The miracle of life

Spring is all about birth, and we have evidence of spring here at Lester's Flat.

First, the eagle in the last post is probably one of the parents in the eagle's nest across the street on the horse farm property. I have yet to wander through the field, which has at least 3 new foals in it, to go take a photo.

The chickens are reveling in the warmer weather and have been all over the property exploring. Exploring and laying eggs. We were just back to getting 8 or 9 eggs a day, when we suddenly dipped down to 2 or 3. A lengthy search finally revealed the newest hiding places: in the pig shed (photo) and in the hay bales. None of the girls are sitting on their eggs yet, but I expect  one or 2 of them will try again, like last year.

Finally, yesterday, the WoodMan uncovered a mouse nest on the back porch. He and Sophie promptly scared the mouse half to death before we rescued her and sent her on her way over the fence. In cleaning out the nest, we found a living newborn mouse, obviously born too soon.

On a happier note, thus rating the larger photo, we went to Madison County today to pick up what we intended to be 4 Cayuga ducklings. The Husband has been wanting to get some ducks, and I have been wanting them to be Cayugas, a very pretty black and blue-green breed that is native to NY state (I think...have to do some more research on them...)

After driving around lost and finding Stockbridge Hill Road instead of Stockbridge Falls Road, and then being offered all 8 for a discounted rate of only $20, well, I think you know the result.

More to follow.