Our bears (yes, multiple bears) have really been roaming and being a nuance this year. They have broken off tree limbs from pine and pear trees, stolen a bag of cocoa bean hull mulch, ripped down the Robins roost, knocked down a bird house and punctured holes in our rain gauge! Every day it seems like they do something to get our attention.
Deer fly are also loving the temp and humidity. We got a record 120+ flys on one walk!
I have been looking for Hendrick's Midsummer Solstice Gin since I left South Carolina last July. No one in the Mid West carries it until I found it in Rice Lake! I thought that since it is made in Scotland I might be able to get it in Mexico as the Duty Free but no luck. Happy way to start the month of July.
We have a number of female deer (Does) but only a few males (Bucks). This guy is very good looking.
We celebrated July 4th by taking an afternoon cruise on the lake, a small fire and a few fireworks. Too hot to BBQ or smoke any meat on the grill.
We were able to visit with neighbors for a bit during cocktail time...
One sandhill colt from the north
Two sandhill colts from the south
one Eagle
8 poults:
3 broadwing hawks
July 8: we have drama on the compound! Before leaving for golf at 8:00 am we heard a sandhill crane yapping then what we think was a gun shot! At about 4:00 pm we were sitting outside when the runt colt from the south came by, he hung around eating and resting. I called the DNR for guidance, they referred me to a wildlife rehabilitation center. She said to just let everything go until the next morning. He finally left, in the mean time I went by the neighbors place where I found the larger colt! no parents in sight! then the larger colt (#1) showed up for food and found the runt in the woods. the runt came out one more time then headed south. About an hour later a lone female showed up, she ate for a while then went into the woods then headed south. hopefully they hooked up! We have not seen our Sandhill cranes from the north since the beginning of the month. not unusual as there is plenty of food out there and we do not keep an eye on the yard all day long.
July 9, rain in the morning. The #1 colt was hanging under the birch tree for a bit this morning. We went to look for the runt but no luck. Late in the afternoon #1 came back onto the yard and left. A bit later the family from the north came by, mom, dad and colt. they enjoyed a bit of corn along with the turkeys and deer. #1 began to call out then finally showed up. We had hoped he would join the North family. Dad and colt walked away while mom continued to eat. #1 came over by her but she kind of attacked it, and he ran back in the woods.
He came back later for some corn. We hope they can connect... July 10, the only crane that we seen was the male from the north! The family from the north came around for corn all weekend. still looking for any life from the south... July 23rd update: no cranes from the south have been seen in weeks. the North family is doing well..
Lori and Steve Goodwin came up for a kayaking day on the Red Cedar River. What a beautiful day to visit with friends while keeping distant... Hard not to give and receive hugs!
July 14: we head out for our Wisconsin Birding Adventure! First night in Wausau. On the way we made a few stops between rain drops.
this place is in Ladysmith, we were here in 1995 when it was a copper mine. looks great now, nicely mowed grass paths with lots and lots of wild raspberries.
We arrived in Wausau before the rain, we were able to walk around Rib Mountain for an hour or so. Nice state park for hiking and in the winter skiing.
We stayed at the Hampton Inn in Wausau. Pretty quite and no contact! Loving the digital key option.
Wednesday we headed to Green Bay (100 miles). The rain came again! We were expecting one day of rain, not two! Oh well... We managed to make a few stops in between rain drops.
This park was in Wausau, and such a great park! Walking paths on the bay and through the woods. Wish we had a park like this near us!
This place is in Wausau too! it was pretty much a cross country ski area. Good hiking paths and mountain bike paths in the summer. No water, and all trees so we probably won't need to revisit but a nice place to walk.
We HAD to stop at Nueske's for some bacon, sausage and cheese! Only one couple was not wearing face coverings. Nice store and great smoked meats...
This place is close to our hotel, Home 2 Suites, in Green Bay. We did manage to get very wet, while our rain coats were in the truck! Great place with swamps, bay water and trees. We hope to go there a few times while in town.
We went back to Ken Euers first thing in the AM. Then off to
for a nice 4 mile walk
Our hotel is right across from Lambeau Field! We took a walk to find dinner, Hinderland had outside dining with wait staff all wearing face masks. Great dinner great beer! On our way to the restaurant we found these crazy fans homes:
Statues in front of the park Vince Lambardi
Curley Lambeau
fun evening walking around the park. there are a lot of activities for kids and adults when everything is open. And it it still growing! who would have known that they had that much room for growth in this area.
Friday: We went back to Cat Island for a nice walk but no new birds...
then off to Manitowoc for a nice walk along the water.
Fried Perch dinner at Anduzzi's and a beer at Badger State Brewery. We were able to walk to both of these places from our hotel.
Saturday we checked out of our hotel at 7:15, heading to West Bend Wi. We stopped at a few places to hike and bird. Hoping to find a few year birds but again no luck...
this park was crowded with beach goers, we did find a spot to park and hike away from the crowds.
Wedding party at the hotel, so needless to say it was a bit noisy until about midnight.
Sunday we headed to Horicon National Wildlife Refuge. Beautiful day after a strong storm last night.
Geese were hanging on the path.. they hiss as we walk by...
dinner on the deck overlooking the river. Burger was one of the best we have had, prime rib panni was very good too.
Monday: We headed to Plover Wi this morning. We stopped at a few places to hike on another beautiful day. Mauthe Lake Recreation area and Hartman Creek State Park. We hd
Dinner was at Mickey's right by the hotel. Pan fried Blue Gill and Peach and Blue Cheese salad!
Tuesday time to go home. 200 miles today, we were able to stop for a couple of hikes watching the sky for rain. It never really rained until we were well on the road to home. We were expecting Thunderstorms but only got some rain. We did have some wind damage when we got home, a few trees were bent over and a few broke off. No real issues.. The rain gauge had 4" of rain in one of them, the other two had been knocked over, assuming by the bear.
We had a fun week but glad to be home.
Eric went to help Scott J harvest his winter wheat. All by hand! Luckily it was a cool day.
There is a lot more to do...
July 23rd: Our baby colt has gotten so big! almost as big as momma!!!
this big buck has been coming around, he must know us as he doesn't run off when we talk or walk around.
Bear stopped by to eat some bird food. While we were gone we are assuming it was the bear that stole the Salt Lick. we have "lost" a salt lick in the past, they weight about 30-40 pounds, the deer and birds enjoy a bit of salt now and then.
first he went to the butterfly garden to help himself to bird food
Then went to the Plum tree to have a few plums!
Its always someone trying to make more work for us!
Papa Crane wanted some corn, he got pretty close to Eric as he was giving them food.
took us 3 months and 10 days but we finished the puzzle!
our first Fawn on the compound! July 25 is pretty late for us to see a fawn this young
Our bear friend came back on July 28th. Just kind of hung around in the yard while we were having dinner inside.
Our Broadwing hawks are so grown up!
July 30, went to Eau Claire to look for a new vehicle. We test drove 2 vehicles, the one we liked was a Buick Enclave. There was only one 2020 left on the lot. We won't be ready to purchase for another two weeks or so... hope he can get us one... if not we found a few others that we would be happy with driving and sitting in across the country.
As we went on our morning we ran into a gang of Helmeted Guinea Fowl that was blocking the road. They are obviously domestic but it was really funny to watch them. A truck came down the road but the chickens would not move! they held their ground until the passenger got out of the truck and shooed them away.
Our pears are coming in nicely, hope they continue to grow and no one steals them. The birds got the cherries, deer and raccoons are getting the apples, the bear and birds have been eating the plums.
The leaves are already losing their deep green color and some trees are already turned yellow and red. Fall is in the air!
Great Photos! Looks like Mr Bear is pretty used to you guys and is comfortable with the close-ups!
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