Wildlife!

Of all the wildlife I've seen here at the farm: turkeys, geese and goslings, ducks, songbirds, turtles, deer, squirrels, woodchucks, chippies, rabbits, fox, and bear, Mr. Bear takes the cake! I mean, bear trump all other species of wildlife observed...in our yard...close up. Right?

Paying a visit to the Hennings -- Thursday evening (May 24th)

I've only seen one other black bear on our property.  A few years ago Tom and I were in the car and we saw him at the entrance to our Christmas tree field. He was only 15-20 yards away and looking as curious about us as we were about him. Not the least bit scary that time. Did I mention we were in the car? 

This time I'm on the porch watching Tom take pictures of a bear lumbering our way through the field behind our barn, crossing the driveway, heading toward...us. Tom snapped away while this huge creature mosied closer. Twenty-five yards, nothing between them but a vinyl fence. Twenty-two yards. Like that vinyl fence could offer any protection. Twenty yards and still on the move, but thankfully, now heading away. Tom, camera in hand, makes like to follow. That's it for me! Heart in throat I squeak out an insistent, no, no, no. And wonder of wonders, Tom listens and joins me up on the porch where we can get inside in a big hurry if need be. There was no need, so we watched until the magnificent animal walked off into the woods. (Headed for your old favorite campsite, Nate. If you're reading this, make note.)

We often wonder what it is that gets the dog riled up at night. Well, there you have it. Of course she gets equally excited about rabbits and deer, so who knows.

Wild. Crazy. Serendipitous.

Front yard visitors



Great Blue Heron (down the road a piece)

All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.

He gave us eyes to see them,
And lips that we might tell,
How great is God Almighty,
Who has made all things well.

Cecil Frances Alexander