What happened to my new blog?

May 22, 2014

It seems this blog has been unlocked (it had been inaccessible to me for a year). So I started another environmental blog - Natural Eye Environmental.  Now that blog has vanished from Blogger.  Here I am back at my original blog.  We'll see if I can continue to add posts to it.  Please make note that the primary email is incorrect.  If you wish to add a comment, send it to me directly at mjfish094@yahoo.com otherwise I will never get it.

I shall be adding new posts to this blog as long as I can get in here.

Surry Mountain Hike

May 26, 2013

Active Beaver lodge

I decided to find "the Monuments" on Surry Mountain in NH.  I parked in a sandy lot off of Rte 12A which pheasant hunters often use.  First I headed toward the dam, hoping to find a shortcut to the other side of the Ashuelot River.  After a pleasant walk through varied terrain, I walked back to where I started and headed off in the opposite direction.  I got a late start, 3:00 p.m., but I was determined to find this rock formation before dark.  I used my phone GPS to track where I was going by using "mapmyrun".  The total hike including the initial walk to the reservoir, was nearly 8 miles.

I stopped to smell the shrubs, both of which are sweet.

Burning Bush

This shrub is called Burning Bush. It's an invasive species which was introduced to the United States in 1860 as an ornamental plant.

Lilly of the Valley

Single turtle egg found by itself and lying on the sand.

We crossed a grand pasture of yellow looking toward the north.  At far corner there is a bridge, which I believe was called "David's Bridge".

Snowmobile bridge across the Ashuelot River.  The river was a raging torrent.

From the other side of the bridge we got right on to the trail that leads to Surry Dam.  The trail follows the Ashuelot River to the dam.  I estimated the point at which the rock formation would be directly above.  I would look for a trail, or make my own. I found an unmarked trail that may very well have been nothing more than deer traffic.  A very steep scramble with opportunities for treacherous falls, nevertheless I was determined, and so was Evvy. 


Southeast view from the monuments

 At last all the bushwhacking and rock scrambling paid off with this amazing view of Surry Dam.  I wish I had started out earlier because there is surely more exploring to do up there.  The photo bellow is looking toward Walpole.

I found a more legible trail, however in need of serious trail maintenance.  This was a much faster trip for many reasons.  Thank goodness for strong saplings to hang on to whilst sliding downslope.

Southwest view from the monuments, looking toward Carpenter and Derry Hills in Walpole.

I plan on exploring this area in greater detail very soon.  Next time, I will leave earlier and stay longer.

Snowshoe Hike January 7, 2013

First let me say that though I haven't posted for some time, I do not like the "new" blogger.  I can't seem to format my blog as I used to.  It is tedious trying to figure this out while wanting to just write a post. There seems to be much more "white space" now.  I almost think it would be better for me to cut and paste my blog from a word document.

At any rate, yesterday Evvy and I had occasion to snowshoe in the Derryhill area. The sun was bright and not a cloud in the sky.  The first thing I noticed on my way to my favorite trail was that the Derry Hill Rd. has been widened, and graded for access to a timber operation further up.  I certainly hope that what follows is not a development.  I know much of the land was for sale.

 

Evvy

Deer bed 1

Despite being hit by a car last Thursday, Evvy took to the snow like a champ.  Bounding and rooting as energetically as always.  She is a real trooper, and resilient to say the least.

We came across a few small deer yards, which I assume are the same three deer.  I was delighted to find this evidence as I had thought the deer population had not survived the latest hunting season.  In my opinion, Derry Hill is over hunted.
 
 

Deer bed 2

In addition to the three beds we found.  I found a number of tracks belonging to Fisher, Bear, Racoon, and Fox.  Interestingly, I had found a single Bear track last week off County Rd. The tracks I found on Derry Hill were the same size, of the same age, and moving in the same direction as those from last week.

I also found that one other person has snowshoe'd the area.  I bushwhacked across an old beaver pond, Evvy raced around full-tilt without crashing. How she does this, I'll never know. 

We made our way through the woods back to the worn trail.  We'd gone one mile which was all we had time for as I had to get ready for work.  On the weekends though I have enjoyed much longer hikes alone, and with friends.  So far this winter, we have been blessed with snow, however this week is much warmer than last and I fear much of the snow will be lost by week's end.

Fisher track

Deer Bed 3

Up to Stevens Cabin

		June 11 '12 Walpole VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

1448hr  Derry Hill Rd Walpole   20 deg. C  Elev. 229m
I hiked up to Stevens cabin with Evvy this afternoon.  I was curious to see how the old cabin fared in the recent storm. There were sections of  trail up to the cabin that had been completely washed of sticks, and pine needles.  But there was no serious erosion anywhere. Long extinct beaver ponds were swollen, and bullfrogs hollered the familiar “gar-rump”. The cabin itself was just as solid as could be. No damage whatsoever.  I took the liberty of sweeping inside the cabin. I thought John Stevens might have appreciated it, though he’s been gone for years now. Evvy was quite certain she had found some mice under the bunk bed. The mice or chipmunks were safely holed up within the enclosed bed frame..
I continued to look for evidence of white tail deer Odocoileus virginianus, because I feel strongly the population in the immediate area has declined steadily the last ten years. I found one set of deer tracks but that was it.
I found a pile of leaf litter, and pine needles heaped up, and concluded a Bobcat had been by.  Nearby scat confirmed this.   Perhaps the area is a Bobcat litter box, where he returns to.  I will plan to set up a camera there in hopes of catching the hard evidence. I have one camera set up near the edge of a recently created hay field.  Last year, I watched as hunter after hunter lay in wait there.  Several deer were taken in that field alone.

After the storm

Fay Falls lower pool

Flash floods hit New Hampshire last week.  Many roads, including the road I live on, were washed away and impassable.  The soil is beyond saturated. In fact the slope behind my house now reveals its granite foundation.  The water continues to stream down, from all over.

I went to Fay Falls in Walpole yesterday out of curiosity.  Ordinarily the lower falls is a peaceful spot, where you can watch native brook trout Salvenis fontinalis.  Now all around the upper and lower pools, the devastation can be seen.  Long, wide wash areas with virtual no top soil, reveal boulders and smaller rocks.

The upper pool with its falls, is nearly 4' deep in the middle.  I have seen several trout individuals here, but the water is churning so that it was difficult to see any fish.  This photo doesn't do the scene justice.  Trees hang down across the falls, and newly exposed rocks around the pool, make walking very difficult.








I observed copious downed "green" branches.  Several live trees like this Quaking aspen Populus tremeloides.  Notice the blackened leaves believed to be black leaf fungus.

Here is a White pine Pinus strobus bough with new flowers.  Both trees are typical upland species. 

New fungi are everywhere, and Hen of the Woods Polyporus sulfureus is a wonderful edible.  I have found some, but they had already been ravaged by slugs.   This fungus is a form of Ganoderma applanatum, a.k.a. Artist's Conk.  They are called Artist's Conk because the underside can be drawn upon using a stylus or other drawing implement. This years fungi promises to be a "bumper crop".

I found this lush patch of vines spread across the ground.  Several faint blue flowers emerged from the mat. 

Unidentified vine with light blue flower clusters

Last but not least, my dog Evvy wallowing in new pools.  She was in her glory running from pool to pool, laying in the water, occasionally dipping her head beneath the water. 

Taking the "Otter" Road

Last night, late, I was on my way home from Stoddard.  I had taken the back roads through Gilsum, and Surry.  There in my headlights, a beautiful creature, I'd not seen for years.  Very handsome, as his undulating bounce brought him closer.  I stopped the truck, as he was right beside the truck.  I got a great chance to see this Otter up close.  I gazed at him, and he at me.  I told him we was a very beautiful creature.  Indeed, he was dry, which made his coat most magnificent.   He quickly scampered down the bank, into a small stream.

I had originally taken the Joslin Rd., only to find it closed due to bridge construction.  I am so thankful, that this detour brought me to the next road, and the opportunity to see the Otter.

Hunkered

15” at my house, my big snowblower can barely move the heavy wet snow.  So I’ll wait awhile and try again.  No matter, I’m not going anywhere.  If I do, it’ll be on my snowshoes.  Evvy has already been out loving every minute of playing in the snow.  Thankfully, I had power all night long.  Good thing because my generator just will not work.  Something dreadfully wrong in the carbuerator.

So here is the “snowfish” late last night.

This morning, the snow fish looks more like a manatee, can you see it?

Here is Merle all hunkered down in my jacket.  At 17 yrs. young, Merle is quite spry, and holds her own against the other two cats.  In fact, they pretty much leave her alone.  Casey the cat to the right, can often be seen licking Merle’s head. 

As soon as I’m adequately caffeinated, I’m going to grab the snowshoes for a romp in the woods.  I’ll check the game camera, but I’m certain the deer are holed up somewhere waiting to the snow to melt alittle more.  What a crazy weather event, but beautiful nevertheless.

Fall Finds

 I picked up a game camera this fall, and could'nt wait to watch potential hunting spots.  The first two shots are at "undisclosed location #1"  They are undisclosed because there are two good looking bucks there. I don't want to share the spot with the rest of the world.  One is an 8-pointer, the other is a 4-pointer, then there is this guy.  Still in velvet, maybe he'll turn into a 4 ptr.?  I'll have to set the camera back out and see how he's coming along.  Now that Bow season is well underway, he may have sought more secure concealment.

 This little guy was captured on film at "Undisclosed Location #2". While I was hunting for bear.  I chose not to take him, because he's just a little guy.  He might be 70#.  I had also hoped to see some more bucks, but they would not likely hang around where the bears are.

Here's a good look at the little bear.  He was very curious about the camera, and I'm glad he decided not to chew on it.   I was thrilled to get this picture of him.  

As firearm season approaches, I will set the camera out again, at "Undisclosed Location #3".  I haven't actually decided where that will be yet.  I may try the woods behind my house where I got the doe last year, or maybe I'll check the woods near my sister's house in Stoddard.  It would be neat to catch a Moose on the camera too.
Though I am NOT a fan of gray, cold days once I get into it, I do more hiking and observing.  Less of my usual exercise regime; running.  Running in the cold, in lots of sweaty layers, does absolutely nothing for me.  Besides Evvy enjoys the hikes as much as I do.  She doesn't run with me, unless we trail run.  And, BTW....the ticks seem to have gotten a second wind.  I found one on me, and one on Evvy the other day.  We had been tick-free for the entire summer!

Bald Hill Hike - Bellows Falls, VT

Bald Hill in Bellows Falls, VT is not bald at all. Early this morning Evvy and I hiked Bald Hill, which part of the Windmill Hill Pinnacle Association conservation easements. There are other such easements nearby in Putney.

I didn't find any great views at the top. New growth trees have taken over the landscape, mostly Maples and Hemlocks. The trail itself was very steep in places, especially down near Twin Falls. After exploring the top of Bald Hill, I decided follow some of the little trails around the hill. One led to a cemetery, on Cemetery Rd., what else? Another trail led to Union High School. Still another, led to the perilous Twin Falls. This is where we did most of our exploring.

Here Evvy appears very majestic as she contemplates a swim

When I first arrived at this spot, I was amazed by the shear violence of the water falls. Basins had been formed in the rock over thousands of years. Though it looked like an attractive place to jump in, you can not see the bottom. You can also not predict the currents beneath.

The Twin Falls have been a fateful swimming hole for years. I recall one such fatality years ago, when a Keene High School student drowned here. As I looked at the swells, I could imagine the adventurous youth who have swam in these waters. Personally, I could feel the allure of the 15-20' leap, but with age comes wisdom. Swimming there would not be a good idea. Upstream there were calmer waters. The falls seem to reach out, hypnotize onlookers. The violent churning drew me so close to the edge of the perilous rocks. Evvy was also entranced, and I feared she would fall in. I told her if she fell, I would not jump in. Let's face it, it would be foolhardy. I would have to catch up with her downstream, if she emerged from the maestrom.

A small sign directs the way to the falls. Walking down to the falls was perilous itself in places. Slippery rocks, and ground kept me alert to say the least. Well worn paths led along the river for some way. There were obvious spots for jumping off. Each precipous equally as dangerous, a thrill-seekers heaven. For the most part I have outgrown thrillseeking when I am alone, especially without a cellphone. But he thought was there. I imagined plunging in. Then I thought if I survived, I would be shocked into reality by the freezing cold water. Would Evvy follow me? Not good.

I saw many mushrooms, which I have yet to identify. I saw two snakes, one quite large, Ribbon Snake, close to three feet long with bright yellow stripes down its back. The snake was stretched out in a sunny spot on the trail. The other snake was a Garter, much smaller. I also found these neat fragile flowers clinging to the cliff at the falls. How ironic such a fine lacey flower should dwell in such a violent environment.

After exploring the falls sufficiently. I chose to follow a narrow path along the river, back toward the trailhead. The path veered sharply up the hill to a main trail. This trail was so steep, I had to scale it on all fours! Very, very slippery going. If my parents knew where I was, and the conditions, they would be shaking their heads no doubt. The extent of my thrillseeking.

Still I took great satisfaction in the workout itself. Poor Evvy was breathing quickly. Evvy with her sure-footedness easily ran up the steep incline. At last at the top of the bank, we headed back down to the truck. I would recommend this hike for the thrills, for swimming(upstream of the falls), and lots of photo opportunities. I took many more photos than I was able to download here.

Looking upstream, to where the water is more tame and suitable for swimming. A perfect mix of woods, and water, wonder and danger.

Spring Arrives

Nest of Sparrows in my front yard

I have been a poor correspondent of late. I've gotten involved with various projects, including editing the New Hampshire Wildlife Federation Newsletter. Editing and publishing has brought me into the past when I was a graphic artist for a small computer journal company back in the 80's. At any rate I do enjoy the creative aspects of laying out an appealing newsletter. To top it off, I can write articles too! The first issue will be out this month.

Cordyalis flower growing on moss covered granite

My woodland wanderings have been challenging lately, with the very steamy weather we've been having. Day after day of 80-90 degree days, followed by severe damaging storms. A dangerous storm broke loose yesterday in Keene. There were trees down everywhere, glass patio tables lifted into the air and dropped. Thankfully, in Walpole I didn't find any damage. I never lost power, nor did I have any fallen trees on my property. In Stoddard, folks did not fare as well. I believe power is still out as I write this.

Aside from the weather, I have had to contend with the ticks! Every day I'm finding those creepy crawlies on me or on my dog. I have not been bitten, but Evvy has. I have been religious about applying "Frontline" to Evvy, though I'm not crazy about putting pyrethrins on her. The ticks bite her, but they die almost immediately, then I just pluck them off. I have found ticks everywhere, but primarily at the edges of fields, roadways, and woods boundaries. Whenever I go for a hike with Evvy, I apply the bug dope with DEET in it to my socks and shoes, my boonie hat, and clothes. I always take a shower immediately after each hike. I also hose Evvy off, and brush her. I believe we have managed to keep the ticks to a minimum despite a tick bloom of monstrous proportions this year. I found an informative segment on ticks and Lyme disease on www.WMUR.com. I was shocked by the number of complications caused by Lyme disease, and other infections also present in ticks.

Evvy and I tend to hike in areas where there is little ground cover, such as worn trails, or where the canopy prevents shrubbery from growing. My theory is there are fewer ticks in those areas. I will not walk in fields anymore, especially if they haven't been mowed. I like to encourage Evvy to take a swim any time we are near water. A couple of days ago, we went for a good hike though temperatures were well into the 90's. By the time we got home, Evvy was so exhausted, panting more rapidly than usual. I put ice in her water bowl, taking care that she not drink too fast, or two much. I rubbed ice on top of her head, until the panting slowed. It wasn't very long before she recovered. She was done for the day, sprawled out on the floor.

I have not seen a lot of game myself, but friends have seen Bear, Moose, and Deer. The only deer I've seen have been those that jump into the road in front of me. When I drive in areas where I know there are deer, I tap on my horn all the way through. Honking the horn has saved me a couple of times already - Rte 9 in Roxbury.

Walking through the Brambles

We (me and Evvy) began our hike off a woods road in Walpole and runs to Surry. There is a wonderful deer camp out there. A long retired travel trailer sits atop granite ledge. The spot boasts of a granite patio with large fire ring. There not one, but two outhouses. The "shitter" below is the deluxe version complete with house phone purely for aesthetic value, various shit house jokes on the wall, and fancy facade. I took great pleasure in escaping the massive swarms of black flies, to make a pit stop.


The whole place has a magical feel to it. There is a path that leads down to a brook. A footbridge crosses a natural granite canal, then it takes you to an interesting spot. Now this looks like a place where sacrifices are made. Another fire ring, and places to sit.

Another path, referred to as the "Psycho Path", leads to a food plot. I decided to look around for deer stands. I found two, one on the ground permanently attached to the trunk of a tree. Another stand, a broken climber left on the ground to rust and die. I didn't look further, but I assume there are old stands all around the food plot. A nice play to hunt to be sure. In the past I have seen an 8 pointer in this area.

The Grand Shitter - a 5 cent fee is charged for seat sanitization.















House phone, grass toilet roll, and five cent fee.

After our thorough exploration of the camp, Evvy and I continued up the trail. I waited for Evvy to work her "antler locator" skills. Evvy was at first content to look for chipmunks, as they are her faves. So I just kept my out for anything that looked like bone.

I came upon a dead porcupine, first spotting the tufts of soft belly fur, entangled with tiny quills. At first, I thought I'd found a cat, because the fur was so incredibly soft. But no cat has quills over course. Then I found the dried up carcass laying there, about 15' away. The remains were complete with skull, spine and all four legs. But skin would have been useless to save. The perp, likely a Fisher, rolled it over and ate from the bottom side up. I scooped up the skull, and placed it inside a discarded milk jug I found.

We came upon a granite ridge. I had not seen this before in other hikes. The last winter wind storms, thoroughly cleared the trees from the ridge. Old Moose sign was everywhere, so I was hopeful we would find an antler. Evvy didn't come through with an antler, but she did find a scapula. It was the size of a large canoe paddle. So, since she was quite satisfied with her treasure, she would be unavailable for finding antlers.


On my own again, I searched and searched through "the pricker bushes", for the elusive antlers. But alas, it was not to be. I emerged with bloody scratches all over my legs. I'll tell people my cats went into a frenzy, and attacked me. The sun was setting, I was getting hungry, so we worked our way back to the truck. The search continues another day.

A Successful Shed Hunt

Small Moose antler, missing three points.

First, this morning 6:30 a.m.  the march of the white tails.  For the last couple of weeks, two small herds of deer have graced the hill across the road from my house.  They first emerged when the hillside was clear of snow.  Ever since then, they have come in the evening just before dusk.  Now they are coming out after dawn.  In the morning, they move from north to south.  In the evening, just the opposite.  All the deer (10-12) appear vigorous, and quite lively.  I have to attribute their good health to a neighbor on Cochrane Rd., who feeds the deer through the    winter.

Yesterday, Evvy and I drove up to Lempster.  We had it on good authority, that we might find some Moose sheds in the vicinity of a "certain undisclosed" road.   So I chose a random spot to park beside the road near a snowmobile trail.  By the way, still plenty of snow up there to snowmobile on.  I put the snowshoes on, and we were off.  I took a reading on my compass, and headed east along the trail.  I looked for Moose tracks crossing the trail, but saw only a few. Evvy of course was content running down the trail, and off the trail.   Suddenly, she appeared from the woods, carrying this shed!  I threw my hands up in the air, and shouted, "yes!".  Evvy was not eager to give up her prize.  She would have been happy as a clam, to gnaw on that antler.  But I grabbed it, and tied up on my back.  I asked Evvy where the other antler was.  She headed down to where she found the first.  I followed, and tried to find the other, or any antlers.  We didn't find the it.  So we continued on down the trail, up hill, and down.  I decided to walk a large square area, and return to the trail later on.   I was limited on time, so I covered only a few square acres.   Occasionally, I would pop out near a house.  I had hoped to be deeper in the woods.  The antler we found was relatively near a road, and a house, along a sunny slope with stands of young Beeches.  On the opposite side of the trail, thicker woods of Spruce, White Pine, and some oaks.  We came upon a bog where it was easy to walk with snowshoes.  I was sure this would be a gold mine.  But it wasn't to be.  Evvy continued to forage for Snowshoe hare, which seem to be plentiful in that area.  Evidently, she was less interested in antlers.  I think the snow is still pretty deep, maybe too deep to find the big sheds.  I will continue the search nevertheless.

Sullivan Bushwhack II

Sunday Evvy and I headed back to the Sullivan/Stoddard boundary near Woods Mill.  There a substantial wetland there, so I thought it would be prime Moose territory.  Quite a bit of snow has melted, but there is still over a foot in many places.  So I put the snowshoes on.  We were out there around 11:00 a.m.   I didn't see any other hiking tracks, so I was hopeful that I might be the first to look for Moose sheds.....any sheds for that matter.  There was a rumor that this area is a hot spot for sheds.  Well.....not

today.  I found a place full of recent activity, but I determined that it was two Moose.  A cow, and her yearling.  There were hanging out in the spruces, and mucky spots.  Plenty of sign, but no rubs, so I was disappointed.  So I shifted my thought to just exploring the wetland, and all it offered.  It was a perfect "sunny 16" (f16) day.  

Mallard drake

I was drawn to the water, as was Evvy.  She walked right into the reeds and laid right down.   A shiver ran down my spine.  But she is a water rat for sure.  We stopped at a clearing, and I sat on a large boulder at the edge of the river that passes through the wetland.  I just sucked the marrow out of the day.  Evvy discovered a chipmunk under the boulder.  She spend some time trying to get that chippy out.  At one point, I could see only her tail from atop that rock.   In the "end" she never did get the chipmunk.

We worked our way around half the area, not concentrating on Moose sheds so much as enjoying the scenery.   I saw a lone Mallard drake floating around.  I wondered if he had been in a flock.  Just what was his story?  The brilliant green of his head and neck was a beautiful flash of color amongst the browns, grays, and blue of the sky.  I'm so thankful spring is breaking out in bits and pieces like this.

Sullivan Bushwhack, etc.

Yesterday, inspired by my recent introduction to "Shed Hunting", I went to an undisclosed location in Sullivan.....must be kept on a "need to know" basis. But seriously, the location was off Bowler Rd.

Climbing stand left hanging til next time

I knew Moose frequented this area, so it seemed likely I might an antler.....or something. I parked near a Nature Conservancy boundary marker, donned snowshoes, and headed off to the northeast with my faithful companion, Evster. We walked around a large wetland area with some open water already showing. I dared not cross it as I had crossed Chandler Meadow last weekend.

At first, the lack of sign of any kind was disappointing and discouraging. Not a single track, or skat. Sure there were signs from months, and years ago, but nothing recent. I thought the environment here was perfect for moose and deer. I still think this to be true.

Ground hunting blind, not far from the climber

We walked endlessly, in large circles, taking extra time to look for the most minute of indications. I came upon some Fisher tracks and followed them for a bit. Then there lying on the snow was a leg. A rear lower leg of a young Moose. The leg was the result of a successful hunt. Killed by a person, the Moose was quartered and hauled away. Evvy decided, promptly the leg would be hers. She dragged the leg around for miles. She would frequently stopped to chew on the hooves, which are apparently her favorite. As she chomped on the prize, I reminded her that she would
not be bringing it home with her. I let Evvy carry this leg with her for some time before I finally took it away, and hung it in a tree. Thank goodness, dogs can quickly move on from disappointment. Otherwise, we might still be there trying to strike a compromise.

It's my opinion that you find more neat things out there, when you leave the trail, so bushwhacking yesterday made sense. Though I'm not familiar with the terrain, I was armed with my GPS, compass, and Topo map of the area. My plan was to walk around the wetland, and return to Bowler Rd. There are several trailheads into the conservancy easement, at least two on Bowler Rd. alone. As we made our way through the woods, I eventually popped out onto one of the conservancy trails. I took the opportunity to walk on the trail for a bit as a break. Previously, the walking wasn't bad, but there were still deep spots in the snow. Deep and soaking wet spots, over the boots wet.

So we walked along until I found a Moose track, very melted but followable nevertheless. Back into the woods once more. Not moments in, I found the climber stand hanging near the ground, probably to be used each year. Nearby, a ground stand had been creating by piling up fallen limbs, and placing a discarded lawn chair inside. A bit farther away, a "Sullivan standard" awaiting its next customer. The door was good construction. I opened the box, out of curiosity. I like to imagine all the potential surprises that might be inside. A corpse? Half a box of Dunkin Donuts munchkins? Who knows? This time, I found only a huge pile of pine cone shells, not even any "TP". But the construction was excellent, and will stand the test of time I'm sure.

Evvy and I walked for hours. I found evidence of only one Moose in the area. Occasional piles of skat of different ages, and no recent tracks. This Moose would be a young one, not much bigger than the hunting victim. I had eaten a Clif Bar, and finished most of my water, so I decided to head back to the truck. The hike was a success even without a shed.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch.......

A Barred Owl sits at the base of a White Pine

For the last couple of weeks, I've had a Barred Owl on my property, very close to my shed. I had seen it fly through the trees at first. Then I saw it perched no higher than about 3' off the snow. The owl had successfully caught a Grey Squirrel, and I hoped he would continue to lower the squirrel population. The tree rats have made pigs of themselves at my birdfeeder, so they would not be missed. I thought it strange the owl would be so dangerously close the ground each day.

I continued to watch. Then Friday morning, as I took Evvy out for her "constitutional". She yanked me down the steps, on to the glare ice. I landed on my ~!@#. I wasn't impressed, as she pulled me through the bird seed and bird crap. Then I looked up at what Evvy was trying desparately to catch. The owl! I could not yell at Evvy enough, I was so mad. I reeled her in, and dragged her back into the house. The owl was now tangled in a briar patch. With thick leather gloves on, I went to the owl and removed it from it entanglement. It barely tried to bite me. I carefully, folded its wings back onto it's sides, and lifted it away. I looked him over carefully, noting that he was blind in the right eye. Not merely blind, he had no iris! How in the world had he survived this long? In addition to his vision issue, one of his talons wasn't working right. I attempted to place him on a perch, but the talon wouldn't hold. So I sat him on top of my generator which wasn't running at the time. He was able to stand at last.


Later that day, when I came home from work, I returned to find him sitting on a bare spot near the brook. I resolved to catch him and bring him to Deb Gode a wildlife rehabilatator in Winchester. I called her and told her what I had. She would meet me in Keene, and check the owl out. It took no more than ten minutes to catch the owl without incident, or injury. I called Deb back and told her I'd be in Keene in a bit. We met at an agreed upon spot. Deb, who is a vet tech in addition to being a rehabilitator, checked the owl for serious injury. She took a look at the blind eye, and was quite astonished by what seemed to be a natural handicap. Otherwise the bird was malnourished, and undersize. His wings were fine, but weak. Deb said she would take the owl to Dr. Rich Righter, who specializes in birds. Then Deb would place the owl in a wild bird refuge. She was hopeful that this owl would survive, and thrive with help. I was so glad. I was checking on him every day while he lived in my yard. I feared he would die soon without help. Now he will live another day, perhaps many more.