Neighborhood Wildlife

Posted on July 22, 2023 by Michael Doran

We are fortunate to enjoy a variety of native critters that visit our back yard. They come out of the wooded area behind our home. Mostly, they seek the bird seed which the birds peck from the feeder and the rest falls to the ground.

Our biggest critter is deer which feed on the honeysuckle shrubs, and occasionally bird seed. Far off, and on rare sightings do we see bucks, but they seldom come near our yard.

We try to discourage deer due to deer ticks, but they are fun to watch browsing the bushes. We definitely don’t do anything to attract racoons due to their ability to wreak havoc and carry disease, but recently a mom and her pups came into our yard to eat corn under the bird feeder. They are cute rascals with their bandit faces and human-like fingers.

In this particular instance, mom climbed the tree, came down the cord and shook the bird feeder to scatter the seed to the ground. Clever animals.

Squirrels, bunnies, and chipmunks visit us multiple times a day. Food is a powerful motivator. We even had a large female snapping turtle lay eggs in the sloped hillside next to the woods. We have an array of birds which frequent the feeder: cardinals, several varieties of sparrows, chickadees, junco’s, blue jays, and woodpeckers. Plenty of robins and thrashers, too, but they prefer worms and grubs. Rather than bore you with bird photos, I’ll simply share a few a more photographs.

The ducks and geese photos were taken while on a walk nearby and not in our back yard. However, it’s probably only a matter of time before these Canadian geese visit us as they have little to no fear of humans, and they are everywhere.

We have seen and heard coyotes, bobcats, turkey vultures, owls and a variety of hawks. Surprisingly, very few snakes even though there is water nearby. Perhaps the previously mentioned predators keep them in-check.

Later the same day, after I posted this blog, and after stating we see seldom see a buck, this guy shows up in a clearing in the woods. Oh well, surprised again!

Most of these images were taken via my cell phone through windows; hence the quality isn’t he best.

Unknown species.

Thin Ice

Posted on February 16, 2016 by Michael Doran

Thin Ice 007

Thin Ice 011

Thin Ice 021

It appears that people aren’t the only creatures who choose to ignore warning signs

Come Along Children

Posted on May 14, 2015 by Michael Doran

Goslings closely follow mom and pop until they can fend for themselves. They are fun to watch marching in single file. Most birds exhibit a similar behavior when they are young. These geese made their home in a field adjacent to our parking lot. Caution: don’t get too close or the parents will become offensive. They stretch out their necks, charge you, and hiss with beaks wide open. It is actually a bit intimidating! These Canadian geese are found all over our city and have become quite the nuisance when on the ground. They defecate everywhere, block traffic in parking lots and streets alike, and are slow to move out of the way. They have adapted well to urban life. However, when in the air they are a joy to watch as they communicate with loud honking, and take turns blocking the headwinds by changing places at the point of their V-formation. Landings and takeoffs are especially enjoyable to witness because these large birds are so graceful. A flock landing in unison is a beautiful sight to behold….along with all that honking! Here are a few facts: these geese can live up to 24 years in the wild, weigh up to 20 pounds, develop wingspans over 5 feet, have excellent eyesight, mate for life, and can be found in all 48 contiguous states of America, as well as in Alaska. Oh, yes, they can be found in Canada, too. Ha!

Sun, Sentinels & Scenery

Posted on March 13, 2014 by Michael Doran

A few days ago the temperature warmed up significantly so I took a ride on my scooter and shot some scenery. These images are with the sun to my back as it is about a half hour from dropping below the horizon. The warm hues of a late afternoon glow turn the metallic structures into something almost real. The tall spires of this electric utility sub-station reminded me of sentinels overlooking the plain of tall grasses.This is that time of year when nature plays tricks on us. One day it is well below freezing and the next above sixty degrees. Most of the winter hibernators come out on these days and the human activity looks like squirrels descending from their nests and scurrying about for nuts! It is like neighborhoods come to life just as spring flowers sprout up from the crusty soil of colder days. Soon, the earth will shed her blanket of snow and frozen ground and usher in a spectacular array of life and beauty. We are still a month away from such eruptions of color, but the wildlife senses the coming change. 3-10-14 pm 028 I passed these beautiful creatures grazing and simply had to stop and shoot. The sun cast rays and shadows which made for an idyllic setting. Horses are so graceful.Even this goose got into the picture, literally! The geese that left our area are now beginning to return. Although they are a wonderful sight to watch in flight, they can certainly create problems as they have acclimated to people and vehicles. As a side note, I try to be cognizant of my surroundings because I am so often pleasantly astonished at what I encounter. When I am preoccupied or running too fast I can easily overlook the sublime which may not be readily recognizable. For me, this applies especially to nature, but extends to all facets of my life. People are not exceptions to this truth for they are the most complex of all creation. Well, the sun was ready to set for another evening so it was time to pack up the camera and head home which is just what I did. Shalom.