Critters big and little, furred and feathered....

June 20, 2026

 Happy Solstice tomorrow!

So, to recap a bit, here is Hubby up the tree mounting the owl nest box. 

It was a bit of a struggle getting the long ladder in to the chosen tree, and then extending it up. I was under the ladder holding it against the tree for dear life as firmly as I could, so he could go up the first time and ratchet strap the top of the ladder to the tree for the stability needed to affix the box. Meanwhile, it was a hot, humid day, and we were both being eaten by swarms of biting insects. With a pulley ratchet strapped to the tree, and a long rope, we got the hefty box up, positioned and affixed. It is mounted on a large branchy hemlock beyond this ridge from which we have a vantage point to see it. 

Meanwhile, in the bush, the lady slipper orchids are fading, but they were beautiful, and I am always amazed at how well those bright pink ladies hide amongst the greenery.

The glossy leaves of Goldthread is carpeting the ground in more moist areas of the bush.

I pulled up a bit to show the reason for it's name. The roots have medicinal properties, and from childhood, I remember folks who harvested and used it. 

Robins are the first birds to herald the dawn, and here is a picture off of Bird Cam, capturing the moment!

We know the catbird has been hanging out around here, proven by many pictures of it on Bird Cam.

Furred, as well as feathered critters are using the net-ball of roving in front of the camera. Regular visitors are chipmunks, (perhaps it is lining it's burrow?), flying squirrels, and mice.

This picture was captured on a trail camera last week. 

Last evening, a doe and fawn wandered in the driveway and the doe browsed her way along the south edge of the clearing, the little one keeping close to her. 

This morning's trail camera surprise was this...

Darn, just missed you!