First Woodcock

Thicket found one woodcock on our run yesterday at the Old Biddle Place.

February Pictures

A rainy Saturday gave me an chance to catch up on my blog.

A Golden Russet before pruning.

And after pruning. Although it looks quite sever the tree will put out plenty of new growth this summer.

 

 The Bluebirds are back and claiming their boxes.

 

 

A Mockingbird posing for me.

 

I spent several winter days building birdboxes. I built about a dozen to be scattered about the Homestead for Bluebirds, Tree Swallows, and Chickadees. Although Titmice and Nuthatches will also use a  birdbox I haven't been able to lure any to my boxes yet.

 

 

I had to evict some mice who spent the winter in some of the boxes.

 

 

I cut scion wood from my apple trees in February. Scion wood is the one year old wood that grew on the tips of the branches last summer. This is the wood that I graft with. After being cut into lengths that fit in a gallon freezer bag I dip the ends in wax to keep the wood from drying out until I use it. Then it is stored in the refrigerator. Some of this scion will be shipped to grafters across the country that I have met through internet boards and I will in turn receive scions from them of trees I'm not growing yet

 

 

 

 The ice melted off the vernal pond a couple of days ago and the wood frogs have come looking for mates.

 

 

 

Our Black Pussy Willow bush says it's spring.

 

 

Several sunny days have the bees out and about.

 

Hopefully next week Thicket and I will be in the woodcock coverts looking for returning birds.