Saturday's Critters

 As I have said, it is deer shed season. The bucks' testosterone lowers in the cold and without nourishing food. They don't need the antlers to fight much, since they have already established themselves as boss. 

I moved the trailcam out the kitchen window to see if I could capture the coyotes on the lawn. Silly me. Look what happened!

JB yelled at me from the kitchen, 'You're going to want to see this. Bring your camera!'

Here is King Frederick. He was down to one antler. He shook his head, and off it popped right before my very eyes! I wish I'd had my videocamera!

Good hubby went out to fetch it for us! At this point, the driveway was sheer ice.

I ran out to the garage to watch!

I thought this side was a 7-point, but on closer inspection, there are 8 points.

My friend, Justin Hoffman, a professional photographer and wildlife writer, has taught me a lot about finding deer sheds. He has a massive collection. He wanted a photo of my antler to show his buds, and sent me a photo of his collection! He makes epic videos, as well. He has given me much advice on setting up trailcams.

Lest you think I ignore the females, Jan. 23rd I noticed the doe out front under the feeders. She walked right by me on the sidewalk. 

 

Doe on the sidewalk! from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.

I even got her on the Crumbly Acres camera!

doe walkies from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.

After this I headed out to the back 40 to look for the other antler, but it was way too icy and a horrible walk. I gave up. The trees were covered in ice, branches droopy.

 Heading down the driveway to check for mail, wearing my boots with ice pics, I fell! It was funny and harmless as I fell in the snow bank.

Here they are with the last videos of them with antlers!

morning munchies from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.

Jan. 18 deer crew from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.

Catch up: Sun., Mon., Tues....

Tuesday we anticipated more snow. We had a couple of cm. The driving was fine. I had a client. The power went out once, but came back up! Poor JB had to reset clocks. 

Monday – more clouds. A great day for bird watching.

Sunday it was sunny. The cats liked the sunshine. Nutmeg kept chewing on the ribbons around my plants, gazing longingly outside at the squirrel action!

The cats go out in the dark, before breakfast. They are hopeful of finding prey! Hah! Fresh air, I guess.

 

Nutmeg Jan 22 from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.

It's been a time for sitting around!

 

Fuzzy Fawn from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.

King Frederick still has antlers as of Tuesday, Jan. 24. I eagerly await, but doubt he'll shed them anywhere near. The males have their own winter yard. The females bed down in our forest. 

 

King Frederick from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.

Wednesday, another Colorado Low is coming in. They are warning of hours of freezing rain. I'll let you know. If you don't hear from me... we've lost power. Good luck out there, people!