Friday, March 5, 2010

Caring for the critters

Yes, we still have snow on the ground, however the weather is finally beginning to make me feel spring.  I am hoping to see some signs of life when we go to the farm tomorrow, possibly daffodils, definitely crocus, maybe even a snowdrop. If this winter has done nothing else, it should remind us that nature rules, of yes, in so many ways.


Last weekend the deer, turkey and birds showed up like clockwork; we joke that they recognize the sound of our vehicles as we drive down the road. Gregg had been shoveling spaces in the snow so they could find the corn he spreads for them, and within 5 minutes and a couple of whistles we get a crowd. Let me address some questions which always come up.   Why do you feed them? Doesn't it make them come eat your garden?

First of all, in VA it is illegal to feed deer during deer season, it is called baiting! Once season is over, in early January we do feed a variety of visitors, deer, turkey, squirrels, an ever wider array of birds than I ever expected and even the errant raccoon ( much to our dismay). We love to watch wildlife and the way they have survived this winter with this copious snow is a testament to their tenacity. What's some corn to get them through the winter? Of course I wish I had taken pictures of Gregg as he proceeded outside snow shovel in one hand and buckets in corn in hand so he could provide for his deer. Now do you know why I call him the deer whisperer? He calls and they come! It always makes me smile!

The snow has been so deep that according to VDGIF they are already finding dead deer in Bath county and I am sure the rate of starvation will be great this year.

We feed at our home, not the farm and once there is grass in the fields on the other side of the mountain they will ween themselves from the corn ( which isn't their preferred food). The deer will eat whatever they can, hence  browsing thorough landscaping in the suburbs. When we first built in Wytheville I had brought all sorts of shrubs from NC and the deer ate them to the ground. Gregg's answer was well , they have been grazing on the salad bar and you just brought up all sorts of new desserts, wouldn't you? It would have been nice if he would have shared that gem before we planted them. Well live and learn.

The birds and the turkeys don't seem to have fared as poorly, in fact they look great and not stressed at all. Of course since they can fly, there are pine cones, berries, some drupes in the Dogwoods and even seed heads in the Sweet pepper bush which the Juncos have been enjoying all winter. We feed black-oiled sunflower seeds in several platform type feeders and of course suet for those high energy woodpeckers.
The birds fend off the squirrels when possible but everyone gets a seat at the table, so to speak.

We do only feed the birds in the winter once the bear go to "sleep";  those of you in bear country understand. In the past bear have destroyed our feeders, they aren't exactly shy and retiring- they just go for what they want and take no prisoners. After all they are trying to get ready for winter and our feeders were fair game, I am learning.  The feeders stay out until the weather warms up and then the birds diet changes once again, scratching in bare ground- they are back to earning their keep.

If you would like to learn more about creating an oasis for wildlife in your yard, Okay no deer, just birds and butterflies, stay tuned. Lots more to come including a 3 week class on Habitat at Home  this summer at the farm.

Enjoy your day and make the most of it,
Ellen