Down on the Farm-Bagley, Clearwater County Yesterday a freak storm dumped 12+" of fresh heavy snow on us. The lawn had been practically snow free on Saturday. It's buried again, but not for long. Now for a surprise!
At 8:20 PM I went out to the hen house to round up a few birds for the breeding pen. C. Geese were discussing the accommodations in the wetland to the west. Then I heard them, "my" Sandhill cranes! They're back! Seconds later a Woodcock started peenting from a poplar thicket knee- deep in drifts. I leaned up against the 4-Runner and soaked it in. A Barred Owl began to call from woodlot to the north. A flock of Trumpeters Swans called in the distance. Then a Great Horned Owl started up to the southwest. The Sandhills are still vocalizing when a deer steps out of the eastern wood-line, crosses the small feral pasture and makes her way to a hanging sunflower feeder 100' from me. I don't move a muscle. A family of Coyotes sing and wail and yip from the woods to the east. The Doe comes closer, 75 feet, 50 feet, she still does not see me, the owls continue to court, the cranes are down to a intimate rattle. Suddenly, out of who knows where, a Woodcock flies about 4' above my head and peels off to the south towards the wetland. Made me jump, the Doe bolt and Spring arrive, all in the same moment. Kelly Larson Bagley/Bemidji Minnesota Eschew Obfuscation! The middle of Nowhere is Somewhere!
