[mou] Woodcocks in the Snow! - long

[Larson Kelly]

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!