found

Hidden nest revealed.

While Tim was cutting and chopping this year’s deadfall into firewood, he found this bird’s nest hidden in one of the logs. You can see where the entry was and the small cavity filled with nesting material.

A better look at the birds' living space.

We have several types of woodpeckers and flickers which all make their nests in tree hollows. Such a hollow is often passed on in succeeding years to a larger bird who will expand it to suit their needs. So, it is likely that this living space has been the work of more than one bird.

A closer look at the nesting materials.

The size indicates a smaller bird  (a flicker or piliated woodpecker wouldn’t fit), yet I don’t know what type of bird used this nest. It was interesting to see the various building materials: spruce needles, grass and feathers.

Heading up the hill with the dogs in the lead.

We were delightfully surprised to have the temperature rise to 21 C (72 F) today. Not that the recent weather has been so cold, but this was especially warm for this time of year. We decided to enjoy it by going for a walk with Katrina and Cleo.

Heading back the dogs are feeling the heat. The farm is off the road to the right, in the distance, where you can see some buildings.

Of course they were thrilled with the idea despite the fact that they thought it very warm indeed.

Wet dogs inviting Tim to enjoy some spray.

On the way home they both went for a swim in a slough, which to them was just a perfect way to beat the heat.

Wet, happy dogs (Cleo, left; Katrina, right).

Whenever I walk, I collect petrified wood; I can’t seem to help myself. We found a few more rocks to add to our ever growing collection. Some day we’re going to embed it in concrete with either an exposed-aggregate type method, or else polish it to really show off the rocks.

More petrified wood for our collection.