by Susan | May 26, 2019 | Ducks, On the Farm
Once again our ducks have been wandering. Hannah discovered them where they shouldn’t have been. Our Pekin ducks typically didn’t wander far but these Welsh Blues are always looking for greener pastures. Or better ponds....
by Susan | May 20, 2019 | Backyard Birds, On the Farm
One of my favorite events of the year is when the Hummingbirds return. It’s as clear a sign of spring as we get here in Maine. The boys returned the weekend of May 11. I saw my first little guy buzzing around the other bird feeders, so I rushed to get a nectar...
by Susan | May 18, 2019 | Backyard Birds, On the Farm
Today was a very “yellow” day at the bird feeder! Male Yellow-rumped warbler Female Yellow-rumped warbler A Goldfinch? Male Goldfinch Male White-throated Sparrow Male Yellow-rumped Warbler
by Susan | Apr 21, 2019 | Ducks, On the Farm
Hannah’s family of Swedish Blue ducks have made it through their first winter at Downeast Thunder Farm. They didn’t stray far this winter, sticking close to their house much of the time. With the snow melt and spring rains, they been enjoying the driveway...
by Susan | Apr 13, 2019 | Backyard Birds, On the Farm
I had some unusual visitors at the feeder today. The ducks found a break in the fence and have been exploring new territory. One look at me through the window and they waddled back through the fence to where they should be. Then this beauty showed up this afternoon...
by Susan | Mar 31, 2019 | Backyard Birds, On the Farm
Look who came to visit this evening! A Timberdoodle! Or American Woodcock if you must. Timberdoodle is much more fun to say. I’ve only seen one before and this guy was just a foot or so beyond my porch. Paul spied him while he was talking on the treadmill. What...
by Susan | Mar 9, 2019 | Backyard Birds, On My Mind
Hannah once asked me what my spirit animal might be. Given my deep affinity for owls, I told her it would be an owl. “A small owl?” she asked. “No, a big ass owl, like a Great Gray,” I told her. Frankly, I’d want to be top of the food chain. However, the truth is, it...
by Susan | Feb 1, 2019 | Backyard Birds, On the Farm
I wondered how long it would take. Turns out it was only a matter of time before the squirrel discovered my new window bird feeder. They’re brazen little things. That cat virtually on the other side of the window didn’t scare him. Gidget barking...
by Susan | Jan 21, 2019 | Backyard Birds, On the Farm
It’s rare that I have the house to myself. With Paul away taking Hannah back to college, I had all types of plans for my weekend. Rather than being wonderfully productive, I felt a bit unsettled. I worry when my family is on the road – and in a winter...
by Susan | Nov 23, 2018 | On the Farm
While lingering over my coffee this morning, this young whitetail buck came to visit. Ten feet outside the living room widow he nibbled at berries. Hannah and I watched him for at least five minutes before he realized he wasn’t alone. And then he started...
by Susan | Oct 24, 2018 | Backyard Birds, On the Farm
A flock of Grackles arrived on Monday contrasting beautifully with the birch tree outside the living room window. They are so much more than just black. When the sun hits them, they shine. They worked their way through a feeder full of seed. As beautiful as they were...
by Susan | Sep 16, 2018 | Garden, On the Farm
My dreams for my garden aren’t grand. Yet, it seems with each consecutive year, time becomes scarcer. With the demands of too many jobs, there’s little time left over for the things I enjoy. My garden is a prime example. Paul built me this great little green house....
by Susan | Sep 4, 2018 | Cats and Dogs, On the Farm
I have deposited Hannah to Denison University for her sophomore year. She’s got a fabulous room and roommate situation this year and she said, “I have really good vibes about this year.” I cried for just a short while instead of the entire trip home. Progress on the...
by Susan | Jul 16, 2018 | Backyard Birds, On the Farm
I love these tiniest of backyard birds. It seems like I never have time these days to lie in wait for the hummer’s acrobatics. Yet yesterday, I found myself in the right place at the right time. And managed to focus the camera just right. I do much better...
by Susan | Jul 15, 2018 | On the Farm
Since we moved the ducklings outside into the halfway house, Squeak has taken to hanging outside their run. He’s a lonely duck. After ten days living outdoors, we gave the ducklings a bit of freedom to start the unification process with Squeak. They didn’t...
by Susan | Jul 9, 2018 | Backyard Birds
I apologize for the poor pictures. I finally relented and put the screen back in the living room window. This makes photographing birds at the feeder less than ideal. This was a first for me. Mama Downy Woodpecker brought her youngster to the suet feeder. She grabbed...
by Susan | Jul 6, 2018 | Ducks, On the Farm
The significance of Independence Day is singular for each of us. For me, the Fourth of July was freedom from livestock in the mudroom. The ducklings have officially moved into the ducky halfway house. The halfway house is a portable critter house on skids. Puddles,...
by Susan | Jun 22, 2018 | Ducks, On the Farm
Join us as the ducklings (Puddles, Murphy, and Doodle) have their first swim. And meet Mr. Duck (aka...
by Susan | Jun 17, 2018 | Ducks, On the Farm
Meet Murphy, Puddles, and Doodle, straight from California. I still amazes me that three ducklings can be shipped in a box across the country. These babies are one of Hannah’s summer projects. She’s determined to raise ducks that “will love...
by Susan | Jun 4, 2018 | Ducks, On the Farm
It was a rough winter at Downeast Thunder Farm. Not only did we lose a chicken to the local bobcat, but we lost two of our ducks as well. During the middle of the day something, perhaps a fox, absconded with Oscar the last of our original ducks (2011). Then it was...
