Fair Fowl

My husband found this Eastern Screech Owl sleeping in the rafters of our tractor barn a few weeks ago. Sometimes our chores get put off so we can discover nature instead. This species of owl is 9" tall at maturity (this owl is sitting on a 2"x12"). They have a very eerie call that reminds me of the soundtrack from a scary movie. We once saw one sleeping peacefully in the top of a tree while the wind gusted at 35 mph. Read more information and listen to the calls of these owls here.

Female Ring Necked Pheasants have been rooting around for seed under our bird feeders recently. They get their name from the ringed necks of the males. We have enjoyed having them around the house. They strut in a way that resemble the walk of a chicken. Sometimes they chase each other around like kids playing a game of tag.

On another note...I am offering free shipping worldwide for anything purchased from my ShadyGroveStudios Etsy Shop through the end of December.

Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving from the Shady Grove!

Chris

Prairie Renewed

This flower has many names around here: Wild Bergamot, Bee Balm,

Monarda Fistulosa and Horsemint Wild Yarrow and Queens Anne's Lace

Green headed Coneflower

We have lived on our farm for 6 years now. We do not have livestock. My husband likes to joke that we grow rocks and weeds. In actuality we are growing a habitat to help preserve wildlife. Every year I see new flowers in the fields. They are multiplying and spreading. The population of birds that nest here is growing too. This year the bluebird population was much larger than it has been. For the first time we had a nesting pair of Baltimore orioles stay the season.

The heavy rains early in the season produced grass taller than I have seen before, some coming up as high as 5 1/2 feet tall. I can see where Frank Lloyd Wright received his design inspirations. He was born in our county and his summer home and studio are in nearby Spring Green, WI.