Love is In the Air....

Have you noticed? The pigeons around the interstate bridges are pairing up, not just sitting on the utility lines trying to survive another day. The English Sparrows, in pairs, are scratching in the crevices of the walls of city buildings. I have heard the rolling call of the Northern Cardinal already, despite periodic cold spells, at first light. The coo of the Mourning Dove is again evident. Mockingbirds are beginning to survey select limbs of select trees for their nest...and it could be the very same one they used last year. More skunks, along with Woodchucks and other small mammals, are now seen crossing the road.....some make it, some do not. Gray Squirrels, in their nimble, acrobatic way, chase each other across lawns, through the woods, and around tree trunks. Yes, it is still winter, but the signs...they are a changin'...Love, nature's way, is again in the air! Not so much for the deer shown above, as their season of passion passed back in the late autumn/early winter. The photograph (provided by Nancy and Terry Jennings...residents within the properties) was so striking, however, it had to be in the top spot!

Same for this magnificent whitetail buck (photo by Joann and Frank Kahoun...residents within the properties). Note the broken left main beam.....the second big buck I have seen this winter with a similar broken antler. This photo only about 3 weeks old. Since the photo was taken, the bucks have begun to shed their headgear.

A common sight in the Tennessee woods in the early spring/late winter. A tom turkey strutting his stuff for a female.

A closer view of what may be the same gobbler as above. This one has characteristics of an old bird. Note the beard almost to ground level.

A juvenile Broad-Winged Hawk. A predator. The talons, beak, and enhanced eyesight all honed as adaptations critical for survival - the detection and capture of prey. This species takes small mammals such as rabbits (the young), squirrels, mice, chipmunks, and occasionally other birds.

Recent photo of a male Red-Bellied Woodpecker on my feeder. More often this species visits the suet cakes nearby. They typically nest in holes high in deciduous trees.

Recent photo of Bewick's Wren. I have several near my home, but this photo was chosen due to the white spot on the upper back, atypical for the species. They typically nest near the ground...in outbuildings, old shoes, thick shrubbery, or in places that may surprise you. Like most all the avia, they are quite vocal during the nesting season.

The squirrels typically breed in late winter as well, with a litter of 2-3 born later in the spring.
If food is plentiful, another litter may follow in late summer. I have seen several pairs chasing each other the last few days.

Where Are They Now?

Sunny and seasonably cool today in Southeast Tennessee, after yet another significant rain event yesterday. About 1.5"-2" of rain fell in most area locations. We haven't had a 'bird post' in a while now, so this post is dedicated to the birds. Though birds are warm-blooded, many of them migrate as an adaptive measure to maintain existence, an existence tied directly to the seasonal food supply. Other species of birds stay in our area year round, while some only visit with us during the winter months, then head back north in the spring for the annual courtship/nesting rituals. Two of our permanent residents are shown in the photograph above...The Eastern Bluebird and the Common Flicker. Most woodpeckers are year round residents. Examples include the following species (the Flicker is in the woodpecker group): Red-Bellied - Pileated - Hairy - Downy - Red-Headed. All of them are current regulars at my feeders. A few other common species are featured below.....

The Brown Thrasher typically migrates, but not far. They winter along the Gulf Coast states. The Thrasher's cousin, the Gray Catbird, winters in the same area. The other member of 'the mimic thrushes (previous post), the Nothern Mockingbird (our state bird), is a year round resident.

Hard to imagine a photo better depicting the male and female Eastern Towhee. The male sports the dark cape. They are year round residents.

No way to mistake the striking presence of the male Northern Cardinal. Another year round resident of our area.

This photo from last winter, when snowfall was above average. This year, no snow to speak of...so far. This is Bewick's Wren. Looks cold, almost inert... Very vocal in late winter/spring...they emit a variety of rolling, high-pitched songs as the weather warms, most often heard just after first light. A very active and perky little bird, I have had them nest in old boots in my outbuilding, as well as in old flower pots. I enjoy them immensely. This one is year round, while it's cousin, the House Wren, winters along the Gulf Coast to return in the early spring.

This small bird needs no introduction to those who feed birds. Carolina Chickadee.
Taken this week. Often found in the presence of the Tufted Titmouse...both species perform a daily back-forth pattern to and from my bird feeders, lasting as long as daylight allows. At times during the day, the nearby trees are alive with both species, followed by periods of inactivity. Constant companions during all seasons.

This photo taken this week...the Northern Junco. Some simply call them 'winter birds' and for good reason. This avia winters in the southeast, then flies all the way to Alaska and northern Canada to breed! How about that for an annual honeymoon vacation? Conversely, the Barn Swallow breeds here, then flies to Argentina, Costa Rica for the winter. Imagine.

Look A Bit Closer During Winter.....

Transition day today in southeast Tennessee. From rather mild pleasant weather to windy, rainy conditions. May even get a bit of snow on the Plateau tonight. Normal hi/low temperature averages for today are 47/28 on the Cumberland Plateau. I hear many talk of the beauty of Tennessee in the spring and fall. One can also love the Tennessee winter and what it offers...but you may have to look a bit closer. And, once you are again 'out there' you may just discover some of nature's winter treasures, like the Pileated Woodpecker clinging to the Red Maple above (they visit my suet cakes daily)....

....or a Gray Squirrel perched high in an oak....

.....or appreciate the natural effects of elevation on a cold winter morning......

....or anticipate a sunrise just before the mighty helio peeks over a mountain......

.....or the small things hidden along the forest floor....like this Ground Pine (Lycopodium).....

....enjoy the serenity of the mountains while walking along a woodland trail.....

....or stand on a covered bridge and enjoy the natural soothing sounds of a noisy mountain stream...this is Mother's Bridge on Stone Creek - within our properties.....

....even appreciate the winter modifications of the various species of flora (perhaps like you....just waiting for the warmth of spring)...note the new buds at the apex of the stems on this Mountain Laurel. An 'old timer' once told me one could predict the level of harshness of the coming winter by the thickness of the covering of the buds...which begin to form as the leaves fall in the autumn. In some species of the conifers, like two species of local pines (Eastern White Pine and Shortleaf Pine/Yellow Pine), growth of the previous year will 'shed' (turns brown - then falls), while the green growth of the current year remains along the distal portion of the twigs. Thus the ground covering of brown pine needles beneath the pine trees. Happens every year.

Let's Take a Walk....and Merry Christmas

Holiday time....Cloudy and a bit warm (low 50s) today in southeast Tennessee. As my uncle used to say...weather moving in. Using recent photographs, thought we might take a walk back with this post...and perhaps take a moment to remind ourselves what is important in life, and how nature often plays a role in our ability to make sense of it all. That maybe we could view these photographs and in some small way, appreciate the harmony and beauty that surrounds us, and that all creatures play a part in the vast ecosystem that we call planet Earth. Traveling along Highway 127, noticed extraterrestrial movement out the window of my vehicle, to the East, my left. After a quick ID, pulled off the highway to enjoy the show. Sandhill Cranes. Hundreds of them. Flight after flight came in to the winter wheat fields along the highway. Passing motorists did not seem to notice, or at least they did not slow. In my mind, it was a very special way to spend an early morning (it was just after first light). Continuing the thought......... ...of how I appreciated the solitude and beauty provided me on this cool late autumn morning. These majestic birds were doing what their kind do. Survive-adapt-obtain nutrition. Join the fight.

They often fly in a 'V', though this group is somewhat scattered just prior to landing in the field. The 'chortle' of these birds is distinct and many times I hear them (especially on cloudy days..and at night) without seeing them. In migration, and even from one feeding area to another, they often fly at 1,000'-3,000' or higher.......

.....Full moon hanging in the western sky...just after first light, 10 days ago. I wonder if.....

....no, couldn't be. Note the startled look on this young Whitetail Deer. For some reason this group of three deer allowed me to within 25' prior to their flight through the forest. A message ?

...a walk along a woodland trail. Nothing like being 'out there'. The peace, the wonder of it all, appreciating the fresh air - the quiet - remembering the frondescence of only a few weeks back - alert for movement - reflecting on how it used to be - of how it could be - of how it should be - of who was near - and who was not - what if? No, don't go there...let's continue along the trail....

....and take note of the Mistletoe growing from the limb of an oak...could it be? ...to each its own.....

....even appreciate the Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus), arguably one of nature's least attractive creatures, but necessary in their role as one of the 'recyclers' of our ecosystems.....

...and realize there are places of refuge and that indeed, all that wander are not lost. This flowing mountain stream is Stone Creek, as it passes beneath Mother's Bridge and along Mother's Park, yet another secluded, naturally refreshing spot to 'get lost' within our residential areas. And yes, I was sitting on a rock in the stream when this photo was taken, and appreciating the opportunity and freedom to do what my kind do. Merry Christmas to all and to all happy trails.

More Deer and Stuff....

Don't quite know what to say. Any caption that came to my mind did not do this picture justice. Mother Nature, you've done it again. Note the swollen neck (typical of a rutting buck...even more evident in the photo below) and muscled torso of this magnificent buck.

Odocoileus virginianus at its finest...same deer as above. He belongs here...the snow, the cold, the quiet mountains - his territory. Good luck ol' boy. We hope you have plenty of progeny to carry on the fight.

Another big buck. Photo taken last week. This one was trailing a doe. This deer walked - hesitated - walked...never ran. His mind no doubt on other 'things'. Woods a bit too thick for a clear photo. Spread of these antlers and tine length off the main beam impressive.

Very late in the afternoon. Camera made this young buck appear in good light. In actuality, it was almost dark. I had just come out of the deep forest via one of the trails...and this deer was standing near a pond. Was in the process of putting the camera away....and this opportunity came along. Probably about 18 months old.

Had to include this shot of a young deer standing in the rain. Quite a surprise. I was adjusting the camera settings and looked up to see this...standing only 20' or so away. Seconds later, the youngster ran into the woods - to be joined by mama and then the two of them raced away through the forest. I got the feeling watching them run that mama gave her baby a good talking to about walking so near Homo sapiens. Most likely the young of the year...about 6 months old.

Another spontaneous photo taken as darkness fell one day last week. There were seven deer, all does, in this group. Four of them appear here - standing at attention in the cold wind....alerted by the movements of the other three, which were moving around just to the right of this photo.

While on a photo session, had to take a moment to sit atop a rock bluff overlooking a noisy stream. Peace. Ah, said the old man....remember to keep your nose into the wind and your eyes along the skyline.

The Call....From the Eye of a Deer

Late afternoon. Low sun angle. These four mature whitetail does were seemingly enjoying their time together. Mid-November....cold...chances are a buck was nearby, perhaps awaiting the protective cover of darkness to make his advance with one of these females. The annual rut (mating season) of the deer is underway in southeast Tennessee. The peak of the rut lasts 2-3 weeks typically, with periods of follow-up activity possible on through December. If a doe is not bred during the first estrus cycle, she comes into 'heat' again 28 days later (a third cycle may also occur), thus explaining why fawns are born at different times the following year...from late May to late June usually.

A mature whitetail buck, this one quite an impressive animal. Left undisturbed, deer usually stay within a square mile or so of where they are born. During the rut, however, the males become much more active, even belligerent at times, and often wander. They rub their antlers on saplings (see below), sometimes staging a 'mock fight' with an imaginary rival. Competition among males, in healthy deer herds, can become fierce. Most often the largest and strongest bucks outduel the younger males...who are often forced to wait until next year. It is during this time the big bucks become most vulnerable to their # 1 enemy...the hunter. Interestingly, through the years, I have only witnessed deer actually mating 3 times. The act of copulation, almost always at night, is brief...only minutes in duration. Why? Same reason they never truly 'sleep'. Awareness/survival is the first order of business....mating and the deer's version of sleep only become options after # 1 is achieved. Gestation is typically around 7 months.

Quite a scene. Christmas Day last year. Taken by one of our Stone Creek residents. Priceless.

The track of a whitetail buck. Note the imprint of the dew claws (smallest part of the track...in the foreground of the photo), a sure sign that this deer was relatively heavy. Does, which are typically significantly less weight than the males (for similarly aged animals), rarely leave a mark of dew claws. Also note the splayed nature of the hoof...another sign of significant weight. The track of a doe is typically more rounded with parts of the hoof closer together. In fawns and youngsters, the parts of the hoof may touch or almost so, creating a heart-shaped track.

This young Hemlock bears the brunt of the efforts of a whitetail buck rubbing his antlers. The shavings resulting from the rub were atop the leaves...a sure sign that the buck had only recently passed through.

This doe is surrounded by preferred typical whitetail habitat...thick tangles of vegetation bordered by more open woodlands and brushy fields. This variation of habitat leads to plant biodiversity (along with a safe refuge of cover).... thus a variety of potential food souces....a key to the expansion and growth of the whitetail population across the southland the last few decades. This deer was photographed as I walked along a woodland trail. All the deer fled, it was one of six in a group...and she paused just long enough for the photo before vanishing into the thick growth.

Walking this same area of our properties ten days ago, these buck rubs had not been made. This week, as shown. Colder weather, full moon, mid November.....three key ingredients that stimulate the hormones/reproductive cycle of the deer, and subsequently the rut. The timing of the rut varies in different parts of the USA......typically earlier in northern states and later in more southern states.

These two saplings were not only rubbed by the antlers of a buck...but broken and destroyed....the hormones must have really been flowing.

Lucky Dog - The Squirrel - And More October.....

Late October, early morning, from the Land in Tennessee parking lot.

Yes, had to take of photo of this lucky dog. The dog, Traveler, belongs to one of our Greenfields residents. Once found abandoned along a county road, emaciated and struggling, Traveler now seems to be living a much better life! He is in a Polaris, traveling along one of our woodland trails. The photo is a bit deceiving.....the dog is not driving.

Same squirrel as below, still at it...same tree...a few minutes later, at dusk.

The late afternoon sun provided just enough light for these two photos of a Gray Squirrel trying to discover one more snack prior to retiring for the night. Here the squirrel is jumping from one rather frail looking limb to another. These arboreal acrobats seem to be fearless.

Taken from Greenfields South...3rd week in October......

Fredonia Mountain....taken early AM, late October, just north of our office......

From Highway 127, late October, just north of Dunlap......