Thursday, December 31, 2009

2009: A Year in Review

As the last hours of 2009 wind down, I feel compelled to do the usual review of the goings on in my yard. 2009 stands out for the following reasons:
-I set the camera trap in a new location by a new compost pile.
-The yard attracted the usual cast of characters: foxes, deer, raccoons, squirrels, and frogs.
-Three species returned that had disappeared--the chipmunks (which disappeared after a snake was seen), the bat (which only briefly stayed in our window, but then was seen frequently flying back and forth at night), and a toad (which had been absent for years).
-We had a record snowfall in December, a whopping 16 inches!
-I discovered three new species! A salamander, a humongous polyphemous moth, and an owl (only heard, not seen).
-My blog gained a whopping 8 followers! In my wildest dreams, I hoped for 5, and wound up with 8. Could more be in store? You know, I never wrote my blog expecting anyone would read it. (Can you tell?)
-My new obsession with wreath making began, using homegrown invasive Chinese wisteria vines.

Happy New Year!

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

When Mother Nature Hands you Vines, Make Wreaths

Yes, I finally found the perfect solution to my invasive vine problem. I identified the vine as Chinese wisteria. I now get satisfaction out of cutting out the vines, because I can turn something ugly and out of control, into something controlled and festive. Happy Holidays!
 
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Blizzard of 2009

We received 16 inches total. Must be that crazy El Nino.
 
 
 
 
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This is a picture of the camera trap. I took it inside so the snow wouldn't cover it.
 
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Tuesday, December 15, 2009

First Snow of the Season

 
 
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Mr. Fox

 
 
 
 
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Mrs. Fox

I was lucky enough to get pictures of Mr. and Mrs. Fox, who came and scent marked a couple azalea bushes. The female came first, giving a come hither look behind her, and left. Then came the male, who also rubbed on the bushes, and ran off.
 
 
 
 
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