Friday, October 19, 2007

Pond, Ducks, Fawn and Migrants At Bluebird Cove

by Donna L. Watkins
© Donna L. Watkins - Mallard Ducks
We have an oval pond we put in that is 5 feet side at the most width and about 8 feet long. We've been thrilled with the sound of frogs each year and the dances of dragonflies besides the thirsty wildlife that it attracts.

Last year on Mother's Day we had a pair of Mallard Ducks visit the pond. This summer I was on the screened porch and heard a bunch of splashing to look up and find a little fawn trying to get out of the pond. I have no idea how it got in unless it slipped in while drinking.

The mother stood at a distance and watched. It came out shaking itself off and using its rear hooves to clean out its ears. It was rather a funny site, but the mom didn't seem to think anything of it. I've been told deer swim across the nearby lake, but I've never seen them. Anybody else seen deer swim?

We've had a lot of fussy birds this year at Bluebird Cove (our name for our little acre). Certainly a year for more nests and babies than any other in the 6 seasons we've been here. I've also noticed more birds chasing others away, whether its from nearby nests or food sources I don't know.

This year's new chasing sights have been a Mockingbird dive-bombing a Crow, Gray Catbirds chasing Brown Thrashers, and Tufted Titmouse chasing a Flycatcher. It's common to see the Crows chasing a hawk away which is always a sight to behold. It's the sheer numbers that cause the hawk to flee, since they could certainly tackle a Crow for a meal.

Our feeders are currently very busy as we see migrants travel through and our locals that are storing up for winter.

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