The closest stop sign is over a mile away and the first traffic light is 5+ miles down the road. A visit to the grocery store is almost 30 miles round trip. It's quiet here; just the sound of toads and coyotes at night. It seems very still, but when you look close there's always something happening. Read on about a few things we've noticed over the past few years.

Monday, March 19, 2012

Painted Lady

The honest to goodness truth is that this butterfly's official name is "PAINTED LADY".  I snapped this photo myself one afternoon out in my yard.  This beauty is the most widespread butterfly in the world.  Every few years it has a mass migration from Mexico. 

Friday, March 16, 2012

A new family is growing for the Red Tail Hawk couple.

The Red Tail Hawk couple have taken to their nest again.  The happy couple have been taking turns sitting on their eggs since February 29th.  By my calculations the babies will hatch on April 16th.  I'm looking forward to finding out if my prediction comes true.  Red Tail Hawks mate for life.  I'll keep you posted on their progress this spring. 

UPDATE:  March 29th.  The parents are doing a terrific job of keeping the eggs warm. 
They sit like mallard ducks on top of the nest. 
UPDATE:  April 9th.  I blew it on my prediction.  The eggs hatched today.  I can see two white fuzzy heads with their beaks wide open begging for food.  Mom is tearing up some meat and feeding them. 

Monday, March 12, 2012