The Castle Rock MARE-TERNITY WARD

Message Boards => General Discussion => Topic started by: clara cain on June 10, 2017, 01:02:38 PM

Title: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: clara cain on June 10, 2017, 01:02:38 PM
MY EAGLE PHOTO   HE LANDED IN OUR BACK PASTURE DURING THE WINTER DROUGHT
Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: Ryan on June 13, 2017, 11:53:07 PM
They are an amazing animal. When we first brought our farm back in 2007 I was standing on the bank of our lake and I could see a wedge tail Eagle circling around. We had a couple of old pine trees on the edge of the water so I stood behind one but kept my eye on the eagle as I knew he/she had their eye on dinner.  I could see it getting lower and was lucky enough to be standing directly behind it as it flew in for its dinner. It was really unreal to watch , I dont think Id ever be that lucky to be standing in that position again, to watch it close its wings as it was about to land but scooped up the field mouse at the last second.

I took a second glance as i saw "Winter drought" We suffer terribly from drought in summer, would be nice if some of the winter rains appeared in summer :)
Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: Holly on June 16, 2017, 10:15:52 AM
Thats a beautiful picture. We dont have Eagles here, that ive seen but we do have a lot of other critters. I will try to remember to get pictures!
Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: clara cain on June 17, 2017, 07:53:51 PM
Thank you... how about sandhill cranes?   before the traffic got so bad we used to have sand hill cranes in our yard  over in cape coral     just across the bridge they have tiny burrowing owls   i want to go over there some day and try to get a pic.
Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: dcwolcott on June 18, 2017, 10:32:57 AM
They are an amazing animal. When we first brought our farm back in 2007 I was standing on the bank of our lake and I could see a wedge tail Eagle circling around. We had a couple of old pine trees on the edge of the water so I stood behind one but kept my eye on the eagle as I knew he/she had their eye on dinner.  I could see it getting lower and was lucky enough to be standing directly behind it as it flew in for its dinner. It was really unreal to watch , I dont think Id ever be that lucky to be standing in that position again, to watch it close its wings as it was about to land but scooped up the field mouse at the last second.

I took a second glance as i saw "Winter drought" We suffer terribly from drought in summer, would be nice if some of the winter rains appeared in summer :)

I've had only 1 personal experience with these awesome birds.  I was returning to the barn from the feed store, and found an "early" foal laying in the pasture with momma standing guard.  She was standing guard because right in front of her was the most massive bald eagle, who had swooped down and was walking towards her expelled placenta.  I could not believe the wing-span on this guy!  HUGE!  Scared me to death thinking of my little one on the ground.  That's what I get for wanting momma's to have a little exercise every day.  Mom had been stalled waiting to drop this foal, and I thought I'd give her a little "outing" while I was running to the feed store.  After all, no signs of labor, and a 30 minutes trip total.  I don't know what I was more excited about -- the new baby or seeing one of these wonderful birds up close and "personal".

My son, Tommy, who lives on a salt-water canal to the Gulf of Mexico, has 2 new arrivals to his property.  A pair of these wonderful birds.  Hard to see in the pictures, but I'll post them anyway.  Spectacular!
Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: Ryan on June 19, 2017, 07:21:43 PM
Both lovely birds.

My heart would have skipped a beat seeing that eagle checking out the placenta Diane ...
Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: dcwolcott on June 19, 2017, 09:00:10 PM
And for sure, mine did!!
Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: Ryan on June 27, 2017, 07:09:20 PM
Had these two swans call in last night.  We used to have a couple of swans that spent quite a lot of time at home. The first year we were there, 6 babies were born but unfortunately because the lake is so "open" , there was no protection from foxes and now the swans very rarely come to visit.
Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: Rocklone on June 27, 2017, 07:56:05 PM
I'm in Northern Ireland so our most exotic wildlife is probably a trout. Although we did have a random spat of white walkers and dragons for a while recently. (A little game of thrones humour....)
Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: clara cain on June 27, 2017, 08:48:07 PM
Ryan, those black swans are very exotic looking.  To buy an Australian black swan for a lake it is $1400 US.  Thank u for sharing
Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: elizabeth.conder on June 27, 2017, 09:11:54 PM
I have traveled quite a bit so I have so many pictures, but here is one from the front of our house. This hawk was there for just a moment and of course, my only angle had power lines in front.
Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: clara cain on June 27, 2017, 09:18:35 PM
Hey Rocklone, do u have any photos of castles?  Or churches, or sheep grazing with rock fences.  That is my idea of Ireland!
Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: Ryan on June 27, 2017, 09:34:54 PM
Wow $1400 U.S , then I guess you would have to have wings clipped so they stayed.

Hayley LOL !! The white walkers and Dragons sound more exciting than the trout !!

Great photo Elizabeth , that looks to be a big hawk !
Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: dcwolcott on June 28, 2017, 05:47:51 AM
Beautiful picture! 
Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: Ryan on July 04, 2017, 07:41:47 PM
I may have to start a Swan watch thread soon , The two swans have nested in the reeds and have been coming up to the back door looking for some food.

Fingers crossed they have a lot more protection from predators this year ;pray
Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: Rocklone on July 10, 2017, 04:08:50 PM
No sheep or castles but i have on my phone which has just died lol ill get them at some point.

Here is a rabbit though. I mean, its the most endangered animal in the world so pretty special photo (hahaha!)

(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/12671750_10207490424076208_6238654391796008357_o.jpg?oh=7b05094c4541ccb2b77963954ef50eb3&oe=59CEFABF)

Here some sheep and the mountains of mourne (that sweep down to the sea lol)

(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/11032222_10205654571261035_6224104495710862371_n.jpg?oh=17a34636944ac2bb4513c7d504474864&oe=59CB0F17)

Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: dcwolcott on July 10, 2017, 05:26:16 PM
I love the bunny pictures -- such delicate looking creatures.  And the sheep in the meadow are just beautiful!  They remind me of Anna's wonderful pictures of her pastures!
Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: Ryan on July 10, 2017, 06:56:32 PM
Great pics of your country side Hayley :)

Yes Anna , I think we are due for some more lol :)
Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: Anna on July 11, 2017, 03:53:32 AM
Great topic - I love seeing and hearing about your wildlife.   :)  But I'm sorry, I still haven't got this new laptop sorted with a picture section (have loads on my phone, but as that's also new I haven't, as yet, got a techy family member sorted to set up the off-loading for me - everyone is either miles away or frantically busy!)
But I can tell you that we have loads of kites round here, plus the odd buzzard and harrier hawk.  We also have a large pond (small lake) which over the past two years has been home to a hatching of baby mallard ducks.  This year however we had a pair of adults as usual but no sign of babies as normal end of April. Two more females arrived with one extra male - still nothing.  The males then disappeared followed soon after by the females. We occasionally saw a female around - but which one or could it have been different ones, they all look the same! Come mid June we had given up all hope of babies for this year when, looking out of my window one morning, there was a mummy duck swimming along followed by 7 little ones! So thrilled, lucky to catch sight of them as she was keeping them well hidden in the undergrowth round the pond side - they were so tiny! Within a couple of weeks they were bolder and big enough to hop up on to my 'patio' area and pinch the bird food I was putting out - so now feeding birds and ducks!!  But the excitement was not yet over. Three weeks later another mummy duck appeared trailing 6 tiny babies behind her! Brilliant!!
So the 'wild life' has been nicely increasing round here this year!!   :)
Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: dcwolcott on July 11, 2017, 05:46:02 AM
Sounds wonderful!  Just makes me smile!
Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: Carly Rae on July 11, 2017, 07:35:29 AM
I LOVE seeing all your wildlife photos!!  ;D

I'll add one, this isn't mine, its my mums photo. Pelicans and a sea gull at Brooms Head  :)
Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: Ryan on July 11, 2017, 07:02:58 PM
Not the best of photos and whilst I dont think Im expecting any foals this year , I am expecting cygnets. The swans nested and have been taking turns on the nest for a little over a week now.

I've done a little research and they should be nesting for around 42 days. All the reeds you can see behind the nest were not there when they nested the first time , so I'm hopeful its enough protection from fixes and other predators this time.

great Pic Carly :)  Its one bird that I havent had stop by at home (yet) :)
Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: clara cain on July 11, 2017, 08:41:27 PM
Love that sheep pic!  Looks like something out of a movie.  HOW DO U GET YOUR PHOTOS SO BIG?  mine won't load unless I make them tiny.
Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: Ryan on July 19, 2017, 11:36:43 PM
The swans have been taking turns at nesting. The seem to be taking day and night shifts. The female seems to be taking the day shift and the male returns each evening to swap.

I've been trying to keep my distance as much as I can as I have read that the wings of a swan will just about knock you off your feet. Ive been throwing in some lettuce and spinach for them along with some bread that is full of grain. Apparently bread is ok for them but cannot be fed if its moldy or stale.

If you look closely directly behind the swan is the nest they spent two weeks building :)





Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: dcwolcott on July 20, 2017, 05:55:40 AM
We're going to have to get update pictures from you as they go along, and we won't have to wait 11 months to see "your" little ones!  This is fun!!
Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: Ryan on July 20, 2017, 08:03:27 PM
No 11 Month wait here for these little ones :)

Another 4 weeks if my calculations are correct !!
Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: Ryan on August 03, 2017, 10:46:30 PM
From my "guessing" calculations I think there is probably two weeks left before the swans are due :)

The male has definitely spent more time on the nest than the female has. Cant be sure, but I have a feeling both stay during the night and then one leaves for the day and returns when the sun is setting.  From other research Ive read, they probably wont return to nest again anytime soon. The nest is often used just once and a "Pair" dont usually nest in the same place twice. 

Its been really cool to watch their habits and how they work as a team to maintain the nest and gather reeds and food for each other.

Caught this guy eyeing off the alfalfa hay I was throwing to my thoroughbreds last night  :)

Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: dcwolcott on August 04, 2017, 06:18:07 AM
How cool, Ryan.  Thanks for all the info on the Swans.  I'm really enjoying learning about them, and can't wait to see their little ones trailing behind them on the water!!

LOVE the moos!!
Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: Silver City Heritage Farm on August 06, 2017, 05:22:11 PM
Last year, I had asked about burning the undersides of the branches on my pecan tree, because we'd placed a lean-to under it. I was concerned, because it was shedding so much fruit, early.  During that conversation, I encountered a caterpillar.  I'd also taken a picture of a moth at a gas station.  Turns out the caterpillar was an example of the Regal Moth, and the moth was an adult!!  They munch on pecans (part of the hickory family) so I quit worrying about loosing fruit.   O:-)

Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: Silver City Heritage Farm on August 06, 2017, 05:30:48 PM
Does a vole under Lucky toes count as wildlife??

Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: Silver City Heritage Farm on August 06, 2017, 05:44:42 PM
Reptilian examples:  (Oh, I won't lie...I did gasp quite loudly when I turned around and saw her hanging there!!  I had to give her a lecture about what would have happened had it been my husband that saw her--beheading--and not me.)

Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: Silver City Heritage Farm on August 06, 2017, 05:49:30 PM
The first one is last year on the lawnmower, the second one is this year on the window awning of the trailer:

Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: dcwolcott on August 06, 2017, 06:13:15 PM
Those are some neat pictures!!  I would be like your husband, and initiate a beheading!!
Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: Ryan on August 07, 2017, 06:49:36 PM
I would freak out if I saw a snake just hanging there :)

Are they poisonous ??

99% here are so id be a running :)
Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: Silver City Heritage Farm on August 10, 2017, 09:40:42 PM
So far, no poisonous snakes here. Not too many in eastern U.S.

Here's a couple of a Luna moth from last night.

Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: dcwolcott on August 11, 2017, 05:50:51 AM
Haven't seen one of those in years!  So pretty!!
Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: Silver City Heritage Farm on August 11, 2017, 08:42:13 PM
Ryan......oh RYYYYAANNN! 😄😄😄 I think it's time to start the Cygnet watch thread. Please??
Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: Ryan on August 13, 2017, 09:27:55 PM
I was going to Julie , but if my calculations are correct I think they are due to start hatching within the next week or so.

The female has spent most of the last week or so off the nest , the male seems to be the one staying on the nest.

Only guessing here, but Im going to say its because he is so much bigger than the female and can provide more warmth to the nest ??

They are very tame , though the wings are so powerful I try to keep as much distance as I can.

Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: Ryan on August 13, 2017, 09:29:05 PM
forgot the photos :)
Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: dcwolcott on August 14, 2017, 05:57:50 AM
Getting excited to see these little ones!
Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: Ryan on August 14, 2017, 11:02:54 PM
yes not long now :)
Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: Ryan on August 17, 2017, 06:45:12 PM
I got home from work last night and noticed both swans. I usually notice the second one flying back in around sunset.

Walked right around the back of the lake to throw some bread and when the one on the nest wasnt really keen on moving too far I looked a little closer...................

I could see that the eggs had hatched as I could see these little heads bopping up and down.

From the research Ive done they will leave the nest for the first time in the next couple of days so Ill try and to grab a few pics then.

Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: dcwolcott on August 17, 2017, 07:40:12 PM
I think I keep checking in here as much and as often as I did waiting for little Legacy.

That's exciting news and can't wait to see the pictures!!  Of course, we'd like close ups -- zooms -- as these little ones are going to be MUCH tinier than Legacy!!
Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: Ryan on August 20, 2017, 06:50:15 PM
5 healthy little ( not so little for long) Signets.

6 were born but one fell off the nest.  The parents are amazing to watch in the way they protect them.
Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: dcwolcott on August 21, 2017, 05:48:05 AM
How cool!!!!  Thank you for the pictures, they're amazing!!
Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: Carly Rae on August 21, 2017, 06:34:27 AM
OMG! They are so cute!
Love the second photo!!!  ;D
Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: Silver City Heritage Farm on August 23, 2017, 09:06:08 PM
Baby swans.....GAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!  They are so lovely, I just can't imagine how the story The Ugly Duckling ever had a cygnet as the protagonist.  ::)
Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: Ryan on September 12, 2017, 08:48:34 PM
I wish I could say that they were still at home and growing up. Unfortunately , after being a couple of days old, I returned home to find they had vanished. ( without sounding like a 10yo girl) I was a little disappointed and shattered :(

Completely vanished............ I found it really weird, being so young that the parents would lead them away from the nest but from what I can remember from the last time, they used to like going for a wonder.

I know that there are a few big lakes on properties further down the road, so Im wishful thinking that they are there.

The female still flys in every couple of days and If something had happened to her signets , Id think she would be a little stressed when swimming over to her nest, but she isnt so Im thinking they are ok , just decided to try a new B&B  :D



 
Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: dcwolcott on September 13, 2017, 09:44:36 AM
So sorry they have moved on.  We all would have liked watching them grow up, but we'll look forward to next years brood?  Do they usually nest in the same place?  I know several birds that come back to hatch eggs -- several of our cranes, etc., will return for nesting and then move on.  Just wondering?
Title: Re: MEMBERS WILDLIFE PHOTOS
Post by: Ryan on September 13, 2017, 07:06:29 PM
I agree it would have been really cool watching them mature and learn to fly, I just hope they made it safely to their next destination.

From the little research i did do, I dont think they will return next year. They apparently nest at other destinations for years before returning.

The male was on the lake this morning when I woke up.