Bird watching and doe watching

Heading out to church this morning, Craig caught sight of birds in the puddle just across the railroad tracks. The ducks spooked and noisily flew off as the car rolled to a stop for a photo op, but another little bird with long beak remained, standing still. It was a killdeer, described by one birding website as “a shorebird you can see without going to a beach.” In this case, the “shore” was the edge of a generous puddle left courtesy of yesterday’s rain showers.  Can you spot it?

How about in this closer view?

Here’s the killdeer visiting an ephemeral pool (otherwise known as a puddle)

Ducks, hawks, owls and even an occasional eagle have all been spotted on the Cloverdale Ranch. Our houseguests in the downstairs studio for the summer just added a small flock of chickens with their rooster. Haven’t heard Mr. Rooster crowing in the morning yet, but I expect that’s because it’s still too chilly for us to have the windows open.

Craig is out checking the barn we call the Big Top, an extra large hoop house we use for our pregnant does over the winter. Kidding is expected to start some time this week. Every time he goes out these days he has his ear tuned listening for the bleats of the first kid. So far all he’s heard is the soft grunting of the does indicating they’re about done with this pregnancy gig and are ready to go!

Ladies in waiting