tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322683719539438825.post2121170023408301668..comments2024-03-12T14:02:09.820-04:00Comments on Riverdaze…: LOOK WEST, YOUNG HAWKGrizz…………http://www.blogger.com/profile/04828454689578685330noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322683719539438825.post-4567607082639656242010-01-11T14:54:18.903-05:002010-01-11T14:54:18.903-05:00Anna…
Sorry be slow in getting back to you—I'...Anna…<br /><br />Sorry be slow in getting back to you—I've been out running errands since dawn. <br /><br />Hey, I'm glad I don't have squirrel problems either—not like the folks in California, anyway. They appeared to have squirrels coming out of their ears! Of course you may be in the same boat once that chestnut tree matures. Let me know; I'll ship you a hawk.Grizz…………https://www.blogger.com/profile/04828454689578685330noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322683719539438825.post-57420938722064757892010-01-11T01:28:00.951-05:002010-01-11T01:28:00.951-05:00Glad that I don't have squirrel problems yet, ...Glad that I don't have squirrel problems yet, but I think I will once my chestnut three will start producing chestnuts, lol. Happy New Year 2010. Anna :) BTW I love the image.myonlyphotohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07324578791902437827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322683719539438825.post-31559190225848142222010-01-09T08:14:16.122-05:002010-01-09T08:14:16.122-05:00Whitemist…
I think you're exactly right about...Whitemist…<br /><br />I think you're exactly right about using natural controls/solutions to problems whenever possible. More technology, chemistry, or meddling seldom works well in the majority of situations…not to mention that it is often cost prohibitive. <br /><br />Of course the real solution would be to not get ourselves into these messes to begin with. If we thought beyond the more-is-better scenario, did not put profit first at any cost, and remembered that what we leave in our wake is the next generation's future, and we had just a smidgen of respect for the world in which we live, that would go a long way to avoiding so many problems.<br /><br />BTW, don't know whether this is your first visit to Riverdaze or just your first comment, but please know that it is good to have you and that you are always welcome.Grizz…………https://www.blogger.com/profile/04828454689578685330noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322683719539438825.post-6362577916135130772010-01-08T21:26:16.652-05:002010-01-08T21:26:16.652-05:00I also food have thought of a food source first, b...I also food have thought of a food source first, but also will use "common ecological solutions" to many problems. wasps for my garden (attracted by anise flowers), sparrow hawk boxes to protect chickens (sparrow hawks are extremely territorial and will chase away larger hawks easily), etc...Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04414561988993487725noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322683719539438825.post-54255219976015217332010-01-08T12:56:24.209-05:002010-01-08T12:56:24.209-05:00Sharon…
One a week is fine; visiting is what coun...Sharon…<br /><br />One a week is fine; visiting is what counts!Grizz…………https://www.blogger.com/profile/04828454689578685330noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322683719539438825.post-21113640424418297832010-01-08T12:23:37.750-05:002010-01-08T12:23:37.750-05:00Yes, Grizzled One, you can be optimistic about me ...Yes, Grizzled One, you can be optimistic about me visiting again, I do so about once a week.<br /><br />From crazy California I send a big THANK YOU!<br /><br />Sharon Lovejoy Writes from Sunflower House and a Little Green IslandSharon Lovejoyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04321160956925191137noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322683719539438825.post-31678558814635065972010-01-07T12:30:23.873-05:002010-01-07T12:30:23.873-05:00Sharon…
Hey, anyone who lives in a state which mi...Sharon…<br /><br />Hey, anyone who lives in a state which might, a moment from now, break off and fall into the sea, is definitely an optimist! :-D (And for the record, it was Debbie who called you folks optimists.)<br /><br />I hope you know I was just poking some good-natured fun at the whole notion of attracting sufficient numbers of raptors to control the squirrel boom. From the photos I saw, you do have a squirrel problem. <br /><br />That's one of the problems when we pave, subdivide, fence, mow, log, mono-culture, or some other way alter the land, which thus alters the entire system of animals and all their intricate tiers of predator/prey relationships. It's good that at least some responsible parties are now trying to correct, or at least minimize, such impacts. Your wineries are to be commended. They're in such beautiful, rolling, open country, it appears, and there's no reason why owls and hawks and a host of other creatures can't live there in balance—and the outcome be good for everything all around.<br /><br />BTW, that attraction for squirrels to fresh-turned ground also stems from their burial-storage habits for nuts and seeds. When they find a patch of dug-up ground, they likey think: A) Ahh-ha, so this was where I hid those walnuts! or B) Ahhh-ha, so this is where old Arnie hid his nuts! <br /><br />Enjoyed hearing from you. And I'm going to optimistically hope you visit and comment again.Grizz…………https://www.blogger.com/profile/04828454689578685330noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322683719539438825.post-54957757325649083072010-01-07T12:03:19.092-05:002010-01-07T12:03:19.092-05:00Well, old venerable grizzled one, NOT ALL CALIFORN...Well, old venerable grizzled one, NOT ALL CALIFORNIANS are optimists. Have you seen our state's fiscal crisis numbers??? Yikes.<br /><br />Yes, we're using the posts and nesting boxes to attract predators of ESPECIALLY the ground squirrels. Lots of horses and cattle fall into their holes and weakened soil and break legs (as do humans). But really, when you get down to it, it is just that they don't neatly fit into what we WANT them to do or be. So it sounds like our problem.<br /><br />I love red and gray squirrels and am willing to share things with them and have actually set up some great ways to keep them from attacking newly planted bulbs etc. Scientists feel that squirrels can smell freshly turned soil, which often means freshly supplied goodies for them.<br /><br />Many of our local wineries, especially the organic growers, now have owl boxes to handle other rodent issues. At night the owls patrol the vineyards and catch mice and rats.<br /><br />Keep on writing and I think I'll pass on eating squirrel.<br /><br />Sharon Lovejoy Writes From Sunflower House and a Little Green IslandSharon Lovejoyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04321160956925191137noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322683719539438825.post-55387664795574979842010-01-07T11:09:06.904-05:002010-01-07T11:09:06.904-05:00Wanda…
I understood, and didn't think you had...Wanda…<br /><br />I understood, and didn't think you had a problem. <br /><br />All during my childhood and growing up, and right up to the last day of his life, Dad fed squirrels the way other people feed birds. (Dad's is who also started taking me squirrel hunting when I was about 3-4 years old.) <br /><br />In the fall, we'd go out and gather walnuts, hickory nuts, butternuts, sometimes beech nuts. Bushels of 'em. Dad would store 12-15 bushels in the basement, sometimes more in a shed. He also gleaned field corn on the cob. Bushels. <br /><br />He had a feeding tray or two in a big haw tree right by the back porch. He would crack the walnuts and hickory nuts—just enough to make pieces, say 4 to a walnut—to make eating easier on the squirrels. He had nails in the tree to which he stuck the corn. <br /><br />Every squirrel in the neighborhood came and ate, and Dad would stand by the window at at the door and watch, chuckling. <br /><br />He also fixed a pin on the end of a bamboo stick about 4 feet long, and kept a coffee can of walnut meats which he'd picked out. He'd stick a piece of nut on the pin, and hold the treat out to a squirrel, talking gently, waiting patiently until the nervous squirrel got up the nerve to take the proffered nutmeat. Gradually, Dad would shorten his grip on the bamboo stick, making the squirrel come closer and closer for its treat. In this way, the squirrels learned to be hand fed and quite tame—toward Dad.<br /><br />We didn't have a big enough place to keep any sort of livestock, though I did raise banta chickens for a couple of years. Folks who did raise chickens (full size, old-fashioned breeds) sometimes brought a few by and we'd wring their necks or chop their heads off. I didn't like that much. I don't think I'd ever be able to raise a pig or calf and kill and butcher it. I could butcher someone else's pig or beef (not kill it) as that's not much different than butchering a deer or elk or moose. And I've bought side of beef and done my own butchering. But it would take some effort on my part to raise my own steaks. <br /><br />[Hey, it's pouring the snow here. Maybe an inch down already. Looks like real winter out today.. Lovely!]Grizz…………https://www.blogger.com/profile/04828454689578685330noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322683719539438825.post-19111999986886168552010-01-07T07:02:31.244-05:002010-01-07T07:02:31.244-05:00I wasn't defending these pesty squirrels, just...I wasn't defending these pesty squirrels, just mentioning I don't eat them, we loyal followers know you. When I was a child, my dad and uncles often hunted squirrels and ate them at our table. I can't believe that I "once" helped my dad skin one, trying to impress him...I held it's lower legs...and that was one time too many. They raised chickens and a hog once too...butchering them was not something I appreciated to see either!<br />Squirrels just seem more like pets or visitors to me now..just like the wrens.Wanda.....https://www.blogger.com/profile/00551160819558198338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322683719539438825.post-34848148844041577302010-01-06T23:40:03.340-05:002010-01-06T23:40:03.340-05:00Robin…
A burgoo done right is a thing of singular...Robin…<br /><br />A burgoo done right is a thing of singular, toothsome beauty…but an inedible train wreck when you hurry or mess it up.<br /><br />Are you saying the sell it during Derby Days? Didn't know that. Huh.Grizz…………https://www.blogger.com/profile/04828454689578685330noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322683719539438825.post-92039209084188034582010-01-06T22:48:06.303-05:002010-01-06T22:48:06.303-05:00Beautiful photo! And you couldn't PAY me to t...Beautiful photo! And you couldn't PAY me to touch Burgoo (again). <br /><br />(Kentucky girl... they love to 'hawk' it on Derby Day.)Robinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07089977665165118563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322683719539438825.post-83848134106257695592010-01-06T20:04:56.671-05:002010-01-06T20:04:56.671-05:00Debbie…
I hope you do manage an eagle shot. That ...Debbie…<br /><br />I hope you do manage an eagle shot. That would be so neat. My wife, who spent several years living on an island in Alaska, had eagles around all the time. She said it was often annoying to walk on the rock beach near her home and have eagles keep swooping close, half scaring her. I really envy that experience. I've not seen nearly enough eagles to satisfy my eagle lust…so take those photos. :-)Grizz…………https://www.blogger.com/profile/04828454689578685330noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322683719539438825.post-16228751924854225732010-01-06T19:59:48.419-05:002010-01-06T19:59:48.419-05:00Wanda…
I hope I didn't give you, or anyone el...Wanda…<br /><br />I hope I didn't give you, or anyone else, the wrong impression—I wouldn't eat one of my yard squirrels, either. I'd protect them tooth and nail, in fact. As much as I not only like to fish, and absolutely love to eat fish, I almost never keep anything I catch from the cottage stretch of the river—and for that matter, I seldom keep stream fish, other than trout. My table fish come from lakes and ponds. I don't know why I make these distinctions because fish certainly aren't warm-and-fuzzy critters like squirrels.<br /><br />I think that story of the finch, the hawk, and your mother is really lovely and quite wonderful. I do believe with all my heart—I know!—that life has purpose. There is beauty and mystery and wisdom in nature that we can learn and find value for in our own life. That hawk and finch taught you something, showed you a part of the plan—gave you something to hold and take a certain comfort in by understanding the power of peace and love and grace.<br /><br />Thank you so much for sharing this.Grizz…………https://www.blogger.com/profile/04828454689578685330noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322683719539438825.post-89995191137746339502010-01-06T18:38:56.351-05:002010-01-06T18:38:56.351-05:00I have to admit that no matter how many eagles I s...I have to admit that no matter how many eagles I see, it always makes me giddy. I start pointing and telling whoever is near to look.We will be going out early mornings to the river to try and photograph some while they fish. I notice they keep to certain areas at certain times of day. If I get a good shot, you'll see it. Or you may see a picture of some lunatic hopping up and down and pointing! That would be me:D<br />DebbieDebbiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04612935931627314524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322683719539438825.post-52456969088201200562010-01-06T18:29:19.555-05:002010-01-06T18:29:19.555-05:00I have numerous squirrels I don't eat and hawk...I have numerous squirrels I don't eat and hawks whose ways I now accept. Weeks before my mother died she commented on a young finch that semed too weak to fly, trying to get to the feeder. It seemed to be fluttering like a butterfly and going no where fast.<br />The morning she died,within that hour, I was sitting on my porch, where she usually sat. I noticed what might have been that same weak fluttering little bird. Within moments a hawk flew in and snatched it away, peacefully and gracefully actually. My mother had died the same way.<br />I learned to accept the hawks and their purpose!Wanda.....https://www.blogger.com/profile/00551160819558198338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322683719539438825.post-28711815062837361072010-01-06T18:08:03.094-05:002010-01-06T18:08:03.094-05:00Debbie…
I have two big wire mesh seed feeders, th...Debbie…<br /><br />I have two big wire mesh seed feeders, three suet feeders, and about a half-dozen stumps and rocks where I scatter cracked corn around and on for the ground feeders…so I have a pretty tasty smorgasbord of birds and squirrels to interest any hungry hawk. And they do come swooping in—but more often than not, leave unfed. <br /><br />My squirrels blast off in every direction at the appearance of any hawk. I don't think there'll be a problem with those California raptors eating squirrel—just a problem with how many squirrels one hawk can eat. <br /><br />And my hawks, unlike yours, seem to prefer medium-sized birds; I've never seen one take a dove (or, drat it, a starling—though I don't have many starlings around) preferring titmice, cardinals, nuthatches, woodpeckers. I expect, though, this is just that I've not seen them catch most of their meals or found the right little pile of aftermath feathers in the yard. A hungry hawk, of whatever size, would likely eat whatever it could catch and kill. <br /><br />I envy you your eagles.Grizz…………https://www.blogger.com/profile/04828454689578685330noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322683719539438825.post-62910296078567235682010-01-06T16:56:38.969-05:002010-01-06T16:56:38.969-05:00You are so funny. Yes, Californians are certainly ...You are so funny. Yes, Californians are certainly optimists. We seem to have an abundance of hawks and kestrels in my neighborhood. Eagles are plentiful too, but stay closer to the Illinois river for the fish. Unfortunately, having 3 busy bird feeders is an attraction raptors cannot pass up. I have seen them eat many birds; the hawks preferring the larger doves, starlings and pigeons. I've never seen them get a squirrel nor do the squirrels seem to fear them. I don't know why the raptors don't eat more squirrels, we have many.<br />I hope the California raptors have more of a taste for squirrel that Illinois raptors.<br />DebbieDebbiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04612935931627314524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322683719539438825.post-24607978163884317602010-01-06T15:46:38.899-05:002010-01-06T15:46:38.899-05:00Gail…
Hey, that's okay. There are plenty of t...Gail…<br /><br />Hey, that's okay. There are plenty of things I'd never eat. I wasn't trying to make converts. <br /><br />Hope things are improving all around with you and your sister. Glad you liked the hawk pix and post.Grizz…………https://www.blogger.com/profile/04828454689578685330noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322683719539438825.post-14337631444677160812010-01-06T14:59:05.321-05:002010-01-06T14:59:05.321-05:00Hi Grizz-
Well, we part ways on eating squirrel!!...Hi Grizz-<br /><br />Well, we part ways on eating squirrel!! No can do. Nope. :-) I couldn't even eat rabbit as a kid - went hunting with my Dad and Uncle and I could not/would not eat the rabbit they killed. Nope.<br /><br />Great story though and great picture.<br /><br />Love you<br />Gail<br />peace......Gailhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11337675996256691215noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322683719539438825.post-37029270677074694192010-01-06T13:26:51.424-05:002010-01-06T13:26:51.424-05:00Bernie…
I guess time will tell whether those Cali...Bernie…<br /><br />I guess time will tell whether those California hawks can literally eat the squirrel population down to more acceptable numbers or not. My guess is not. <br /><br />Personally, if we had plenty of squirrel to give away, I'd be quite willing to trade it for chicken or steaks, in case any of the hungry homeless had a problem eating squirrel. I think it is one of my favorite meats.Grizz…………https://www.blogger.com/profile/04828454689578685330noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322683719539438825.post-49743828345394514532010-01-06T13:21:37.813-05:002010-01-06T13:21:37.813-05:00Richard…
I can't see much of a difference in ...Richard…<br /><br />I can't see much of a difference in any population hereabouts. In fact, I'm sure I have more gray squirrels than ever. Doves seem about the same. The fox squirrels over on the island haven't changed, numberwise. I still have one or two red squirrels that show up in a feeder occasionally. <br /><br />Birds I have seen the Cooper's hawks catch are mostly cardinals, titmice, and sparrows (no starlings, doggone it!) and I can't tell any decrease in their ranks.<br /><br />I can't be sure how many different Cooper's hawks I have around, but I think several. Have never seen a sharp-shinned here, though I do get the occasional red-tailed. And, of course, owls, great horned, barred, etc.Grizz…………https://www.blogger.com/profile/04828454689578685330noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322683719539438825.post-50159435667858493562010-01-06T13:11:28.566-05:002010-01-06T13:11:28.566-05:00Carolyn…
I think squirrels would be difficult to ...Carolyn…<br /><br />I think squirrels would be difficult to fashion into meatballs; but that meatball sauce might be great for dipping. <br /><br />In the CNN piece I saw, there were squirrels running every which way. Do you suppose those California folks honestly believe a few extra hawks can account for such a bumper-crop of squirrels? Personally, I don't think every hawk, coyote, and feral housecat in the state would be sufficient! <br /><br />And actually, although I was being factious in the post…the country appeared rather wide and open, quite rural looking. You probably could hunt it safely with scatterguns, though of course THAT is never going to happen. <br /><br />What is more likely is some sort of disease will sweep through the squirrel population—or maybe they'll do what they've historically done in Ohio according to many old accounts…migrate. I can see it now, the Million Squirrel March on Hollywood! Now there's a news story!Grizz…………https://www.blogger.com/profile/04828454689578685330noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322683719539438825.post-35185477069737400282010-01-06T12:59:43.651-05:002010-01-06T12:59:43.651-05:00Jenn…
Thank you. I was just having a bit of fun w...Jenn…<br /><br />Thank you. I was just having a bit of fun with that news report…and I got lucky with the hawk shot.Grizz…………https://www.blogger.com/profile/04828454689578685330noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322683719539438825.post-43102910363792232632010-01-06T12:59:24.778-05:002010-01-06T12:59:24.778-05:00I was thinking about my total lack of little Red (...I was thinking about my total lack of little Red (Pine) Squirrels, Doves, and Chipmunks that I had an over abundance of for the last couple of winters. Then I remembered that I had the five Cooper's Hawks last summer. Funny they didn't bother the bigger Gray Squirrel (must have left them for the owls). Once they cleaned out the easy pickings, they moved on and now I only occasionally sew a Sharp-shinned Hawk.Richardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06875150610109193368noreply@blogger.com