Bird News on the Mountain

Our first meeting with the Blue family 2004

Yesterday, I realized that I was spending a lot of my time observing the bird life from our porch.  After working hard to get things in shape around the yard and flower beds, taking a break is a good thing.  But, sitting on the porch in one of our new rockers can become habit forming and leads to procrastination! 

     I bought two new rocking chairs on impulse when shopping in Harrison last week.  The salesman assured me they would fit in the back of the Traverse (and they did, with some manuvering!) I had no idea how badly we 'needed' porch rocking chairs!  In years past, folding chairs worked fine.  No more!  The chairs are a magnet, and with the little table in between they make a perfect place for coffee in early morning, taking a break from yard work in mid-morning, eating lunch at noon, cooling down with a glass of iced tea mid-afternoon, and watching the sun go down at dusk.  Hey, we even make a late night visit to watch the stars and moon before bedtime!

   

Back to the 'bird world' on the mountain:

On morning in February as we were drinking our first cup of coffee in bed, we had a visit from the Blue Family.  I was glad to see Mrs. Blue clinging to the window screen, looking in--first at one window, then the other.  I thought we were in for another year of  'Life with the Blue Family'.  However, this was the only visit.  Soon after, we had the 'great-first-day-of-spring' snowfall (the most wonderful 'snowday ever'!)  We haven't seen them since!  We have other blues who have moved in, but they aren't the 'porch' variety, and have chosen the house at the end of the fence in the backyard. (see May and June 2009 blogs)  I think the little couple who set up housekeeping there are last year's youngsters.  Maybe it was one of the family members who got his/her photo made as he emerged from the box to try his wings.  They left a legacy, no doubt!

I'm not sure what happened to the little couple, (maybe old age and a nursing home in the sky).  But we will always remember the original 'Blue Family'.  They became a part of our family as we watched her move from window to window during the day, maybe curiously wanting to be a part of the human family who lives here. Then, we watched anxiously and counted the days as she sat on her eggs in the box while he sweetly sang to her from a nearby perch, bringing her nourishment (worms and bugs)  as needed.  They were a constant reminder of God's beautiful world.  

The window screens are cleaner this spring, as she had a bad habit of leaving her 'calling card' in the form of 'poop'!  But mornings are not the same without her early morning visit to the bedroom.

The martins are back in full force.  I really enjoy their chatter, especially when they 'scold' me for working in the garden too close to their house-in-the-air.

The hummers are slow arriving.  Don't know why.  The first ones got here around April 1, and we still have only 3 or 4 during the day.  Wonder if they stopped at the neighbors'.  They put up 4 feeders early.

The cute little finches who 'hang' around the finch sacks year 'round, are now a pretty, bright yellow and flit all over the yard picking up weed seeds.  Maybe it is their way of repaying us for feeding them all winter.

The Trumpeter swans at Boxley (3 of the 4) didn't leave for northern climes this spring.  They can be seen around the mill pond most of the time.  Obviously, they, too, 'Want to stay forever' in the Ozarks!

There are a pair of Canadian geese who fly over our house occassionally.  I believe they have set up residence in the pond across the road.  I'm not sure they are welcome guests!

The sparrows--too many!

And, we have discovered that if we get up early and sit in those rockers on the porch, we will hear the 'gobble-gobble' of turkeys echo across the mountains.

Twittering on the mountain is in force!

For everything comes from Him and exists by His power and is intended for His Glory.

                                       Romans 11:36

We've Got Sunshine On A Snowy Day

The Bird's Picnic

     Yesterday was another magical day--it snowed all day!  Several inches piled up in the backyard on top of the week's worth of ice and snow already on the ground.  I spent a lot of time gazing out the window mesmerized by the white blowing flakes.  It made even the worst chore (taxes!!!) go a little smoother.  I went outside long enough to fill the feeders and make a short walk.  A beautiful time--snowflakes on my face--snowboots softly sinking in the irregular snowdrifts around the yard. 

     Daisy and Molly, the Jack Russells, were excited to get out.  The snow was quite deep for little dogs and Molly was soon ready to come in.  Daisy, resembling a miniature Alaskan sled dog, was all over the yard, running, digging, sniffing.  I saw her disappear under the shed after some little critter who only wanted a dry place out of the snow, I'm sure.  After much barking,scratching, and digging, she emerged from underneath the shed with nothing to show for the effort except a coat covered in mud!   She was quickly wrapped in a towel and carried straight to the bathtub for a much needed bath!

     Being 'snowed in' is still fun for us--being from the south where snowdays were few.  My neighbor from even further south (Louisiana) gets excited too.  That's despite the fact that she must get out everyday to feed and check her goats in even the worst of weather!  However, Jack gets cabin fever quickly and there's just so much 'snow jobs' on the tractor this time of year.  (I stopped him just in time--He was about to clear the backyard of snow!)  Well, so much for snow pictures from the kitchen window!  Never mind, snow is in the forecast for tonight!
     Reports of large elk herds in the valley and swans on the pond mean we will make a trip around the area today, as well as a jaunt into Jasper.  We are seeing eagles soaring high overhead also. Highways are clear, and usually are soon after a snowfall, thanks to the hardworking Arkansas Highway Dept.  We have seen the snowplow  working late at night getting the roads clear for those early morning commuters. 
     Our cabins have been full every weekend during this winter weather.  It's a great escape--a cozy, warm cabin in the snow.  Whether you want to venture out and experience a winter wonderland 'up close and personal', or just watch from the window--it is a lasting memory for you and your loved one(s).
    

He has made everything beautiful in its time. 

He has also set eternity in the hearts of men;

yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

Ecclesiastes 3:11

Spring Break Lives On!

Snow Bunnies

Spring Break '09 is history, but it left behind lots of memories! (Retired or not, every teacher knows Spring Break will come!) The memories started the first day of the break(Saturday) when Jack's archery team at Jasper won third in state. What fun for the kids, their parents, and the coach. The memories continued the next day-- a sunny Sunday afternoon at Branson Landing with a little shopping, a little seafood, and lots of time to enjoy sitting on a bench people watching, (with a large dip of ice cream in hand). Despite the gloom so often reported in the news lately, folks were there, just as we were, making the most of a beautiful springtime day.

We didn't know then, but the sun was going to be a scarce thing the rest of the week. We mixed work and play--going into town for plumbing supplies and eating at Neighbor's Mill knowing when we got home the downstairs bath was calling (no! crying out!). We spent one grungy day pulling out pipes, cleaning up spills, and finally finding that pesky leak that had haunted us for weeks! UGH! It's done! Thanks, Jack!

With the weather not at its best for hiking or canoeing, we found other ways to occupy the rest of the week of no sunshine. We took a drive on a favorite mountain road. One that lets us look back at our house and cabin from a distance. We checked the river stage at Ponca and watched the Buffalo as its banks, swollen from the recent rains, overflowed and gushed over the low water bridge--always an awesome site!

We enjoyed guests coming and going this week as they spent part of their Spring Break in our cabin--a family with children, a couple who brought along friends--just happy to relax and enjoy the mountains. Friday night at the Ozark in Jasper with our neighbors was fun. Joe Villines and his guests, the Sherman Mountain Bluegrass Boys, a group of young talented guys from the school, entertained outstandingly and topped off the week--we thought! Then another surprise!

The weatherman kept telling us we could have snow Saturday--we laughed! He had the last laugh! It snowed all day and night--2 inches total! It was beautiful sight watching from the windows, as the snow flew across the mountains, covering the hills and valleys. As this was taking place, we noticed a large white bird flying through the snow following a flock of Canadian Geese. They circled the pastures and landed in a pond across the highway. It was a very large bird, and I immediately thought of the Trumpeter Swans. With our spotting scope, we were able to verify it was indeed one of the swan group. Obviously it was lost! We were able to slip close enough to the pond and the bird to get the number off his collar and report the sighting. He (she) later left the pond, and we haven't seen him (her) again. I do hope he caught up with his flock. Some were seen last week in downtown Harrison on the lake there. His number indicated he wasn't one of those seen there, but a part of the same group that should be heading north. Poor things! When man interferes with nature, things don't always work out as man plans. "The best laid plans of mice and men...etc." (By the way we caught two mice and Molly caught one during the plumbing episode!) But that's another story! Back to the swans---What will happen to the disoriented young swans remains to be seen. Will they make it north to their nesting grounds? Will they even find their "home" at Boxley again? Will they reunite with the rest of the flock again? Reverse migration! Explain this to the birds!

On Sunday, with still one more day before Spring Break officially ended, we took off for Little Rock , leaving home early in the snow for a visit with family and the joy of our lives, Jack Henry, who didn't let us down. The joy was contagious, and we are ready for the new week and the rest of spring with joy in our hearts and, as they say, a spring in our step.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of Heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

Birds of a Feather

Releasing the Trumpeter Swans

The three swans from last February report (see Swans, part 4) spent all of last summer happily paddling around the mill pond enjoying life much to the disappointment of those who released them, and hoped they would find their way north for the summer. The swans never left the valley except for a short stay on the War Eagle River near Eureka Springs. Obviously, they are like the rest of us who love the Ozarks! Humans had plans for them to meet up with their relatives somewhere up north, spend the summer mating, nesting, raising young, then find their way back to Boxley mill pond in December, bringing more with them. I guess no one told them the plan!

So, again this week, wildlife officials in Arkansas and Iowa brought more young swans, called cygnets, to be released at the pond. You can read more about this at the Arkansas Game and Fish website. It was interesting to watch as the swans quickly adapted to their new home on the mill pond. It was a magnificent sight as they flew low across the water and landed-- glad to be free again after traveling 10 hours in a small crate! Their joy was evident as they dipped and splashed and chattered to one another

As of last Monday, the original three swans had come back to Boxley after a brief visit to a pond at Parthenon and joined the newcomers. The flock of seven beautiful swans make a lovely sight on the mill pond. However, they should be leaving soon to fly north for the summer. Do they understand "reverse migration" which is the goal those wildlife officials have for them? .One can only wonder why they didn't bring along a few old veteran swans to lead the way back up there. I have aways adhered to the notion that children learn by example. But I am no swan expert!

You made him (man) ruler over the works of your hands:

You put everything under his feet:

all flock and herds...the birds of the air..

How magestic is your name in all the earth.

Psalm 8

Home Again, Home Again

Harris Brake

Jack and I just got back from our first real vacation since moving to the mountains and taking on the cabin business--one that didn't include visiting relatives--though we do love our family. We found a lovely little lakehouse on a small lake near Perryville. Other than an early Father's Day celebration on the weekend with the four Jackson Henrys, we spent a few days of peace--just the two of us. No phones, computers, emails, nothing (0f course tv and movies! ) Fishing wasn't so great, but we did spend a lot of time on the dock with a fishing pole in hand. Got lots of practice casting and reeling in. A flock of Canadian Geese had set up residence on the lake and regularly checked on us as they made their rounds of docks and yards around the lakeshore.

My favorite time was the late afternoon rainstorm that lasted through the night. The wind, a little lightning and thunder, the clouds blowing in from across the lake--we watched from the porch until dark. The little bedroom with wrap-around windows on three sides made sleeping in the rain that night wonderful! Worth the whole trip!

Time to go home, and we took the long way home seeing parts of the Arkansas countryside we had not seen in our many roadtrips around the state. I always watch, as we drive north, for the first glimpse of the mountains. It will be somewhere around Russellville. As we travel Highway 7, we are feeling more and more at home. If you love the mountains you will know what I mean. Soon, we are on Highway 16 driving through Deer, Nail, and Swain. The views on both sides of the highway through here are unbelievable! Then on to Highway 21, by Mossville Church, and down into Boxley Valley.

As we drive by the mill pond, we notice the three Trumpter Swans. Yes, these are the ones they released this winter as part of a reverse migration imprinting experiment, and the ones we thought flew north for the summer. Seems they have been visiting up near War Eagle area for a few weeks, and have now come back to Newton County with little indication they are going anywhere else. Officials had hoped they would fly to Iowa, and return in the fall, bringing more with them. I guess they have other ideas. They seem as happy as "larks" or in this case, "swans", as they paddle around in the marsh, nibbling and splashing, and chattering to each other.

Could be the swans feel just like we do, and why we chose as our cabin slogan--"You will want to stay forever!"

I leave you peace; my peace I give you...John 14:27

Springtime Notes

Negotiating the slide on Highway 103 near Mountain Springs Cabins

The above picture was taken this week. We have watched this slide since last summer when it was only a bump in the road. The recent rains have turned it into a major hole--one of the biggest potholes you will find anywhere. And you think you have potholes on your street!! So far there have been no accidents. The highway people are watching it daily, but say it will have to dry up quite a bit in order to make repairs. Many people believe this is the result of clearing the mountainside (the downhill side) of all trees. Several years ago it was woodlands.

The Trumpeter Swans have left the valley--hopefully for their summer home in the north. In the meantime, the tremendous rains of late have resulted in a beaver dam breaking, which made much of the pond water drain out. Again, it is what happens when man intervenes with nature. Several years ago someone trapped all the beavers from the pond, and now the dams they were keeping up have broken.

On a happy note: the little female bluebird is still watching me from the window. She sits on a chair and keeps me company while I do my Bible study each morning. (This is absolutely the truth!) Her suitor is trying very hard to convince her to move into the nearby house that we set up on the porch rail. It is only a few feet from her perch at the window. This morning I saw a sweet little bluebird moment. I actually watched him as he brought her a tasty? (in the bluebird world) tidbit. She was perched on the rail and he flew up and put the worm/bug in her beak. She accepted it gratefully, which probably encouraged him immensely. Jack says she will set up housekeeping when it is time. He also said the little fellow must be madly in love to put up with such a crazy female!! Of course, he was referring to birds only. (Not to any humans we might know!)

The storms and rains haven't slowed down springtime. It's here! We are taking a hike in the afternoons on those beautiful days in between the rains to look at wildflowers and check for morel mushrooms. We did a short hike up Leatherwood Creek starting at Beaver Jim's cabin across the low water bridge at Ponca. Beautiful! Have seen many flowers, few mushrooms!

We have not inherited the earth from our fathers, we are borrowing it from our children.

Native American Saying

Trumpeter Swans Part 4

Sad news from the swan world. Two of the new young swans released by the Game and Fish Commission and others were victims of some kind of wild animal attack. The remains were found in the field behind the pond. Speculation is that it was either a bobcat, river otter, or coyotes. I saw the three remaining swans this morning swimming on the pond enjoying the sunshine and warmer weather. Hopefully, they will make the winter without harm. Nature is often cruel.

Trumpeter Swans Part 3

We didn't get down to the valley for the Trumpeter Swan release, but I slipped down there yesterday to check on them. The five young swans were happily bobbing around on the mill pond with a few wood ducks floating among them. They seemed very much at home on the icy pond. It was, for lack of a better word, an awesome minute or two as I sat there on the side of the road with the window rolled down feeling the cold wind and listening to the happy chatter of the swans and ducks. The snow clouds hung heavily over the top of the mountains as small snow pellets filled the air. It was one of those times I have always called a "memory moment"--something I can pull up in my head at future times for a little sweet memory.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission in conjunction with Iowa Department of Natural Resources, along with all of us hope this is release is successful. They also released 13 in the Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge near Dardanelle. They admit it is a new idea called "reverse imprinting". And, it is hoped that the swans will find their way back north in early spring to spend their summer with other Trumpeters before flying south to winter again in this area.

Some information on Trumpeter Swans: Adults weigh about 35 pounds with wingspans of 8 feet--America's largest waterfowl. They nearly disappeared in the early 1900's due to over hunting and loss of habitat. There are now about 250, including 30 nesting pairs. Arkansas is to be commended for working to restore this elegant bird, I think. I also believe we are obligated to protect and save vanishing habitat for this species along with other wildlife including elk, eagles, and quail, and other creatures that are dependent on us for survival.

"He makes springs pour water into the ravines; it flows between the mountains...The birds of the air nest by the waters; they sing among the branches." Ps. 104:10,12

Trumpeter Swans Part 2

Just a note for anyone interested in the Trumpeter Swans. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will release 18 young swans, some at the Boxley Mill Pond, on Wednesday, January 23, at 10:00. Visit the Arkansas Times article for more information. I plan to be there and will let you all know how it goes. Should be interesting. I do dislike the fact that all of them will have to wear a large green collar on their necks... Kind of "messes" up the "natural look". Oh, well, we already have some good shots of the original birds who found us on their own. More on Thursday!!