My Maine Backyard Treasures

Two bucks visit

2012-01-10T17:43:00.000-05:00

These two nice bucks visited us for just a short time the middle of December. I would guess they have moved on to their winter home. Shucks! I was hoping they would stick around.

Enjoy!

Every day may not be good, but there's something good in every day!

Coppertop

Game Cam video - up close!

2011-12-11T16:20:00.001-05:00

Enjoy!

Coppertop

Deer Play

2011-12-09T11:12:00.000-05:00

Enjoy!

Coppertop

An apple a day.......

2011-12-05T15:25:00.000-05:00

Enjoy!

Coppertop

Thanksgiving Every Day..........

2011-11-23T14:34:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving Every Day

The table is brimming with good things to eat;

We're surrounded by family and friends; what a treat.

The feelings that fill us today can’t be beat;

It’s Thanksgiving Day, and it all feels complete.

But other days, sometimes things don’t seem so fine;

Those days are not polished and don’t seem to shine.

It's then in our minds, we forget all the good,

And think of the things we would get, if we could.

On days when our thinking causes us dread,

If we could remember, it’s all in our head,

And not let our minds take our gratitude away,

Then we'd make every day like Thanksgiving Day.

By Karl Fuchs

HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY!

Enjoy - Coppertop

The Green Thing

2011-11-06T13:51:00.000-05:00

I have not been posting of late for lack of wildlife photos and just not getting out and about very much. We are not seeing nearly as much for wildlife in our backyard not even the wild birds that use to frequent the feeders. It is sad to be sitting outside in the fresh air and not see but maybe one woodpecker! Next year has just got to better!

In the meantime I do hope you enjoy this post today. I copied this little story from a forwarded email I received this morning and wanted to share with you all. Do you remember these things?

"The Green Thing

Checking out at the store, the young cashier suggested to the older woman that she should bring her own grocery bags because plastic bags weren’t good for the environment.

The woman apologized and explained, "We didn't have this green thing back in my earlier days."

The clerk responded, "That's our problem today. Your generation did not care enough to save our environment for future generations." She was right -- our generation didn't have the green thing in its day.

Back then, we returned milk bottles, soda bottles and beer bottles to the store. The store sent them back to the plant to be washed and sterilized and refilled, so it could use the same bottles over and over. So they really were re cycled. But we didn't have the green thing back in our day.

We walked up stairs, because we didn’t have an escalator in every store and office building. We walked to the grocery store and didn't climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time we had to go two blocks. But she was right. We didn't have the green thing in our day.

Back then, we washed the baby's diapers because we didn't have the throw-away kind. We dried clothes on a line, not in an energy gobbling machine burning up 220 volts -- wind and solar power really did dry our clothes back in our early days. Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters, not always brand-new clothing. But that young lady is right. We didn't have the green thing back in our day.

Back then, we had one TV, or radio, in the house -- n to a TV in every room. And the TV had a small screen the size of a handkerchief (remember them?), not a screen the size of the state of Montana. In the kitchen, we blended and stirred by hand because we didn't have electric machines to do everything for us. When we packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, we used wadded up old newspapers to cushion it, not Styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap. Back then, we didn’t fire up an engine and burn gasoline just to cut the lawn. We used a push mower that ran on human power. We exercised by working so we didn’t need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity. But she's right. We didn't have the green thing back then.

We drank from a fountain when we were thirsty instead of using a cup or a p plastic bottle every time we had a drink of water. We refilled writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen, and we replaced the razor blades in a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull. But we didn't have the green thing back then.

Back then, people took the streetcar or a bus, and kids rode their bikes to school or walked instead of turning their moms into a 24-hour taxi service. We had one electrical outlet in a room, not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances. And we didn't need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 2,000 miles out in space in order to find the nearest pizza joint.

But isn't it sad the current generation laments how wasteful we old folks were just because we didn't have the green thing back then?" Author unknown

Enjoy your day - God Bless You!

Coppertop

From Rain to a Beautiful Double Rainbow!

2011-08-12T07:47:00.003-04:00

Early last evening the sky over head became dark and in looking out the window it appeared like the clouds were going to come down and touch the ground! As the dark clouds moved on by, the grey skies opened and it just down poured; the ground had a good inch of standing rain within just minutes. Then it appeared, the most beautiful double rainbow revealing not only one end but both ends.

Unfortunately it was so close I was unable to get the whole rainbow in one photo. I do so have to get a wide angle lens for such occasions!

As always clicking on photos will bring up a larger view.

Enjoy your day!

Coppertop

WOW! A first for us!

2011-08-03T19:21:00.000-04:00

We just had the neatest thing happen – it all a sudden started raining real hard. We scurried to close windows but as fast as we both were, the floors were soaked on the east side of the house. Then we saw it! A beautiful rainbow that actually started at the base of our pear trees in the backyard. Won’t you know I could not take picture through the window because they had rain streaming down them. I tried to open the sliding doors to snap a photo but the rain was blowing in so hard it was impossible. A few seconds later it seemed to let up enough so I tried opening a window and quickly snapped a picture. Within a few more seconds the rainbow disappeared into the sky. I wish I could have gotten this picture when the rainbow was at its brightest and before it moved on down the field some! This is certainly a first for both my husband and I!

Here is a picture I took yesterday – I thought the clouds were unusual with the bright spot!

Every day may not be good, but there's something good in every day!

Enjoy!

Coppertop

Funny Ring-Billed Gulls

2011-04-27T18:16:00.000-04:00

Another dreary day was the forecast today so my husband decided it would be a good time to take a ride up North to visit a friend who works in a Sporting Goods store. After our visit we went into Greenville Junction and found Moosehead Lake pretty much covered with ice. We sat at a wharf and watched some ring billed seagulls for a time. I did not realize gulls could be so entertaining and funny. They are very loud and noisy! Someday hopefully I will remember my Nikon d90 is equipped with video, as a video clip with sound would have be more fun for you to watch then seeing just these pictures.

Every day may not be good, but there's something good in every day!

Take care and enjoy your surroundings!

Coppertop

Crocheted Treasures

2011-04-25T12:54:00.001-04:00

I would like to show you some of the cooler spring and summer hats that I recently crocheted. I usually crochet only during the cold winter months and I offer items for sale online, as well as donating warm hats to local charities. This year the colder weather in Maine seems to have expanded into spring and with the request of a repeat buyer, I decided to do some spring and summer hats.

I love crocheting hats for babies but I also enjoy making hats for all ages. I use patterns for my finished items but I often add my own flair to the patterns to update them or to add some "pizazz". My biggest problem is remembering to write down what I have changed so that I might repeat the design!

This post shows just a few of the new summer hats that I recently finished. A complete listing can be found at at my E-liz Treasures eCrater Store where purchases can be made with Paypal or Google checkout. If you are a fan of eBay, my eBay store is E-liz Treasures eBay Store. My eBay store carries many other items such as coasters, mugs, playing cards, wildlife themed gifts and craft pattern books to name a few. Be sure to check out all the items that I offer on that site.

3-6 months

6-12 months

12-24 months

12-24 months 100% Cotton yarn

Teens/Adult

Thank you for taking a look and I hope you see something you like.

Spring is finally here. Enjoy it.

Coppertop

Scouting Camera time again!

2011-04-11T15:33:00.001-04:00

I finally got around to it and walked down to our wooded area to set up one of my scouting cameras two days ago. Knowing some turkeys were in the area I decided to check it today. As I got closer to the tree where it is strapped I could smell the after effects of a skunk and noticed quite a lot of skunk rooting activity. I really expected to see at least one picture of a skunk on the camera card but there were none. I did however get plenty of turkey pictures and a few with two coons. Needless to say I only kept a couple of each. In each of the two pictures I am posting here, the critters are looking up - now what do you suppose was up there?

Be sure to take time out for yourself and enjoy!

Coppertop

Red Polls everywhere

2011-04-05T08:55:00.000-04:00

Yesterday afternoon we were blessed with more snow! Yes! I did say snow. It has been a record season for snow fall. Anyhow, I happened to look out and saw the backyard full of Red Poll's, they were in frenzy flying here and there, looking for food I would presume. It was quite a sight even though short lived.

The picture below was taken on the morning of April 2nd. April 1st we had a big storm and 14 inches of new snow blanketed the ground.

The picture below shows what our field looked like just days before the April 1st storm, we were looking like Spring, with brown and green grasses. Robins were busy everywhere pulling worms from the wet ground. Wildlife was being seen early mornings and before dark consuming all they could find of the new growth.

With 50 degree weather in the forecast we should be back to bare ground again soon.

Spring will come — eventually!

Every day may not be good, but there's something good in every day!

Stay warm and enjoy!

Coppertop

Icy Days

2011-03-08T18:47:00.001-05:00

Yesterday we woke to an awful sight of ice covered trees bent over touching the ground. The day was gloomy, cold and windy. We were without power for about 75% of the day and evening. Good side, the power kept coming back allowing the house to re-heat, a meal to be cooked and able to have a hot cup of coffee/tea. We were spared having to wrap in layers of clothing and bundle up in blankets to keep warm!

This morning and all day today looking outside has been special. Although the poor trees in the picture above are still bent and all the trees are still ice covered, they have sparkled with the sun shining on them. I've post pictures below but they don't seem to do justice to the beauty that was seen first hand. Stepping outside, you can hear the ice shattering to the ground everywhere.

Every day may not be good, but there's something good in every day!

Stay warm and enjoy your surroundings!

Coppertop

Snowy Evening in Maine

2011-02-01T20:14:00.000-05:00

Snowy evening in Maine - February 01, 2011

Tomorrow will be another shovel day - stay warm and remember to bend from the knees!
Coppertop

Geat day for Snow Shoes!

2011-01-26T16:22:00.001-05:00

Today turned out not so bad, at least it wasn't -12 degrees like a couple days ago. Even the sun popped out from behind the clouds for a short time. I got out for a snow shoe walk, not as long as I planned whereas my body is not conditioned of late! The above photo I took standing at the mouth of an old woods road that runs through our property and looking back at our home. The photo below I just turned myself around and looked down the woods road. I made a loop through the old apple orchard on our property and back to the house, huffing and puffing, I might add!

It is spitting snow now here and depends on the track of this next storm as to just how much snow we will get. More than likely my tracks will be covered and I will have to do it again!

Enjoy and stay warm!

Coppertop

January Photos

2011-01-24T21:06:00.000-05:00

A few January photos from our Maine backyard.

Stay warm and enjoy!

Coppertop

Merry Christmas to All!

2010-12-21T16:20:00.000-05:00

Recipe for Christmas All Year Long

Take a heap of child-like wonder

That opens up our eyes

To the unexpected gifts in life—

Each day a sweet surprise.

Mix in fond appreciation

For the people whom we know;

Like festive Christmas candles,

Each one has a special glow.

Add some giggles and some laughter,

A dash of Christmas food,

(Amazing how a piece of pie

Improves our attitude!)

Stir it all with human kindness;

Wrap it up in love and peace,

Decorate with optimism, and

Our joy will never cease.

If we use this healthy recipe,

We know we will remember

To be in the Christmas spirit,

Even when it's not December.

By Joanna Fuchs

A very Merry Christmas wish from me to you!

Enjoy - Coppertop

Brave Critter!

2010-12-13T19:29:00.001-05:00

I have not been doing well on posting of late. Seems like the days disappear before they even start.

While going through my files, organizing and deleting ones not needed to keep I came across this short video clip I got back in September and thought someone else might enjoy it also. I got several clips in which this little black and white critter was chasing something away but only in this clip was I able to see just what was being chased away!

It appears in the end, young skunk decided Mr. Coon wasn't a threat after all!

Enjoy and stay warm - winter is upon us!

Coppertop

Thanksgiving Every Day....

2010-11-24T14:24:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving Every Day

The table is brimming with good things to eat;

We're surrounded by family and friends; what a treat.

The feelings that fill us today can’t be beat;

It’s Thanksgiving Day, and it all feels complete.

But other days, sometimes things don’t seem so fine;

Those days are not polished and don’t seem to shine.

It's then in our minds, we forget all the good,

And think of the things we would get, if we could.

On days when our thinking causes us dread,

If we could remember, it’s all in our head,

And not let our minds take our gratitude away,

Then we'd make every day like Thanksgiving Day.

By Karl Fuchs

HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY!

Enjoy - Coppertop

Are you Ready? For Snow?

2010-10-31T17:09:00.000-04:00

Here we go! First snow fall of the season. Am I ready? Heck NO! I still have garden tools and equipment out about the yard that needs to be cleaned and put away for the winter. Now, Hubby’s Mother had a wonderful plan, she always planned on Halloween as the very latest time for all summer ‘stuff’ to be picked up and put away. I always remember when it gets near this time of year and try to follow her lead but this year I messed up. I do have that task on the agenda for tomorrow for sure.

What you see in the photo above is gone now; I do see a layer of snow on the building roofs. This is just a warning sign of things to come and telling us all to get ready! Ready or not it IS coming. I really do enjoy the changing seasons and snow, it is just the transition from nice weather to burr weather takes a little getting use to, more so as each passing year comes and goes.

Enjoy!

Coppertop

Leisure Sunday Ride

2010-10-17T20:50:00.000-04:00

Good Gosh! Today was a fabulous autumn day in Maine! We decided we needed a bit of a change and took a ride along the coast, places we had never been or have not for 5 years or more. The trees offered some color which varied from town to town but not as vibrant as past years have brought. Many trees were bare from the recent winds. Nevertheless, the views were beautiful.

We could not have asked for a better day for our Sunday casual ride. We even managed to get in a small walk at Owl’s Head Lighthouse. I’ve posted below a few pictures taken along our traveling route. Do hope you enjoy them as much as we will savor the memories of today’s ride!

Walkway leading to Owl's Head Lighthouse

Owl's Head Lighthouse

View standing near the Owl's Head Lighthouse

View from the lighthouse steps

Marshall Point Lighthouse

View from the shore at Marshall Point

Another look at Marshall Point Lighthouse

Boothbay Harbor

Ok - it is just a Seagull; BUT you can't go to the coast without seeing one (or thousands!)

I just could not resist this picture! Street sign - so fitting for Maine!

Do hope that you were able to get out and enjoy the beauty of your State.

Enjoy! Coppertop

Fawn to Six Point Yearling

2010-10-16T16:59:00.001-04:00

This past year we have been delighted and privileged to watch through the lens of scouting cameras a fawn grow into a handsome six point yearling buck. Born the summer of 2009 this fawn and his mother frequented our backyard woods. I was able to get a number of photos and some video of the two together. The fascinating part has been watching how fast the young buck’s antlers grew from one photo to the next. I’ll let the pictures below do the talking. Date photo was taken is under each picture.

2009 AUGUST 27

2009 SEPTEMBER 05

2010 MARCH 19 - BOY AND HIS MOM

2010 MAY 11

2010 JUNE 25

2010 JULY 06

2010 JULY 19 - BOY AND HIS MOM

2010 AUGUST 27

2010 SEPTEMBER 06 - HARD ANTLER

2010 SEPTEMBER 10

Enjoy - Coppertop

Maine Black Bear in our Backyard

2010-10-09T11:47:00.002-04:00

The above video was captured on a 'woods' camera in July this year in our backyard woods. I am of thought this is the same Black Bear that visited us last summer from July to the middle of October. He would get up close with the camera at least once during his each of his visits, yet he was kind and never destroyed the unit like the many tales I have heard of bears demolishing scouting cameras.

This year we have only captured this Bear on three different occasions. Evidently he is older and wandering more now. Below I have posted some photos from one of our 'woods' cameras more recently of this beautiful black bear. Will he return again before retreating to his winter quarters, guess we will just have to wait and see.

In this last photo above the bear was checking out my camera!

Do hope you are having a pleasant day - enjoy! : ) Coppertop

Skunk Family

2010-07-29T18:49:00.001-04:00

Recently I had the opportunity to watch this MaMa Skunk move her four babies from under our shed down into the woods.

How adorable! Certainly not a critter I care to have stay around; especially so close to the house.

Notice MaMa Skunk doesn not have the strips down her back and hardly any white on tip of her tail.

Amazing to watch as the little ones stay right on MaMa's tail as they zigzag around the lawn.

Away they go down towards the woods - Nice to see you but nice to see you go!

What's in your backyard - have you taken time to look lately?

Take care and Enjoy - Coppertop

New Scouting Camera Photos

2010-06-24T19:26:00.001-04:00

I haven't posted any of my scouting camera photos lately so thought this would be a good time to do just that. All of these were captured during the month of June except the very last special photo that was taken in May.

Is not this creature beautiful! I have been getting just one Bobcat photo each year so it is treasured especially a daytime photo!

Take time to enjoy nature, wildlife and your own backyard! : ) Coppertop

American Bittern Visits!

2010-06-12T19:57:00.002-04:00

Last evening while sitting outside an American Bittern flew over our Maine backyard into the adjacent un-mowed field. I was able to capture a couple photos of it in flight. Usually I watch in awe and forget I have a camera in hand or my reaction time is just way too slow!

This morning about 5:15am I was woke by a familiar sound that was so loud it sounded like it was right under our bedroom window. I rose and scanned outdoors but could not see the owner of the sound I heard. Finally after about 15 minutes I spotted a long neck stretched above the tall grass in the field next door. To my delight I could tell the sound was coming from a 2nd Bittern and not the one observed.

After getting dressed and making coffee, I grabbed my camera and went outside to enjoy the birds. It was quite frenzy out there as the tree swallows are busy feeding their young. We have seven bird houses and five are filled with tree swallows babies! The one pair of bluebirds we had has been gone for a couple weeks now successful with their nesting. A pair of Bobolinks is seen in the field and edge of our lawn daily. Downy and hairy Woodpeckers feed on the suet, while Blue Jays fly in for their share. Mourning Doves coo as they land amongst the flowers. A cat bird whizzes by my head as it makes it daily rounds, from hemlock to bayberry to birdbath! Two gray squirrels try to sneak by me and I do mean sneak. They take the round about route to a feeder, couched as low to the ground as they can and slowly as if to say “You can’t see me!” A cute chipmunk hops about the rocks to the ‘rock plate’ holding sunflower seeds and grapes. Robins are singing and searching the lawn and pulling up their yummy worms! Goldfinches, Purple Finches and a single male Red-breasted Grosbeak find their seeds at our Oak tree in small hanging metal feeder. Hummingbirds are heard as they make their way between the two nectar feeders. I have missed a few birds I am sure but you get the idea. What a beautiful way to start the day, sitting with my coffee, watching and listening to nature at its finest.

Below is a clip of the sound which I recorded while in our ‘outdoor sitting area’. The Bittern would make this call, stop for awhile and call again, each time it was repeated just the three times. Such an unusual sound for a bird!

I did miss my chance for more Bittern in Flight photos as one flew off to the South just as I was going into the house for a coffee refill. About a half hour later the 2nd Bittern flew off to the West and behind trees not giving me the chance. Hopefully they will come back again as they have the past few years and hopefully I will be in the right place at the right time to capture some more photos.

It is amazing what one can see in their very own backyard, you just need to take some time, watch and listen. Enjoy your backyard! : ) Coppertop

Catbirds came back!

2010-05-31T19:59:00.000-04:00

I was delighted this evening to see the two catbirds came back. Hopefully they will become regular visitors to our Maine backyard now!

Take care and enjoy! : ) Coppertop

Catbirds stop by for a bath!

2010-05-30T20:01:00.000-04:00

Hubby and I were sitting outside earlier this evening, enjoying the cool air, listening and watching the birds. Suddenly a pair of Catbirds flew by us and landed in an Oak tree that shades one of the bird baths. Although one Catbird kept itself hid amongst the oak leaves the second one slipped down into the birdbath allowing me to capture a few photos before they both exited our yard. They seemed to go straight for the area and out again which leads me to wonder if they have been visiting when we were not watching. I do hope we see these two again.

Bathtub overflowing while Catbird enjoys itself!

Looks like a bubble coming from this catbird's beak!

Oh! Oh! This Catbird is not sharing its bathtub with anyone including a Purple Finch!

Take time to enjoy the critters in your backyard! : ) Coppertop

Bobolink is back!

2010-05-17T19:00:00.000-04:00

I love listening to these birds!

Enjoy your evening! : ) Coppertop

Finally! Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are back.

2010-05-15T19:04:00.001-04:00

Yesterday, I got a glimpse of a male hummingbird as it whizzed by our double doors; first sighting this year. I’ve had one feeder out for a couple weeks in anticipation and have kept an eye on it throughout the day but had not see any around. This afternoon I happened to be standing in the right spot as a female hummingbird was checking out a window where in the past a feeder has been hung but not yet this year. Needless to say it did not take me long to get a second feeder ready and hanging. I have not seen the female again but a male visited a feeder twice today and I was able to get a few pictures through the window.

I don’t know about others but just watching the hummingbird zip around seems to radiate some of that energy to me and I can certainly handle some extra energy these days! I do hope you will see them soon in your backyard if not already.

A few interesting Hummingbird facts:

*Hummingbirds are the smallest birds in the world.

*Hummingbirds can hear better and see farther than humans.

*A Hummingbird’s tongue is grooved like the shape of a “W” and is used to lap up nectar from flowers and feeders.

* An average size Hummingbird will have about 940 feathers.

* Hummingbirds have an average life span of 5 years but can live beyond 10 years.

*Many plants depend on the Hummingbird for pollination.

*Hummingbirds are the only birds that can fly both frontwards and backwards. They can also hover in mid-air, fly sideways and even upside down!

Take a break and keep your eye out for Hummingbirds - they will surely bring smiles!

Enjoy : ) Coppertop

Backyard Photos

2010-05-15T11:17:00.003-04:00

Nothing special but I thought it was interesting how the morning sun was shinning through the clouds and beaming down to earth! Clicking on the photos will bring up a larger one for better viewing.

Amazing how this old apple tree still produces!

The inners are completely gone, just a shell of a truck left standing.

Apple Blossoms

Beautiful Mother's Day gift from my Son

Tree Swallows

A few Tree Swallow Facts:

--The female Tree Swallow is duller in color and may have brownish foreheads.

--The Tree Swallows diet consists mostly of insects that it catches on the wing although in winter, the favorite food are bayberries.

--The female Tree Swallow may raise two broods in one season and the male can have more than one mate.

--A group of tree swallows are known collectively as a "stand" of swallows.

Hope you enjoyed my photos - feel free to leave comments! : ) Coppertop

Photos taken this beautiful morning!

2010-05-13T17:23:00.001-04:00

A few photos I took this morning. I should have been cleaning up flower beds but I said the heck with it and sat sipping my coffee watching the tree swallows soar around our field. They are certainly mesmerizing! They are so quick. Some are just building their nest and were scooping up the dried weeds. They have been landing on our deck off the sliding doors and singing their hearts out to us, well, I like to think it is to us!

Earlier this morning Mourning Doves were busy taking turns at bathing in the bird bath. This one appeared like he thought it was a good day for a sail!

I suddenly caught movement down in the lower field and was delighted to see five deer. They stopped short at the rock wall between the two fields and extended their noses into the air. Won’t you know, the wind was blowing towards them so they caught my scent and headed off the opposite direction disappearing into the woods.

Appointments needed to be kept today so I was not able to sit as long as I would have liked. I do hope you were able to enjoy this beautiful day. : ) Coppertop

Spring Scouting Camera Photos

2010-04-06T13:52:00.007-04:00

Checked my two scouting cameras this morning and quite a few pictures were taken in the past week but only one ‘different’ animal, a Fisher! On one hand disappointing not to get his face side but on the other hand the flash would have created glowing eyes which are not so becoming!

Turkeys are becoming a regular down in the orchard so they took up most of the digital memory cards. Right now the Tom’s are putting on a good show.

I am getting some photo shots of a doe I named Delilah that has an injured or deformed jaw. If it was an injury it just did not heal as this is the 3rd year we have seen her around and it always looks the same. She has no trouble eating and gave birth to a cute little guy last summer. Of late another deer has been seen with these two in photos taken down in the woods. I do give the bucks that we see from year to year names but never bother with the does whereas they are more difficult to tell apart. Delilah is very noticeable and as I said we have watched for three years now.

Cannot forget to mention raccoons are almost always around as well as a bunny or two. Each check is a surprise as one never knows what or even who might have passed in front of the camera.

Days might be gloomy in Maine at present but pictures certainly can warm the heart and bring smiles –

take care and do enjoy! : ) Coppertop

Turkey Strut Time

2010-04-04T07:13:00.002-04:00

We have been experiencing some exception weather in Maine and I have been taking advantage of it and spending about 3 hours each day down in our ‘woods shack’ enjoying the wildlife. Although daylight hours do not bring about as much wildlife as I would love to see, it is such a relaxing get away time. There is nothing like some time in the woods to clear your mind and refresh your soul.

Yesterday the birds and squirrels were not as active as the previous day. Hearing turkey hens off to the side cackling and a pileated woodpecker calling and hammering away gave me hopes that they might show in front of me and present me with the opportunity of a photograph as well as entertainment. So I sat reclined back with feet up, camera in hand, listening, watching and waiting. Sure enough after the first hour and a half into the clearing come two hens scratching the woods floor. Within seconds a male turkey pops out into the clearing strutting his stuff. What beautiful colors in the sunlight this male shows off.

Below are a few more photos of this handsome male. Photographs just do not do his true colors justice, seeing in person is awesome!

Have you taken time out for yourself today? Please do and enjoy! : ) Coppertop

Bluebird update.

2010-03-28T18:35:00.000-04:00

The bluebirds disappeared for a couple days after my last post but have returned again. I am pretty confident it is the same pair whereas the female has been at the sunflower seed feeder and often. It appears she has taught the male that the seeds are eatable and they both are now coming for a snack off and on throughout the day. Below are a few pictures I took today. It has been pretty cloudy, dreary day and the photos are not the best but just seeing these beautiful birds certainly helps to brighten it up for us humans!

I have not seen any tree swallows since that one on the 1st day of Spring. We have six bluebird houses up and usually the tree swallows build in each. In past years after the tree swallows have laid their eggs and the families have outgrown the houses, a pair of bluebirds will appear and make their home in one, this being later in the summertime. I am hoping that perhaps this year they will make claim on one before the tree swallows, although I love having the tree swallows around also. They are amazing to watch, flying so fast and so on target! Not to mention the advantage of their insect diet.

Do hope you enjoyed your day! Come back again soon. : ) Coppertop

More Bluebird photos!

2010-03-22T17:32:00.000-04:00

I was able to capture both the male and female Bluebird today - yea! But was very disappointed with myself for not reacting quicker when a male Cardinal landed on the fence. He flew off just as I got the camera in hand and ready to snap a picture. I pretty much sat in front of that window the rest of the day hoping he would return but no such luck! Maybe another day, but I rarely see Cardinals in our backyard.

Take note of the Male Bluebird in sequence below; he evidently did not care for the sunflower seed and flew off as the female stayed and continued to consume the seeds!

A few other photos I snapped today while waiting for the Cardinal to return!

This chickadee stayed in this one spot for a good five minutes. It appeared to be hiding as all the other birds at the feeder had quickly flown off. After a time another chickadee came to this one and they both flew off together!

Hope you took time out for yourself today and enjoyed the moment! : ) Coppertop

Bluebirds!

2010-03-21T18:21:00.003-04:00

Fantastic! A female bluebird showed up today and stayed around all day. The male was here also but I was unable to capture any photos of him today. As you can see in the above picture we had some snow also! Just off and on flurries that did not even stick to the ground. What suprised me is this bluebird was at my bird feeder off and on most the day, I have never noticed one eating from a bird feeder before especially since the feeder was filled with sunflower 'meaties' not meal worms!

Take care and enjoy! : ) Coppertop

Spring is here!

2010-03-20T17:56:00.006-04:00

7 a.m.

Today is the 1st day of spring by the calendar standards and I guess by some of the wild bird standards also. Coffee in hand, I paused at the window overlooking our field. Two Robins are on the ground pulling food from the ground. A male bluebird is checking out a couple birdhouses and a tree sparrow is sitting on top of yet another birdhouse. The male bluebird goes from one sitting post to another singing his song. I keep looking for a female but none do I see today.

Blue jays are communicating back and forth as three crows fly by. Several goldfinches flutter by, the male is turning bright yellow after a dull winter.

Our field is still mostly brown with some green growth showing, but then again it is only March 20th and here in Maine one cannot rule the fact that we still can have an end of the season snow storm.

5 p.m.

What a fabulous day today! I worked outside cleaning up a flower garden this morning and then again this afternoon for a short time. I am trying to get myself back in shape for outdoor work slowly this year and not jump in high gear and overdo it ending up with muscle aches where I did not know muscles existed. Once I start a project though it is very hard to quit until it is complete – I’m a person who wants it done and done yesterday! : ) I am so anxious to see colors – flowers, green grass, blue sky, beautiful white clouds!

Notice the hole in the trunk of the large apple tree in photo below - the trunk is hollow from ground up yet the tree bears apples each year!

I do hope you have enjoyed your day today! : ) Coppertop

Do you forget.......?

2010-02-15T11:16:00.002-05:00

Do you have problems remembering appointments, when and which pills to take, family events or such things?

I recently became aware of a great reminder tool thanks to a good friend Gladys who writes the Maine Musing Blog. Everyone who uses Microsoft Outlook for email has this tool and yet I wonder just how many are aware of its many uses. The tool is your Calendar option in Outlook. I have the 2003 version of Outlook and it also offers tasks and notes.

Back to my forgetfulness! I recently was told by my Doctor to alternate my thyroid medicine dosage between two dosages due to the fact that one dosage was not enough and the next too much yet there was none in-between. I was talking with Gladys about this one day and hoping I would keep the dosages straight as far what dosage I was to take each evening. Gladys quickly replied that I should use the calendar and how it was such a great tool that she uses all the time. The next day I went into my Outlook and clicked on the calendar. I was amazed at how easy it was to add the information and with just a couple clicks it was set for the whole year. There is a recurrence option that is fantastic – you just select how often you want the event to be repeated, click and the program does the rest. Now every night at 8pm my reminder pops up on the computer screen and tells me which dosage I am suppose to take. The reminder will stay on the screen until I click it off with the dismiss button, so even if I am not at the computer at that moment the reminder will be there when I return.

In the note section I have added the dates and places for when I had my yearly mammograms, bone density and physicals so at a quick glance I now have all that information. I can easily see when I might be due for these events again.

I now go to my calendar often and record Birthdays, Anniversaries, Doctor Appointments and so much more. I do hope by passing on this information I make just one other person’s life a little less frustrating when it comes to remembering events or just ‘stuff”. I thank you again Gladys for this valuable information!

Take time for yourself and enjoy. : ) Coppertop

Are you ready?

2010-02-09T19:05:00.003-05:00

It’s that time again! Gather up your spotting equipment and be ready. For what you say? The Birds!

The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is an annual event. This year the dates are February 12th-15th. Everyone is invited to count birds anywhere (your backyard, a local park or just out in countryside) for as little or as long as you wish during the four-day period. GBBC does ask for at least a 15 minute time spam. Be sure to tally the highest number of birds of each species seen together at any one time. To report your counts just go online and submit your sightings at the Great Backyard Bird Count website. That’s it, simple and so enjoyable for the whole family.

Be sure to include the children, at the GBBC website there is a Special Page Just for the Children.

Be sure to check out the fabulous photo album and previous GBBC photo contests winners.

I just went into my Outlook Calendar and added reminders, won’t you do the same? Mark the dates on your calendar and have a terrific time counting. I look forward to seeing all the new photos submitted this year and to browse through the pages of information GBBC offers.

Take time for yourself and enjoy! :) Coppertop

A Breath of Fresh Air

2010-01-21T15:49:00.003-05:00

What a beautiful January day in Maine today has been. After having a week of clouds and a foot or so of new snow, seeing the blazing sun this morning was a sight to behold.

After the usual household chores and running to town for groceries, I ventured down to our woods shack on snow shoes. Sitting in the shack and looking out over the apple orchard, I was for a moment disappointed in not seeing any fresh animal tracks or signs. That thought quickly disappeared as I took a deep breath of fresh air and felt revitalized. The photo above was taken as I sat in the 'ole' shack.

After a time I slowly made my way back to the house, packing the trail so the next trip will be an easier one.

I have been yearning for an fish chowder and today is the day - ingredients are all together and it is simmering on top of the stove. I am trying a new recipe and the taste tastes so far tell me it is going to be a good one and will more than likely rate a copy going into my 'excellent recipe' notebook for use again.

Do take some time for yourself today and enjoy! :) Coppertop

2010 - A New Year

2010-01-01T19:44:00.002-05:00

RECIPE FOR A HAPPY NEW YEAR

Take twelve whole months.

Clean them thoroughly of all bitterness,

hate, and jealousy.

Make them just as fresh and clean as possible.

Now cut each month into twenty-eight, thirty, or thirty-one different parts,

but don't make up the whole batch at once.

Prepare it one day at a time out of these ingredients.

Mix well into each day one part of faith,

one part of patience, one part of courage,

and one part of work.

Add to each day one part of hope,

faithfulness, generosity, and kindness.

Blend with one part prayer, one part meditation,

and one good deed.

Season the whole with a dash of good spirits,

a sprinkle of fun, a pinch of play,

and a cupfull of good humor.

Pour all of this into a vessel of love.

Cook thouroughly over radient joy,

garnish with a smile,

and serve with quietness, unselfishness,

and cheerfulness.

You're bound to have a happy new year.

-- Author Unknown

Holiday wish for all...

2009-12-24T06:58:00.002-05:00

Wild Violet Salad! Yum! Yum!

2009-10-16T14:40:00.014-04:00

Wild violet salad - yum! yum!

This white-tail deer is enjoying a meal of the wild violets that I allow to grow under this oak tree. We have lived here for 10 years now and this is the first year that the flower leaves have become a dinning treat for the deer or any other critter. I had heard of deer nibbling on hosta leaves and as you see there is one in the middle of the violets, but it has not been touched, at least not at the time of this scouting camera capture!

You've got to love these little HCO Infrared Digital Scouting Cameras! I expected it would have to be a doe and/or fawn doing the nibbling but now I know for sure.

Along side our gravel driveway are some wild rose bushes growing. Each morning we find fresh tracks, evidence of a doe and fawn sampling the rose hips and even snacking on a rose branch - ouch! Watch out for those thorns.

I do know that on our small 10 acres the acorns are few this year and I saw no beech nuts on our trees. We have quite a few old apple trees and odd to look around and see some apples on one tree and none on the two right next to it. It appears the usual wildlife food is not in abundance this year, but I can only go on what I see on our small piece of land.

Has anyone else noticed the lack of wildlife food?

Take care and enjoy! :) Coppertop

What happens at night in the woods.........

2009-10-09T10:17:00.008-04:00

Ever wonder what goes on at night in the woods - what creatures are stirring? Owning a scouting camera answers those questions, what a cleaver invention! I have used scouting cameras now for 3 years and just love them. Some people use them to be able to determine areas to hunt but mine are just for pleasure. I love watching the wildlife in my own backyard and these little cameras have extended that watching into the night while I am sleeping!

I've posted my most recent scouting camera photos below and hope you enjoy as much as I do!

Take time and enjoy life! :) Coppertop

Good book to read!

2009-10-01T16:23:00.003-04:00

This is not something I normally do and being a relative of my hubby wrote this book, I’m going to take liberty and brag some.

First let me tell you a little about the author, Ted Blanchard. He was born in Presque Isle, Maine and still resides there. While in high school he took up pen pal writing with great enjoyment. There was a time when he was writing as many as twenty-three letters monthly to his pen pal friends. Sixty years later and he still corresponds with one in England and one in Australia. Ted has written several short stories, this being his first novel.

The book is named “Laura” and is about a young man in the army awaiting his discharge. Anxious to return to his home state of Maine, he falls in love with an army officer’s wife. He does return to the hard work and life he loves in Northern Maine. Shortly after meets a beautiful woman and his life is somewhat normal until—an old army buddy comes visiting.

The description of Maine’s wilderness can only be written by someone who has a deep love and knowledge of the area. “Laura” is a 206 page soft bound book published by Monkey Publishing in Caribou, Maine and can be found for sale on their web site.

If you enjoy a good story and Maine life, you certainly should enjoy this novel. It is well suited to all ages, being male or female.

Bear back again!

2009-07-11T20:53:00.006-04:00

Much to my surprise and delight this young Maine black bear has visited our backyard woods five times now over the past fourteen days. Even more surprising is that he does not mind the flash of the game camera and stays an average of an hour each visit. In some photos it even looks like he might be taking a nap! Below are just a few of the over four hundred photos he has allowed the game camera to capture thus far. I do hope you enjoy them. Take a moment to look around you! :) Coppertop

Game camera Surprise - BEAR!

2009-06-29T17:54:00.009-04:00

It's been about 4 days since I last checked the game cams (even longer since I posted). So in-between the rain drops today I ventured down to the woods. The turkeys have moved on and lately have been getting coon pictures along with one lone doe. BUT today was different! I had 482 pictures, of those 120 were of a young bear that hung around for 57 minutes! What a treat to find on such a dreary, depressing, rainy day! The camera flash went off in some pictures so they look a little washed out.

What is the above picture you ask? Well! I would guess the bear checked the camera out up close and personal - thank goodness he did NOT decide the camera might make a meal!

I love the above photo - as if he/she is posing for the camera!

Another nice pose! Wonder what it is thinking - he/she seems to be looking towards the camera! :) Hope you enjoyed my photos - take a moment to enjoy your backyard. :) Coppertop

Did you know...
Although they appear slow and lumbering, bears can run at speeds up to 35 miles per hours?
Bear cubs have blue eyes, which turn brown during their first summer?
Bears may remain in their dens for 5-6 months each year in Maine. During this time they do not eat, drink, urinate or defecate?

NOTE: Above "Did you know?" information obtained from Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife web site.

May's Game Camera Photos

2009-05-24T19:28:00.008-04:00

Below in no particular order are a sample of the critters I have been getting on my two scouting cameras this past month. Healthly looking raccoons; fox, one lone doe and lots of wild turkeys!
White-tail deer are not the prettiest at this time of year as they shed their winter fur for summer coats. The male turkeys are still calling and strutting!

I do hope you have enjoyed my game cam photos. Do stop by again soon! Enjoy :) Coppertop

Jack-in-the-Pulpit

2009-05-13T16:49:00.006-04:00

I was elated to come across these Jack-in-the-Pulpit flowers today walking along our property. This photo shows a shorter one next to the taller, there is actually another taller one behind making three flowers in this group. The Jack-in-the-Pulpit is a wildflower that blooms between May and June and thrives in the moist shady deciduous woods. A cluster of red Berries will form in late summer or early fall and are an attractive food source for birds such as thrushes, rodents, etc. Leaves and fruits contain calcium oxalate that can irritate the skin so it is important to wear gloves if you are going to handle.

Jack-in-the-pulpit is Arisaema triphyllum of the arum family, Araceae. Other Names are: Indian Turnip, arum, three-leaved arum, dragon-turnip, brown dragon, devil's-ear, marsh turnip, bog onion, priest's-pintle, lords-and-ladies.

Did you notice the wild strawberry plants in the above photo also? Our property has an abundance of these plants; the berries are small but oh so sweet!

Did you find something new/different in your backyard today? Slow your pace and take a look around, you are sure to be pleasantly surprised! Enjoy :) Coppertop

Hummingbird Time in Maine

2009-05-08T18:32:00.003-04:00

About 4pm this afternoon I saw our first Ruby-throated Hummingbird of the year! A male landed on a feeder I had put out this past week in anticipation of their arrival.

I sat outside for a short time eariler this evening watching the birds at a feeder and took a few photos I would like to share with you. As I was sitting and watching the song birds, I suddenly remembered that the hummers liked to sit in the oak tree so I started to scan the many branches and sure enough there he was! :) To my delight he sat still long enough for me to snap off a couple shots, he then moved on to another branch and I was able to get a few more. The photos here are all of the same one lonely male hummer. I wonder if more will arrive tomorrow - will just have to wait and see!

Earlier today while doing some yard work I thought I had heard a bluebird but at that time could not spot it. This evening a male landed in our oak tree and ate his supper!

The male goldfinches have all their color back again now and are they not bright yellow!

The white-breasted nuthatch is a treat to watch as they manuveur upside down the tree trunks and at the feeder!

It is so amazing how much entertainment one can find in their own backyard and its FREE!

I do hope you all take time to enjoy the wildlife in your own backyards! :) Coppertop

Newest game cam photos - BIG Porcupine!

2009-04-28T16:15:00.006-04:00

Ok the above tree swallow photo is not from the game cameras but just could not help but add to this post—I just love watching these birds! They seem to put on airs like human husbands and wives!

This is one big porcupine, largest I have ever seen anyways! Looks like it was back again last evening by the photo below.

Action is with the turkeys this time of year and good to see and hear them in our area again! Calling, strutting and a lot of dramatics can be observed when wild turkeys are around.

Wild turkeys are early risers!

I don't think I would argue with this coon, he looks pretty tough!

A doe has started to check this spot out nightly now, this is the 3rd night in row the game camera captured a photo of her. I was surprised to see the little mouse running off (left hand side of picture).

Hope you enjoyed my latest game camera photos—stop by anytime and feel free to leave a comment below! :) Coppertop

A few more backyard bird photos!

2009-04-27T06:24:00.008-04:00

A few more backyard bird photos—I do hope you enjoy. The above female flicker was a surprise, I had not seen one at a feeder before!

Spring is in the air! Kestrels return!

2009-04-10T18:48:00.005-04:00

How great it was today to be able to open a screen door/window and let some fresh Spring air into the house and to hear the birds singing!

The kestrels have returned again this year - time will tell where they decide to nest. The old Elm tree in the above photo they used last year is looking pretty bad and wonder how long it will continue to stand. I was only able to capture the female kestrel today, the male was being quite elusive. I really enjoyed watching them last year and getting to see the whole family after the babies hatched. Story and photos are posted at my July 2008 blog post which you can find here.

Below I have posted an assortment of the birds we are seeing in the backyard at this time. (Not all species we are seeing are represented)

Take a moment to look around you and enjoy! :) Coppertop

More Game Camera Photos

2009-04-06T18:57:00.007-04:00

In no particular order some of our latest game camera photos.

Enjoy! :) Coppertop

Walked right out of a snow shoe!

2009-03-12T16:34:00.008-04:00

I decided to check my game cameras today as the turkeys had been in our area the past few days. A nice sunny day but with the wind chill it felt more like the arctic. I bundled up in layers of winter clothing, strapped on the snow shoes and headed down to the woods. I came to a bare spot in the woods road and as I stepped something did not feel just right. Looking down my left foot had the snow shoe binding but no snow shoe! I glanced back up my path and there it lay about 25 feet behind me. In going back to retrieve it I found a washer and one of the metal fasteners lying on top of the snow as well as the heel grip. I gathered up my parts and decided to leave them in a pile along the woods to pick on the way back home. On I continued carefully with one snow shoe, as there were ice patches and the one foot had nothing to keep it from slipping now! I made it to the first camera and was shocked to find the no pictures saved on the card. I headed over to the second camera and walked by two red squirrels at the food platform chattering at each other. They disappeared as I got closer but were right back there when I returned. Now this game camera had 548 photos on it - we were in business! The majority of photos were of turkeys but I did find six showed a raccoon, two the partridge and blue jay and some with just the blue jays. No deer! The deer are around though, we have seen them in our field during the night hours and their tell tale tracks are visible in the snow. Smart animals, the bucks especially are not in favor of the camera flash and will avoid it.
I reset the camera and headed back to the house, one snow shoe on my foot and one snow shoe in hand! I did manage to snap a few pictures of the cute red squirrels before departing the woods. Below are just a sample of the game camera pictures I retrieved today.

Enjoy - weatherman says clear for the next 5-6 days! No storms in site! :) Coppertop

Winter Walk

2009-03-11T23:49:00.010-04:00

I was able to get out yesterday for a short walk along a snowmobile trail. Good thing I went yesterday because today was another gloomy day in Maine with snow turning to rain. As walking I heard the roar of a plane and looking up I could see the jet stream. I pointed the camera and snapped a couple pictures. The results amazed me.

My walk although short was quite enjoyable and I was even able to get a few pictures of this adorable Chickadee singing to me as it fluttered from branch to branch on this old apple tree!

Be sure to take time out of your day for YOU and enjoy! :) Coppertop

Morning thrill - Bohemian Waxwings!

2009-03-07T08:44:00.005-05:00

What a thrill this morning to look out my kitchen window and see a group of birds in the Oak tree. It took me a few seconds to realize they were Bohemian Waxwings. This is not a regular visitor and I do not remember seeing this many at one time ever before.

As you can see from the above photo it is quite a cloudy morning and my photos are not the best. The two photos below I did lighten in Adobe Photoshop Elements so that the colors of these beautiful birds could be seen.

We have a couple barberry shrubs in the yard that I had transplanted from the woods and it appears they were after the winter berries. Just one problem - the shrubs are pretty well buried in the snow!

My Audubon bird book tells me the Bohemian Waxwing is a rare visitor to the northeastern U.S. in the winter. When it does appear it feeds on berries, often in large flocks. The visit was short in our backyard but they certainly made my day!

Do hope you have a wonderful weekend! :) Coppertop

Latest game camera photos

2009-03-06T11:07:00.007-05:00

Another snow day in Maine! Seems like we are getting snow abut every other day this month! Thought I would take a couple minutes and post some of the game cameras photos I have gotten this past week! Hope you enjoy them, it certainly is a surprise each time they are checked! They are in no special order.

Remember to take time for yourself and enjoy! :) Coppertop

Turkeys lay claim to game camera site!

2009-03-01T15:33:00.005-05:00

I wandered down to the woods this morning and checked the game cameras, hence the above photos just three of the one hundred and eight-two! My goodness - 182 photos, yesterday afternoon on two game cameras and most all are Wild Turkeys yet only three turkeys visible and not many tracks in the snow! There might of been 5 total pictures with blue jays otherwise the three turkeys above provided all the action for the cameras!

A dreary winter day in Maine and I have been quite 'lazy' sitting in front of the TV (Hubby is tuned to the Red Sox spring training game) watching the activity at the bird feeder outside my window and crocheting.

Do hope you are enjoying your day! :) Coppertop

Teeter Totter Snow Shoes!

2009-02-27T15:54:00.004-05:00

Have you ever snow shoed when the snow was sticky? Then you know exactly what I am referring to. As you walk snow collects at the grips on the underside. On mine it seems to be the heel grip that gives me problems. My snow shoes are about 4 years old now and have claw grips at the toe and heel of the foot on the underside. You take a step and the front of your snow shoe plummets down while the middle is suspended in the air. You lean backwards to catch your balance in an effort to prevent a fall and the snow shoe rocks and plummets the opposite way. Now if I were younger this might be fun but it takes all my strength to say in a stand position. I catch my breath and on again. I take a step, give the shoe a stomp and the snow has cleared but another couple steps and I have a teeter totter snow shoe again. So went my trip down to the woods to check my game cameras today. At that time it was beautiful out, sun shinning and about 48 degrees. Now I see the sky has grown quite gray, the wind is blowing and although rain has been predicted for this evening, one might think snow was coming again.

My first camera site showed no signs of tracks and no photos. Bummer! The second camera site was well tracked and the wildlife grain had been devoured. What really caught my attention were the partridge tracks in the snow leading up to and away from the food. It has been four days since I last checked the cameras and this one shows a total of 114 photos. They turned out to be all bird photos except a couple with a red squirrel! Crows, Blue Jays and a partridge. I really like the blue jay action photo below. Photos have all been cropped to show case the birds.

After uploading the photos to my computer I noticed an interesting sequence and wish I had put the camera in video mode. In the first photo taken at 1:42 pm there are several blue jays with a partridge off to the side. The next 11 photos showed the partridge as it moved around the area ending at 1:55 pm. I've posted some of that grouping below.

Despite my teeter totter walk to the woods and back, it was a great outing. Take time for yourself, get out and enjoy your surroundings! :) Coppertop

A little 'Spring' during Maine Snow Storm

2009-02-23T11:18:00.008-05:00

February 23rd and yet another snow storm has dumped another 12" or more of fresh snow, some locations in Maine getting much more. Thousands are without power this morning as the heavy snow and wind causes problems. Thankfully, we have not lost power. Every window in our home is snow covered that is slowly melting away as the day progresses. Our front door was barricaded shut with the new snow while the side door steps were bare this morning. Oh, the wonders of the winter - wind, snow and where and how high it might drift! Today will be spent clearing out the driveway, walkways, decks and roofs. A great day for a hot fish chowder, stew or soup of sorts!

I walk through the house seeing winter clothes, winter boots and window views of snow and more snow, yet I can pause and smile as I look at my beautiful Amaryllis plant that has just blossomed, a reminder of Spring, flowers, gardens and green grass. My daughter gave me this plant as a Birthday gift (Dec 13th). At first it was just a pretty pot with dirt only visible and seemed like ages before the first green sprouted up. Today it is so beautiful, two blooms and one more to open.

Winter may be outside today but there is a bit of Spring in my heart that emerges every time I look at my Amaryllis and I know it won't be that long before gardens, the smell of flowers, green grass, blue skies, backyard barbecues and so very much more.

Enjoy your day :) Coppertop

Another beautiful winter day in Maine!

2009-02-21T18:30:00.004-05:00

Today was another fantastically beautiful day here in Maine. Yesterday was a clean up day from the new snow we had got the day before. Our deck had about 12" of the white stuff to be shoveled off, thank goodness it was fairly light and easily removed.

Morning brought a beautiful sight with the sun shining, snow glistening and stuck to the trees. One could not help but ponder thoughts of getting out there and enjoying. This time snow shoes would be needed as our plowed trail to the woods was freshly covered but would be an easy walk just the same as the trail had been broken previously.

As I approached our orchard I could see a red squirrel perched on the platform stuffing his face and four blue jays on the ground scuffing up the falling pieces of food. The blue jays disappeared upon my approach but the little red squirrel held his ground. To my amazement the squirrel let me get within three feet of where he sat eating. He/she must of been more hungry than scared of me!

I stood and watched the red squirrel as he ate for a minute or so and then went on to check the game camera. I found 42 new photos had been taken. The usual number of crow and blue jay pictures as well as the regular buck but this time he was joined by a spike with one antler. I have photos of this young buck back on Feb. 12th with just the one antler and he still has it! Guess Spike just doesn't want to part with his 2nd antler. He shows it off proudly in the photo below.

Couldn't resist adding this last photo - we have just two red-breasted nuthatches coming to the feeders and I finally was able to capture its picture. They are quick little birds, so cute!

Take time for yourself and enjoy! :) Coppertop

A sit in the woods on a sunny winter day!

2009-02-18T19:16:00.010-05:00

A beautiful sunny day today and after having a couple of 'under the weather' days I was anxious to get out in the fresh air. I decided to go down into the woods and check my game cameras and sit in our little woods 'shack' to see what might be out and about. I gathered all my gear, checking to make sure I had batteries and camera memory sticks. Grabbed my thermos of hot vanilla spice chai tea (a new addiction!) and off I went but not before pulling on a pair of ice cleats over my hiking boots. Our path to the woods has become quite icy in spots and I certainly did not want to take a tumble.

In checking the game cameras I found I had several crow and blue jay photos along with five photos of a buck that has become know as No Name. He seems to have gotten use to the camera flash and keeps coming back for more oats and apples that I have been putting there. I did get one photo of a partridge, although not the best of shots, it does let me know the partridge is still around or at least one is.

After checking the cameras I dumped some wildlife grain on a flat platform on top of a cut off apple tree in hopes of attracting some birds. I then went to the shack and settled in on the comfy 'office' chair, poured a cup of hot tea and waited. The first photo above shows part of my view. An hour goes by and I start to wonder what am I doing? Sitting in the woods and no critters! Where are they all? Are you not supposed to see and hear critters in the woods? As pouring another helping of my tea I hear this scratching noise - something was climbing the little apple tree right next to our shack. It climbed the tree and jumped on the roof, what a racket for such a small critter - it was a red squirrel. At one point it poked his head in a window but one look at me and it was gone again! Within a couple minutes it came in sight again as it scurried up the stump and helped itself to some grain.

It seemed to be an eternity as this little critter sat on the platform and ate and ate. In the meantime four blue jays landed over in front of the game camera helping themselves to the oats there. I watched and listened to their chattering, enjoying my last sip of hot tea. I was just capping the thermos and thinking what a gorgeous winter day and how thankful I was to be where I was when the red squirrel scurried down the stump and off into the deeper woods. But first he paused long enough for me to snap this last photo below - can you find my little friend, the red squirrel in the photo? Clue - He is in a sitting position!

Take some time for your self and enjoy :) Coppertop

GBBC - still time to submit your bird count!

2009-02-17T12:59:00.007-05:00

Have you submitted your backyard bird count to GBBC (Great Backyard Bird Count)? You still have time, the deadline is March 1st. Quoted from an email I received today from GBBC, "Results are rolling in for the 2009 GBBC. As of Tuesday morning, we had more than 59,000 checklists, a pace that could break the all-time record by March 1."

You can explore the results here. If you are a person who enjoys statistics there is a wealth of information to be found at this site concerning this year's bird count as well as previous years.

Don't forget wild turkeys are also included in this count - they are wild birds!

My count has been submitted and though I wished it could of included more species and been larger I know that each and every count is help to the research. My tally ended up being:

Chickadees 5; American Goldfinches 7; Red Polls 32; Blue Jays 7; Red-breasted Nuthatch 2; American Crows 3 and Wild turkeys 12.

The turkeys were an added suprise for me as it has been quite a spell since we have seen them wandering about our property. The twelve in the photos above wandered into our backyard following a snowmobile trail that goes through our property. They then followed our snow shoe trails and ended up in an old orchard in front of one my game cameras where they found some oats and cut up apples. Saying to myself, ok they found the food they'll be back again tomorrow, not the case, they haven't been seen since. So very different than a couple years back when we could see wild turkeys almost any time of day every day of the week!

Enjoy your day :) Coppertop

Lets help and count the birds in our backyards!

2009-02-13T07:09:00.005-05:00

Morning All -

Are you ready? Today starts the Great Backyard Bird Count! Go to GBBC and print out a check list for your area. Grab a pencil, binoculars if needed, your favorite cup of coffee or tea and your ready – just enjoy fifteen minutes or more as you tally up the birds at your feeders, in your backyard or even at a nearby park. Remember now when counting to record the greatest number of each species that you see together at one time – don’t add them all up. For example if you see 5 chickadees and then in a few minutes you see 10 chickadees – you would record 10 chickadees only – you would not add them together for 15.

You don’t have to do this today, if tomorrow is a better day then that is just fine. Dates for this particular count are Feb 13th through Feb 16th. You pick the time – GBBC asks for just fifteen minutes but you are welcome to count for a longer period of time. Don’t forget to include your children – a great activity for the whole family.

Have fun and enjoy – Happy Counting! :) Coppertop

What birds are in your backyard?

2009-02-06T07:37:00.010-05:00

What birds are in your backyard?

Do you feed the birds and watch them in your backyard? If not, why not take a few minutes and just see how many different varieties are in your backyard. Don’t know one bird from the other, no problem, the internet is an excellent source of information as well as books you can find at any book store or even your local library. Watching birds is a wonderful ‘hobby’ the entire family can get involved with.

Do you know about the Great Backyard Bird Count that is held every year by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society? This year it is being held from February 13-16. 15 minutes on one or more of those days is all that is needed, however you can count for longer if you wish. You can find all the information here. There is even a special page just for kids. You can print out a regional bird list from to help in your count. How do you count the birds? Just count the greatest number of the same species that you see at the any one time in your backyard, at the feeder or even in a nearby park. Oh, if you like taking pictures, be sure to take a few, photos can be uploaded to GBBC (Great Backyard Bird Count) and submitted to the contest they hold every year. You can view the GBBC photo gallery here. Got a minute, look through the gallery there are some really beautiful bird shots there.

Why count birds? With your help the scientists can learn and have questions answered. A team of scientists could never document the movements of so many species in such a short time – that is where you come in. It doesn’t matter how big or small your count is every bit of information they receive brings them closer to answers from questions such as:
How will the winter’s snow and cold influence bird populations?
How will the timing of birds’ migrations compare with past years?
How are bird diseases, such as West Nile virus, affecting birds in different regions?
Are any birds undergoing worrisome declines that point to the need for conservation attention?
And many more.

I look forward to the bird count each year. At the GBBC site you can see the counts from people in your state. I find it interesting to check through the different towns even my own and see how people are reporting and what they are seeing for birds. What birds are in my backyard now? Not a big variety but more of each species than I remember from last year. Chickadees rarely ever come to our feeders where we live in an open field but this winter we have had a small group of six daily along with Red Polls, Goldfinches, Blue Jays and a couple woodpeckers. Some days a group of Mourning Doves will stick around. The Snow Buntings have been stopping by off and on and since they vary so from day to day in number I am thinking that we are seeing different groups as they head back up North to their summer breeding range. Some days we only see one or two and other days there might be thirty out there.

Enjoy your day and don’t forget to take a moment and look around your backyard! :) Coppertop

Snow Buntings are visiting now

2009-01-31T08:03:00.005-05:00

About this time each year Snow Buntings arrive in our backyard for a short visit. They are interesting to watch as they land and fly around our backyard field. When flying they do look like a snow storm has struck especially when their numbers are great. In past years we have had upwards to a hundred in one flock but more recently we have been lucky to see thirty. The group this year started with just ten and has now grown to twenty-four. Now I can’t be sure whether it is the same flock and more being added as the days go by or if they are totally different groups as they start their journey back to their summer range to breed. According to All About Birds: Snow Bunting their summer and breeding area is from Alaska, across Northern Canada, to Greenland and Iceland as well as across northern Eurasia. The snow bunting spends its winters from Northern Canada southward to northern Nevada, Missouri and central Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
The male Snow Buntings return to high Arctic tundra in early April with the females following six to eight weeks later. Nests are deep in cracks or other cavities in rocks lined with moss and grasses, rootlets, fur and feathers. The female must stay on the nest during most of the incubation time of the two to seven egg clutch. The male snow bunting will feed the female during this time.
During breeding season the male and female will have a much different look. The male will have white body feathers and jet black wings. The female will have more white plumage with a grayish head and indistinct dusky streaking than during the non-breeding season. The link above at About Birds shows non-breeding and breeding plumage of both sexes.
These song birds are difficult to photograph as they are constantly moving. I have posted a couple of the better photos I have been able to capture. I enjoy seeing these beautiful birds each year and will keep trying for a truly good photograph.
According to the National Audubon Society, the Snow Bunting is #11 in their list of common birds in decline. How sad! Global warming has allowed more predators (mammals and birds) to survive and prey on the Snow Bunting nests.

FACT: Snow Buntings feed on weed and grass seeds, insects.

Take a moment to see what birds are visiting you today and enjoy! :) Coppertop

Antler #3 found in our Maine Backyard

2009-01-28T10:12:00.007-05:00

Oh my gosh - another buck has shed an antler and left it in our field! This one is from a buck I named "Crater" because I noticed he had a hole in one of his antlers.
I love starting out a morning like this. As my usual morning ritual, I grabbed the binoculars and scanned the field but did not see any shed antlers. Then about 3 hours later I was just walking past the window and noticed two sharp brown smooth objects sticking up out of the snow. I grabbed my coat, camera in hand, motioned for Ruger to follow and out we went to investigate. Ruger got to the spot before me and sure enough there laid one of Crater's Antlers. I backed Ruger off so that I might take a photo of it as it had been left. Then I asked Ruger to carry it to the house and away he proudly went with our new treasure.

Oddly enough the hole in Crater's antler is much like one in an antler that was left in our field last season (Dec 2007) by a different and older buck. I've taken a photo of the two antlers to show (below this paragraph). In looking up antler development I found that "injury or damage to the pedicle or velvet may result in the injured antler becoming deformed. An injury to the body can also influence antler growth because energy is used to grow or repair muscle or tissue before it is used to grow antler. Sometimes, a severe injury to the body may result in stunted growth or deformity of the antler opposite side of the body that sustained the injury due to a phenomenon known as bilateral or geo-physical asymmetry." (Source of last statement here). I did not see any mention of a ‘hole’ in antler particular but I would call it abnormal or deformed. If anyone has knowledge or opinion as to how or why ‘holes’ in antlers happen, please feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this post. Just click on the underlined word comment.

Antler Fact: Antlers are incorrectly called “horns” yet they are very different. Antlers grow from the tip and are shed every year while horns grow from the base and grow for the entire life of the animal.

Enjoy your day! :) Coppertop

Foot of Snow - wonderful Hubby!

2009-01-20T15:39:00.009-05:00

What a great husband! I mentioned I needed to snow shoe down to the woods and check my game cameras this morning; next thing I knew Tom was going out the door and said he would plow me a trail!

You see we got a good foot of new snow Sunday! It was just beautiful Monday morning when the sun came up.

Above is how it looks from our double doors at the back deck. Tom and his John Deere look like just a speck down there at this angle! It is about 200 yards to the edge of the woods. By plowing a trail it certainly made my walk down into the woods much easier. I love to snow shoe but it can be quite wearing on a person some days.

It was worth the trip to check cameras - I got this neat picture of a partridge after some cut up apples. Yes I put the apples there to entice some wildlife to pose for me!

I also got quite a few pictures of this buck I have been calling "No Name No Antlers". We first saw him January 4th and he already shed his antlers so he is a big mystery as to how many points or what his antlers looked like earlier! I have been catching this guy quite a bit at this spot guess he loves my cut up apples - although he had to work for them this time around as they were buried under the snow.

Enjoy your day! :) Coppertop

Shed Antler - White-tailed Deer

2009-01-18T10:53:00.013-05:00

Each year white-tail bucks grow a new set of antlers. The basic shape of their antlers stays the same from year to year as they grow larger. About age five to seven years the buck is considered mature and his antlers could decline in size or he might grow abnormal points or shapes.

The picture of an antler above shows what the different parts are called. The names are reference points when the antler is being scored. Many hunters scout out the larger mature bucks so that they might mount their trophy and hopefully the antler score will put them in the book of records. Others hunt for antler sheds for the same reason or they might be an artist that will use the antler as part of a unique creation, such as a lamp, shelf, door knobs or numerous other ingenious ideas. Personally I love to match the antler with photo of that deer and display above my kitchen cupboards. Photo below shows a small section of that area!

If you are interested in more information on how antlers are scored you can find it at the following links:
Boone and Crockett Club
Score Sheets North American Shed Antler Club

You can also check out the Shed Antler Records of the North American Shed Hunters Club

I found my second antler yesterday; it was shed from a buck that we have been able to watch since the winter of 2003. Ruger, our German Shorthair loves to carry them to the house for me!

From our observations, the white-tail will shed their antlers about the same time each year but it does not necessarily shed them in the same area. The weather and their prime food source are factors.

Below are a couple pictures of the buck that shed my latest find, we first saw him as a yearling in the winter of 2003. He has now turned 6 ½ years and is a handsome buck. Some would consider him a management buck and not to have impressive antlers, but to me he is a very wise buck as he has eluded the numerous hunters in our area for the past five years!

2003 as a yearling (1.5 year old)

2008 - Same buck

By the above pictures you can see how the antler shape remains the same as each year passes, they do however get larger in diameter and beams and tines grow longer! The antlers can add points each year and maybe even odd little points sometimes called stickers but the basic shape stays the same.

As each winter approaches I look for the bucks that we saw the previous year and wonder will I see I them again or what has become their fate? Each year brings a new 'treasure' to our Maine Backyard to entertain and bring smiles!

Enjoy your day! :) Coppertop

Update on found shed antler

2009-01-13T15:02:00.003-05:00

Update ! The above photo I found on my scouting camera - its a young buck with the antler I found in our backyard field still attached to his head! See the previous post. I was so excited to be able to at least see a photo of the antler on its owner. As near as I can tell this young guy and the pretty 8 point in photo below were traveling together perhaps looking for a place to call home. They did stay around a couple hours but have evidently moved on as I have not seen since. How fantastic that this little guy left me with a 'treasure' (visible memory) of his visit! A handsome looking young 8 point, would love to see him a few years down the road but thinking he and his little buddy have moved on in search of their new home. But with white-tail deer you never know, perhaps they will wander back again!

Enjoy your day :) Coppertop

First antler find 2009

2009-01-12T06:37:00.009-05:00

First shed antler find this season! Shed antler as it lay in the snow when first found. Like every morning this time of year, I woke scanning our field with binoculars for any antlers that might of been shed during the night. This particular morning I saw something arched and smooth laying in the fresh falling snow. At first I thought no it couldn't be but just had to go and look even if it was snowing, windy and cold! I bundled up and motioned for Ruger, our shorthair to join me. Needless to say with wagging tail Ruger was out the door before I could get it fully opened! He just loves the snow. I walked down to the spot and sure enough there lay a freshly shed antler. The surprise was this antler I had not seen on its owner! Now the night before I did notice a different young buck mingling with our regular bucks that did not have antlers and his antler holes looked quite fresh but never dreamed he had shed one of them in our field.

Ruger checking out the antlerRuger proudly carrying the antler back to the house.
Our first find of this deer season - a cute small four point antler with a 6" G2! An added treasure to our collection!
Enjoy the day! :) Coppertop

White tails bucks - shedding antlers

2009-01-08T10:41:00.006-05:00

Hi there -

The time has come again for the white-tail bucks to be shedding their antlers. Are you a person who gets out there in the woods every day following deer trails and looking for these shed antlers? It takes a lot of patience and time unless you live on a deer farm or in an area heavily populated with deer! I admit, I am not a die hard antler looking person, but I do enjoy walking the trails in our area in hopes of finding an antler, if not just the walk and seeing what has wandered through and left their track is pleasure enough. I have been fortunate in past years to find one or two in our own field. I don't care if it is just a 4" spike antler; to me it is a treasure, especially when I can match the antler up to a buck that we had been watching.

Our backyard was and still is a winter hangout for some of the white tail deer in our area. I have been able to photograph and/or video tape them as they browse our field for clover or just hang around throughout the night hours. I have even given name to the bucks that come back from year to year. The one you see pictured above is "Hoss." Some bucks we see year after year, boy they are wise animals. This year in particular was different from past years, we did not see any deer before hunting season or during but two days after the season ended for our area, two handsome bucks showed up in our field looking for any fallen apples still under the trees! I had begun to believe all the deer had disappeared whether it be by a coyote, vehicle accident or hunter. My amazement and admiration for these beautiful creatures was certainly renewed this season!Enjoy - Coppertop :)

American Kestrels

2008-07-29T18:51:00.005-04:00

This summer a pair of American Kestrels nested in a old Elm tree just off our property. Three young ones soon appeared perched on the dead broken off branches of their nesting tree. For several days they stayed close to the nest and bounced around from one branch to another as the adults made numerous trips with nourishment. Pictured above are four members of family, one was flying look out nearby and trying to get me to follow away from the nest area.

I was surprised after I downloaded some photos to the computer to see this young kestrel was being pestered by a bee (not really sure if a bee). I had watched this kestrel not really able to fly yet, maneuver around the tree trunk using some vines for support and making its way to the top, evidently it was trying to get away from the insect!

Now the young kestrels are flying and exploring the area on their own. You never know where you might see them perched, on a bird house, tall tree, telephone lines by the road or any place that gives them an advantage! It is a thrill to watch them hunt our backyard field. They are so keen, I only need to open the house door and step out and you can hear their "klee-klee-klee", "killy, killy, killy" as they all scatter to the trees. I have heard they will take small birds but have (thank goodness) yet to witness such a feat. I have seen the adults perch near the bird houses where tree swallows have nested, the swallows dive bomb them, but the kestrels just sit there bobbing to avoid a hit, unfazed and leave only when they are ready.

Click here to read more about Kestrels and hear their sound!

It certainly has been a treat to watch these magnificent falcons this summer and hope it will be repeated year after year! Enjoy :) Coppertop

Maine Wildlife Babies

2008-07-03T07:49:00.010-04:00

Here in Maine it has been a rainy summer thus far. One can't help but wonder the toll it is taking on the wildlife newborn. The above photo of a wild turkey hen shows she only has one chick in her care. This was the first and only sighting of this hen and chick. Past years we have seen turkeys with anywhere from four to a dozen chicks per hen.

We have six bird house in our field that the tree swallows use each year. Three houses provided shelter for three families. Right now we do have a pair of Bluebirds that have taken up housekeeping in one of the houses. The female is setting on four beautiful blue eggs and hopefully they will all hatch out.

We have been honored with a pair of Kestrels nesting nearby also this year in an old elm tree. The male can be seen hunting the field for insects and such and carrying back to the opening. I have yet been able to get close enough to capture a nice photo of the adult kestrels. Should not be long and the young ones will be leaving the nest as the male is making quite frequent trips back and forth now to the nest with food.

Just yesterday I watched a female goldfinch gather wood slivers off our cedar fence as a male sat nearby. Hmm - female does all the work while male watches! :)

We have been seeing a female white tail deer in our field for quick visits just before dark and hopefully we will soon get a glimpse of her fawn(s). We have seen this in past years where a doe with browse the field for short times, on alert and listening to the woods the whole time. We always assumed a fawn is hid in the woods or nearby and sure enough we are treated with a sighting when Mom feels it is safe for them. Hopefully soon we will see a fawn or two and I will be able to share some photos with you!

Enjoy your 4th of July weekend and be safe :) Coppertop

Rainbow weather in Maine

2008-06-18T17:21:00.004-04:00

It certainly has been rainbow weather in Maine lately with all this rain. Just last week, looking out from our back deck we were able to both ends of a gorgorous, vivid, wide, high arcing rainbow. My photos here do not do it justice, but do show both ends.

Enjoy :) Coppertop

Beautiful April day in Maine

2008-04-23T17:33:00.004-04:00

Gosh! we have been having such great weather in Maine this week. We've been able to sit out and not worry about bugs (yet). Even start up the outdoor fireplace and eat outside - yum yum! So much better tasting food! Last evening, while sitting by the fire, the above Purple Finch visited - this is the first one I have seen this year. Actually it has been quite quiet around our feeders lately, not even a red squirrel. I have seen a couple woodpeckers and a few ground sparrows but that has been it.
Tonight while sitting outside about the same time as last night, the Purple Finch returned (well, don't know if it was the same one or not but would like to think so!) and brought back another. So now we have two male Purple Finches!
It was so beautiful this morning, I went down and sat in my woods shack for awhile. took my camera, binouclars and a cup of coffee. It was so peaceful there, in fact a little too quite! I have been hoping to see some different birds down there as it is an old orchard we have been cleaning out. Now with the trees budding seems as though the birds should be around, but I failed to see any this morning except for three big birds - Jakes! They walked through the orchard right in front of me, the one in above photo was half heartily strutting. I was surprised they didn't hang around longer, but guess they were on a mission as they disappeared into the woods like they knew just where they were headed. Gosh! I didn't even see a red squirrel down there, last fall I could not go down one time without having one try to come into the shack with me!

Enjoy :) Coppertop

His lost, My Treasure

2008-04-11T19:04:00.006-04:00

A beautiful Maine Spring day it was today! So refreshing to be able to sit out on the deck this morning with my cup of coffee and watch the sparrows, Robins, gold finches and even a small group of Tree Swallows checking out our bird houses.

I ventured out into the woods this morning, just taking my time and trying to walk where the ground was bare. The snow is still pretty deep in spots and can be pretty hard on one's body, not knowing when you are going to sink knee deep or stay on top of the snow pack. Luckily there were enough bare spots and I got in a nice leisure walk. I was a bit disappointed in not seeing any birds though, except for one lone Robin.

Heading back home, I was walking our property line and happened to come across an antler left behind by a young buck. I recognized the antler shape right away as belonging to a buck we had seen for two winters now with a double throat patch. Not an outstanding antler by any means, but certainly a treasure to me. A pleasant surprise and nice ending to my morning walk.

Enjoy :) Coppertop

Spring has Sprung FINALLY!

2008-04-08T19:53:00.004-04:00

FINALLY ! I do believe Spring has come to Maine. Our fields are pretty bare with only patches of snow, but the woods still have a good amount. Water puddles are popping up everywhere. this Common Snipe paid us a short visit the other day. I had never seen one before and keep looking, hoping it might return. It sure blends in with the background! You can read more about the Common Snipe here.
In the photo above you can see the comparision of size between the Snipe and Robins. The Robins have been back for a week now and are really feasting in the fields.

Robins in the field as well as the deer! We won't be seeing them much longer, they are starting to change their habits and will be retreating to their summer areas soon. Oh, they might pop by every now and then but certainly not on a regular bases like they have this Spring.

Cutey! This little one appears to be hiding behind Mommy. Young deer are just like kids. I watched one play for a good fifteen minutes the other day. It would jump high in the air and take off on a dead run, only to go a few feet, turn and do it again. Back and forth it bounced, disappearing into the woods for a second and right back again. What a character! They all seem to have their own little personality just like humans!

It was such a beautiful day today, all I could think of was a cook-out! Soon for sure!

Enjoy :) Coppertop

WHITE TAILS?

2008-03-27T15:19:00.005-04:00

Is this why these deer are called WHITE TAILS? Recent activity in our Maine backyard!

What a joy to see the deer in the daytime!

Spring is getting closer, Our snow covered field is finally starting to show bare spots. I was beginning to think it would never show again! A group of 8 hen turkeys adn 2 jakes have been popping in off and on. The Jakes are practicing their strutting as the hens just seem to ignore them. One lone Tom Turkey with a nice beard comes by also and I imagine he will be starting to follow the hens soon. I look forward to hearing them call gobbling again.

Enjoy :) Coppertop

Chowing down on apples!

2008-03-07T19:31:00.004-05:00

I do believe this buck likes apples! This photo was taken this past October with my scouting camera. I just love the pose! Being a night photo, the buck's eye glows from the camera flash.
You can't really tell in this photo but this buck has one big belly and I believe you don't have to ask where he got it from! He hung out under that apple tree regularly, until the apples no longer dropped. Fittingly I have nicknamed him 'Chubs'.

Enjoy :) Coppertop