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.

What are the chances?

Monday morning as I was getting ready for work, I got a phone call from Cousin Chris saying how pleased he was with Frank the Pig. While I was talking to him on the phone, something huge flew right past my dining room windows. I looked off to the side to see that it was a bald eagle, who conveniently landed in a tree just outside. We've seen him (or her) several times before, but never this close to the house. He stayed on that branch long enough for me to run around the house to find the best window from which to take a photo. I took about 20 shots from inside, but it turned out the best shot was from outside when I was leaving for work. In the pouring rain I got the best photo, and thoroughly soaked.

So what are the chances that Don on the Hill's dog would be running around just behind the eagle in the photo? Bandit is a white dog, which made him pretty easy to spot, although I had no idea until I downloaded the photos that he was in there. Of course with me trying to get closer for a better shot, the eagle flew off...but I also just barely caught him in the photo as he was flying off.

Altogether a pretty lucky photo shoot for a not-so-great little camera!

I took a short trip back to visit with Little Sister in NJ for Easter. Sophie came along for the ride, and Woody stayed home with The Husband to keep him company. Much fun was had by all.