Next Generation

This mother-doe  and her week-old fawn were out grazing in front of the house in the late afternoon. You will note the protection around the fruit trees.

Ideal Cottontail Habitat

I see this eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) almost every day in the early evening at the edge of the woods on the southwest corner of the property.

 
I was able to observe it closely on this occasion and discovered why it likes this particular location. The combination of shade, "lawn"... rich in broadleaf plantain, and a nearby large brush pile (cover) make for an ideal homeland. If you look closely at the photo, you will see it chewing away on a leaf of plantain.

It is quite relaxing to sit in the evening and watch it meander and browse, always alert for any dangerous intruders.

brushpile

plantain

A Short Stroll By The Creek

Behind our home towards the south is a wooded area. About 30 feet into the woods is a small creek that encircles the property and which only flows during heavy rains. To call it an intermittent stream would be an exaggeration. 

Along the creek in a sand bank, I spotted a partial raccoon track. Based on the size, it appears to be a front foot.

This tree with a beautiful mosaic of fungi was laying across the creek bed.

Just above one the creek banks I discovered a hollowed-out red oak that I had not previously noticed. The opening at the bottom on the inside was about 2 feet in diameter. Seeing it reminded me of one of my favorite books as a boy....My Side of the Mountain.

Mushrooms and Woodchucks

I need to catch up on some observations from October.

Whilst moving leaves into the compost pile, I discovered these rather small but bright mushrooms buried in the leaves. As yet, I have not been able to identify them but it is possible that they have not yet reached their mature form and color.


I regularly take a walk down a lane that runs into the countryside. I had noticed a woodchuck (Marmota monax) living in an embankment which was covered with the highly invasive Kudzu. A county road crew was mowing the shoulders of the road and exposed Mr. Woodchuck's hobbit hole. I have only seen him in quick flashes of fur as he dives into his warm abode.


Here is a very small, 3-legged praying mantis (Mantis religioso) on our fence rail in typical "praying" stance and mimicking the color of the fence. I noticed many praying mantises around the homestead this fall. While they do eat many undesirable insects in the garden, they do not discriminate and will eat beneficial ones as well.