didn't have any apples at all last year.  And, a good acorn crop is important too.

Interesting place to nest.

Shot below from local park.  Sign of the times.  I don't think that we would have seen a sign like this a few years ago.