I flushed a Ruffed Grouse along a trail at Raven Run Sunday; back side above a
steep ravine. I had heard one drumming there about 5-6 years ago, but this was
my first sighting. Also added Broad-winged Hawk to my county list on the same
excursion. My 3 pair of Martins are busy feeding young as bird house gourds
take over my garden beneath them. I seem to have gained a single bird or maybe
a pair lately). I suspect they are unaware of the potential of the gourd, and
are most certainly annoyed at my tending them (which only includes cutting them
back, they are like kudzu). I put fence around my garden this year to keep the
healthy population of rabbits at bay. It only managed to make it a safe haven
to raise a nest of them in. The young bunny fufus as Rhonda calls them have
been dancing about my feet with no fear of the gardener/guardian. They have
been joined by two Mockingbird fledglings to make quite the sanctuary. I have
Ripe tomatoes! And the rabbits love them.
Scott Marsh
Lexington
