On our nightly drive we have a tree that we watch.
We call it the Eagle Tree. One night there were two Baldies up there.
We noticed this near our driveway.
It looks like a small shrub like Oak Tree with a bunch of berries or some kind of gall? I am not certain and I cannot find an answer.
Whilst carving on the Christmas Ornaments we noticed that we were missing something. A sound that we usually hear this time of year. Acorns dropping off trees onto the steel roof on the woodshed…most summers we have plenty to drop and this year there a few to none in our yard. What ever will the squirrels eat?
We are making progress on the Christmas ornaments. We have 45 completely done and more parts are on my desk because Far Guy carved like a maniac all weekend. The goal is 80 so we are over half way!! Someone asked why do you do them in the summer? We can make a mess with the woodchips and sawdust outside. Most days it is nice to sit outside and work in the afternoon, a nice breeze makes it even better. Far Guy power carves some of the parts and that raises some dust (He wears a mask and sometimes uses a fan to blow the dust away).
Lucky you seeing the bald eagle. As for your squirrels, I'll be happy to send them some of the acorns and walnuts those pesky buggers keep buying in my lawn. I have holes the size of tennis balls all over my yard from those guys.
ReplyDeleteHmmm. I wonder what our acorn crop will be like this year after this summer's drought. Our squirrels may be in for a rough time as well.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your acorn drought. I went plum picking yesterday and the tree was loaded with more than the owner had ever seen before. And there you are missing acorns. Unusual weather, maybe? :-)
ReplyDeleteThat's weirs about the acorns because I follow Appalachian Bear Rescue on FB and they were predicting a good fall "mast" which is food for the bears...acorns and the like. Last year there was drought and not enough food and the baby bears that they rescues were really emaciated. Anyway, I hope it changes soon for the bears and animals sake. You would enjoy the pics and videos they have of the baby bears they rescue....too cute!
ReplyDeleteGood for you guys on the carving! That makes sense to do it outside when the weather's nice. It's cool here now with 60's at night and low 80's during the day. I think we're in for an early Fall. I have to get busy now too with outside painting. I've never seen that red berry or gall. Maybe someone will know but usually YOU are the expert so if you don't know...let's just say it may remain a mystery to all of us! LOL!
The eagles have really made a come back thanks to protecting them. They may not even be on the endangered list anymore. We had quite a few in Iowa too....here in AR it's hawks and vultures but there are eagles where there are bluffs and by the rivers I just can't see much in these woods. Have a great day/week!
Sounds like you two have a small factory! It's inspiring to see such industry. I'm curious about how you market, since that is the extremely hard part of any enterprise.
ReplyDeleteThe 80 we make will all go to relatives and friends as gifts:) I may have a few extra to sell but not many.
DeleteAny time we see eagles we get so excited!
ReplyDeleteLast year we had tons of acorns, so we will see what the trees drop this year.
ReplyDeleteYou guys are really making headway with the ornament factory. Kudos! Been some cooler days here and there, too, for carving. Was even downright chilly this weekend in the evenings, but back to about 90 again for a couple days now today.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad Chance is too big for an eagle to carry off. ;) Have a good week.
You have got a real assembly line going there!
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing that is some sort of gall on the bush. There sure are some interesting ones formed by different things, according to Google.
Wonder why you aren't getting acorns? Glad you are getting a head start on Christmas. Hope you will show us what you are carving! Have a Happy Monday
ReplyDeleteI wonder why no acorns? Was there a frost to get the blossoms.
ReplyDeleteYour ornaments are always so very interesting. I'm sure those who receive them as gifts are more than delighted!
ReplyDeleteLinda
I have a tall perch on my lilac that is a dead branch but all I get is bluejays. It would be nice to have the big birds surprise you again. That is really unusual that there are not many acorns. I need to get some more projects done.
ReplyDeleteThe Baldies atop that tree almost seem to defy gravity when they are perched like that, don't they? Fun. Glad FG's using a mask and a fan when he power carves.
ReplyDeleteWhat will the squirrels eat this winter? As much of the expensive birds' seed as they can stuff in!
ReplyDeleteI wonder if you ever get tired of carving 80 of the same thing? I think I would get bored making the same thing over and over myself and give up before I got to 80.
I'm not seeing acorns this year either. Last year we could hardly walk for the acorns underfoot in the back yard. Thank you for the help with adding a page. I've just noticed your page so I'm going to look at it.
ReplyDeleteI'm not overly fond of squirrels so I don't feel sorry for them although I feel I should.
ReplyDeleteI was also wondering if you don't get bored with making so many of the same carving? You are both very industrious!
I am curious about that shrub too. I Googled but struck out. If you find out what it is, let us know.
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