There are squirrels..... then there are Red Squirrels.

This guy has been hanging out in our backyard and my workshop this winter. Red Squirrels are pests they chew holes in walls and generally just make pests of themselves.

In this photo he / she has just arrived at it's "new" summer home compliments of Havahart and a short road trip compliments of yours truly.

The yard was ok the workshop however bought this guy the ticket.

Still a great 2 wheel ride some 30 years later.

This little red two wheeler has been the first two wheeler for over a dozen kids over the last 30 years. Scott was the first. Today it made it's way to the Black Cat. Good job Ella.

2008 Sandhill Crane Count.

Today was the annual Sandhill Crane count. My wife and I spent two hours at the same location we watched last year. This years the count was Sandhill Cranes (0)(2007 was 2), Turkeys (3), Deer (6), Sea Gulls (10+), Crows (6). The local land owner did stop by and report that he had seen five Sandhills in the field two days earlier.



Three turkeys and whitetail deer.


Turkeys on the march.


Turkeys.


Turkey tracks.


Five deer at the back of the "watch" field.

Crocus. This is a good sign. A welcomed sign.

Long Bridge birding. Long telephoto shots.

Geese, Eagles and Pelicans.


Bald Eagles. Two adults and 4 immature eagles.


Bald Eagle over flight.


American White Pelicans

Spring arrivals along the bay.

Sandhill Cranes at Short Bridge.


Redwing Black Birds at Long Bridge.


Redwing Black Birds at Long Bridge.


Turkey Vulture over Barksdale.

Ok! So it's not quite Spring yet.

Front yard view.


Front yard view to the South.


Front yard view to the North.


Backyard view up the alley to the North.


Backyard view down the alley to the South.


This use to be our screen room. At least for today it is the snow room. The snow is so wet and the winds are so high that the screens have all been coated with a layer of snow that is completely blocking the view of the front yard.



Well the tools are all safely stored away back in the shop. Schools have been cancelled everywhere in Northern Wisconsin and the winter storm is still moving across our region.

For now we are enjoying the "free"(no school) day we have. Time to put on a fresh pot of coffee and stare out the windows.

Tool time. Spring time.

To quote my fellow blogger coldh20...."my four loyal readers" know I have three lifelong hobbies. Fishing, photography and tools. I learned to fish with my Dad. I caught my first fish when I was 6 or 7 and I have continued to enjoying it ever since getting hooked.....pun of course intended. Photography came along later in life. I purchased my first 35mm camera in 1966 from the base PX on the Shaw Air Force Base. I've been "pointing and shooting" ever since. And last but not least I love tools. I bought my first power tool when I was 12 or 13. A Rockwell 3/8 inch drill. It still has a place in my tool box. Over the years I have bought and collected tools of all kinds. Most of my larger projects are done in my backyard. I love these "backyard project". Fresh air and sunshine with occasional visits from neighbors and friends. Someday I hope to build a garage but until then and for years I've have taken my latest project outside into the driveway. I continue to enjoy each day I get to spend in "my shop" including it's outdoor workspace. These photos are from today's project. There is one great benefit of outside projects. Each day you have to clean up the workspace and put things away. Maybe a garage will make me lazy. Leave everything where it lays until you get a chance to get back to the project. Clutter will ensue for sure.

Recent spring sightings.

Partridge strutting his stuff.


Backyard cardinal.


Merlin. Additional info.

April 1, 2008

April 1 storm.