Good Morning Deer!

Tony — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 18:46:44 +0000

Deer in the undergrowth

Every morning I open the shutters and take a look at what the world has to offer for the day. We have a good view of the Jura, and often have beautiful sunrises or sunsets. Early in the morning, before people are up and about much, there’s also a good chance of spotting some interesting wildlife.

Deer close-up

I’ve seen squirrels in the trees, and foxes nearby, especially in winter. We saw a weasel at the edge of our car-park just a week or so ago, that was a first. We also get to see a large variety of birds throughout the day, the magpies are especially bold early in the morning.

Just occasionally, off in the distance, we’ll see a deer making his or her way slowly back up the hill, leaving us humans to our noise and bustle. We don’t often see them, and they don’t tend to stay long.

This fellow, however, has become something of a regular. He’s been here several mornings of the last two weeks, ambling around slowly in the bushes right next to our terrace. He’s nowhere near as shy as other deer, and doesn’t run away at the sight of people. He takes his time, wandering back to the trees and away into the forest as if he owns the place.

Maybe he does.

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While out walking

Snow in the Jura

Tony — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 15:20:34 +0000

footpath covered in snow

Just a few days ago, I commented over at The Marvellous in Nature that we didn’t have enough snow yet for snow-shoeing. Well that has all changed! We now have several centimetres, or quite a few inches, depending on which you prefer.

The photo above was from our morning walk last Friday. The stream below on the right was taken then too. Plenty of snow there, as you can see. Later in the day we had more snow, the picture on the left being taken from the warmth and comfort of our living room.

snow falling on field

mountain stream

lacewing

Even before the snow came, it’s been very cold here, so obviously there are far less insects about now, but there are still a few surprises here and there. Some days ago I looked up from my laptop to see this lacewing on the outside of the window. As far as I know, they should all be hibernating now. Maybe he had heard about the bug-hotel I made last month and was going to check out the accomodation?

He’s not the only lacewing we’ve seen lately, one has decided to move in with us for the winter. He now spends his time in the spare room, which we keep unheated for my cacti.

bug hotel with snow

We’ve named him Edgar, the fly who came in from the cold. Edgar has spent the last 2 or 3 days on the window-sill, which is not a particularly safe place for him to be, so I’ve moved him into a small box of shredded paper. I have no idea if he manages to find food, or if he needs any now, he doesn’t move far at all it seems. If anyone has suggestions on how to look after him and help him survive the winter, please let me know!

Then of course there’s our feathered friends. We have many birds sheltering in the eaves, and they are quite happy to avail themselves of the food we put out for them. We’ve been investigated by magpies a few times too, but they seem too shy to stay when they see us through the window. Hopefully they’ll learn to trust us and stay a little longer, they’re so beautiful.

The birds don’t seem to bother with the water much, which I think is pretty ungrateful of them considering the effort it takes to replace it every time it freezes. Still, I guess they know what they need. As long as they keep coming for the food, we will keep putting it out for them!

Wherever you are, whichever creatures you have sharing your Christmas, indoors or out, I wish you, and them, a merry Christmas.

water and food for birds

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Song for Jasmine » Jura

Good Morning Deer!

Snow in the Jura