On the 27th of December I took Jessie to her new owner. He lives on the other side of the state, so we met halfway. If she raises babies this year, I will get one of her babies to began it all over. If not then I will get her back this spring, and we will hunt together again.
The fog rolling in at dusk lent a chilling perspective to an already chilling sight.
The snows piled up to an impressive ( for this area ) four inches. Snow that stays very long is a bit unusual in this country. It started on Christmas day. Our usual minus temps were delayed until just this last week. If things work as they usually do, the temps will began to rise in a couple of weeks, but in the meantime things are going to be a bit rough around here.
The parents of the next generation of Rabbits have been making full use of the Hay stack, and our "ranch yard" is nothing but a giant Rabbit track.
The Quail also pick up a bit of greenery for their diet as well.
The temps are hitting -11 or more each night. So far so good. Every thing is holding up quite well. Last year my frost free faucet that I use to water the birds managed to freeze up, and nothing is more miserable than having to carry water.
Tara, ( Tami's sister ) and her fiance George came down for New Years. Tami and Tara had wanted to hunt their Kestrels in a cast. Unfortunately it was so cold that neither bird felt like hunting at all.
I made the mistake of not bringing a hat with ear flaps and I soon had numb ears. Its no wonder the poor little birds were a bit reluctant to get enthusiastic about the idea.
They tolerated each other quite well, but spent most of their time fluffed up and hoping that someone would take pity on them, and take them inside where it was warm.
The desert as usual has its own beauty, and while it may not suit you, it satisfies and soothes my soul. Of course it doesn't hurt that since I am retired I can just say "Screw it, I am not going outside"!
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