Next to my gardens, my girls and nature are my favorites on the property. My girls are Pygmy Goats that came here shortly after I did and are now just about 7 years old. They talk to me while I weed the gardens and I am sure they are saying "hey, we'll have them if you don't want them"
The birds that I have attracted to the place entertain me with their songs all day beginning at around 5 a.m. The robins start singing and it seems to get everyone else going. The nest boxes are full in the spring and all types of birds come every day to enjoy the pond and waterfall and seek refuge in the trees. Every fall I have screech owls that stay in my duck box for the winter and this February instead of leaving, they nested and presented me with two owlets. They were very watchful of me as I worked in the garden but were soon gone for the summer. I will keep my eyes open for them to return in the fall.
At the top of the spruce and pine trees about 40 feet up is a nest of Green Herons. They come here every year to nest and raise 3 or 4 babies. They will all stay here until late fall and then off they will go only to return in the spring to start all over. I keep an eye on my pond and fish as they try to catch some dinner. They also like to sit on the pool deck and catch some rays.
Butterflies are another one of mother natures gifts. Many butterflies visit each day and go from flower to flower. When my butterfly bush is in full bloom I can count as many as 20 or 25 butterflies on it at one time. Watching their eratic flight patterns takes away all the worries of the world if only for a short time.
