Horse Charges Bear Saving Boy’s Life. Cool Story.
You never when you’re going to be tested or who or what will save the day. Here’s a cool story about a mongrel trail horse and a young lady that stood up to a 700 pound bear.
Wild Turkeys at Blendon Woods Near Columbus, Ohio
Here’s a photo of wild turkeys just outside of Columbus at Blendon Woods. It’s a little surprising to see them so close to the city. A welcome sight and it’s a good indicator of the environment in the area.
Wild Turkeys Near Columbus, Ohio.
Wild Turkey Closeup
Wild turkey spreads it's tail feathers.
Wild Things Photography
Every once in a while I stumble across a photographer that really stands out. I think that John Hyde at Wild Things Photography has some work that anyone would enjoy. His black wolf photos remind me of our dog Hunter. I can’t find a picture that that isn’t outstanding.
Martin Bird House
I took a friend to a farm and was waiting on him the other day. While waiting, I noticed from the looks of the double Martin bird house that this farmer was really into birds. There was a peacock running around and a Martin bird house that was loaded with Martins. The noise of the peacock and the Martins was all that you heard on this quiet farm. It was beautiful to set in this relaxing setting and listen and watch.
Peacock struts around on the farm
The Martins were hunting insects. The birds would all perch for a few minutes, then suddenly, bolt all at once. A few minutes later they would all return in an orderly fashion. Those that had found food, would feed it to the young Martins inside the bird houses. This scene just kept repeating over and over. It leaves me curious as to why they all return, even if they had found no food. I’m wondering if they didn’t regroup to allow for the insects to gather back up or decide on where they would hunt unsuspecting insects next. I would guess that all of the chirping was communication over the landing pattern. There’s many things about the Martins that I could only guess about with my limited bird knowledge.
The Martins have their purpose, but they fail in their reputation for a method of mosquito control. They fly to high to eat mosquitos and live off of a diet of high flying insects like moths, wasps, flies, butterflies, dragon flies, beetles, and other higher flying insects. Companies that make Martin bird houses like to make the claim about mosquito control, but their is no evidence or study to prove it. They’re still great for farms to have for fly control and other pest insects.
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Signs of the Times at the Horse Auction
Friends of mine wanted to buy a horse, so I borrowed a horse trailer and went to Sugarcreek, Ohio to a livestock auction with them. There were some sad folks there selling their horses. More than a few times, the auctioneer would say,
Young lady sells her horse due to financial situation.
“This is a good sold horse used for trail riding. The people just can’t afford to keep it anymore.”.
I don’t know much about horses. In fact, they scare the crap out of me because they’re 1500 pounds of animal with a mind of their own. I’m sure lack of knowledge is the problem here. The people here did know and love everything about horses. Equestrian pursuits are expensive, but I can see where people would fall in love with these noble beasts. Seeing these good people losing their horses was like watching someone parting with a loved one. I seen beautiful horses selling for $500.
On a less emotional level, this is where where start to see the effects of long term unemployment and a down economy hits everyone. They’ll sell the horses and no longer buy feed, riding gear and clothing, trailers and trucks to haul them, riding lessons for the kids, excursions to other places where they would buy lodging and food, and everything else that goes with the horses.
How many other worthwhile enjoyable pursuits are being foregone and the same effects further crippling the economy? Is this just an adjustment from a previous time when people were to lavish with their spending on things like this?
Here is a picture I found humorous. A pony and cart next to Amish buggies.
Pony with cart next to Amish buggies.
Hunter Takes Supervisory Role
- Hunter supervises Gomez’s During Excavation Project.
Having 2 big dogs provides endless entertainment watching them interact. It does destroy any hopes that your yard will be anything less than an excavation project.
My dogs love to kill small animals. The yard provides an endless supply of mice, rabbits, and moles for their enjoyment. Nothing makes Hunter happier than the squeals of a dying rodent. We know he’s part German Shepherd and Husky, nobody’s sure what the rest of him is. Whatever he is, killing and protecting just come natural to him. He’s decided that the work is better left to his big happy buddy Gomez.
This photo is the usual situation that takes place while they’re on the hunt. Hunter only gets in the hole to inspect and check for critters, the rest of the work is up to Gomez the big happy Labradoodle.
My Dogs Hunter and Gomez
In an effort to try and learn more about my Fuji S9100, I took some pictures of the dog in the back yard. Black dogs and harsh sunlight are pretty tough, but I’m still not where I want to be with this camera. Fun pictures anyhow.
LARGE Coyote Killed in Northeastern Licking County, Ohio.
A friend’s neighbor in Northeastern Licking County, Ohio killed this 90 pound coyote recently.
Coyotes can be dangerous to children and small pets, so take care not to let your animals and children go unobserved if you’re in outlying areas. They are becoming more abundant. I’ve read that every township in Ohio has reported sightings of Coyotes.
Some folks have already asked me why he killed it and if it’s legal. From what I’ve read, they’re considered varmints and it’s legal. He killed this one in close proximity to his animals and young children. Yes, it’s sad to see a beautiful animal like this taken, but if it were your loved ones endangered, what would you do?
Here are some links to more information on Coyotes in Ohio.
- Ohio Division Of Natural Resources – excellent resource with tracking information and Coyote sounds.
- Hunting Regulations
Hunter, the New Dog
Here’s a picture of Hunter, our new pup. He’s 1/2 Black Lab and 1/2 Miniature German Shephard. 5 weeks old and ready to tear some stuff up.
