Some evening shots down on Big Wall. Lunar spring and spring on the ground seem to be in sync. More clear skies with cold mornings and warm afternoons. Last day of feeding straw, as more grass opens up.
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Frost nights followed by afternoons in the 40’s and with little wind. Less straw fed every day as grass continues to open. I moved bulls from WL to SNG7 allowing them finally to graze some fresh grass. We have decided that West Griffith, which used to be our de-fault paddocks for winter, is just an unforgiving hole to move around with winters like we have experienced the last two years. WINTER THE BULLS IN THE TREES, AND IF SNOW GETS TOO DEEP, PUT THEM WITH THE COWS. Lone tree sparrow by the chicken coop observed sweetly singing this morning. And…the GH Owls are nesting in the pine tree NE and over the hill from the headquarters.
Continued trend. Hay day for cows. We upped the feed to 30# that covers 3 days, or 10#/day. That is up from about 7# in response to conditions. As birds begin to return, I will list the birds that have wintered on the ranch, or been around the last 2 months: Rough-legged hawks; harrier; great-horned owl; short-eared owl; occasional bald eagle; rock doves; a few starlings (4); black-billed magpie; red crossbills; tree sparrows; horned larks (most abundant winter bird); dark-eyed junco; and black-capped chickadee.
Steady warming and melting. Trend is for even warmer temps next week, likely triggering possible flooding in the larger tributaries like North Willow where the cows are. Not to worry, plenty of upland. Ryan fed straw on north flat in paddock NBW9. I found 1 dead cow in old well house building-cows may have piled up inside during cold weather. Building will need to come down, or at least boarded up. I saw two bluebird males (first bluebirds) near tank at Big Wall.
More sun and more warming. Almost a full feeding of straw but every evening the cows spread further out seeking grass. Those first geese appeared to have left again. See photo for why.
Cloudy and cooler. No changes in the routine. JoÅnn and Alan with Charlie (and friends Paul and Scott) arrive at the ranch. Hoping to see dancing sage grouse, yet heavy snow has delayed their return.
Cloudy and cooler. No changes in the routine. JoÅnn and Alan with Charlie (and friends Paul and Scott) arrive at the ranch. Hoping to see dancing sage grouse, yet heavy snow has delayed their return.
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Bill Milton
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