The owl tree & deer scrapes

Sunday was busy, after finishing the wood Saturday. I cleaned the goldfish tank, did some floors, and played outside. (The latter was the best part! I know that all of you will agree.)

I walked back to the 'owl tree', you can see the white mute under it. One more pellet. 

I'd seen a buck out back Friday morning, his frozen hoof print in the path. 

Deer scrapes

First they scrape out a clear spot with their hooves, then they urinate on their tarsal and metatarsal glands to put their scent on the scrape. They also nudge the branches above to put scent there from their preorbital and nasal glands. From October to December they aggressively scrape as testosterone levels are high. Charlie Alsheimer has written a piece about this. He says there are three placements of scrapes: boundary, primary and random scrapes. This scrape is a primary one, I think, on a major trail all the critters use. 

This is last year's video by the frog pond. There was a scrape back there. I think that means we have 5 scrapes on the property. I hope we have little fawns come spring.

The squirrel is up to its old tricks. It didn't figure this out until later in the bird feeder year. Can you see it on the tray feeder?

This is from last spring. It remembered the whole deal. What can I do?! Squirrel won.

I wrapped the rose bush. It made a difference in terms of blooms last year. I wrapped my new plants in the daffodil garden. 

While the deer are on the move, cottontail continues to hang about. I was reminded of the cat we had around the house. (Not ours!) I borrowed a trap and tried to capture it. It didn't dissuade bunny. She is back this year. I never did see the cat. 

March 23, 2024

I've been puttering around the yard. Remembrance Day symbols have been put away. Seasonal symbols are out. I think the drain spout is a nice touch beside it!