nature

  • Driftless Thursday: Raccoons

    As usual, a picture from this past week inspires my Driftless Thursday post: Raccoons are of course common in Wisconsin, especially in the woods. Most people consider them a nuisance, as they’ll scavenge in garbage cans and occasionally try to… Continue reading

    Driftless Thursday: Raccoons
  • Driftless Thursday: Groundhogs

    Yes, I know Groundhog Day is February 2nd. I’ve never seen a groundhog anywhere close to that time. Groundhogs are on my mind this month, however, as we seem to have one living nearby. He’s not terribly shy, at least… Continue reading

    Driftless Thursday: Groundhogs
  • Driftless Thursday: Snake Stories

    If snakes freak you out, it’s okay to skip this one. It’s not all fawns and rainbows out here in the country. I’ve come to realize harmless snakes get a bad rap. I can’t say I like them, but I… Continue reading

    Driftless Thursday: Snake Stories
  • Driftless Thursday: Guess the Bird

    “What is that bird?” my husband said last Friday. He pointed out our sunroom window at the ground below our bird feeders. I had to admit, I was stumped as well. Here’s who we saw: First hint: It’s a sparrow,… Continue reading

    Driftless Thursday: Guess the Bird
  • Driftless Thursday: Turkey Vultures

    High in the sky ahead, three black silhouettes flew in lazy circles over the road.  Their widespread wings rarely flapped as they glided beneath wispy clouds.   As she drew closer, Charlotte could see the glint of white feathers on the… Continue reading

    Driftless Thursday: Turkey Vultures
  • Driftless Thursday: Phoebe

    I remember our first summer in our new home and how many new sights and sounds we experienced. It’s the time of year right now when I’m on the watch for returning birds. I can pretty much identify all our… Continue reading

    Driftless Thursday: Phoebe
  • Driftless Thursday: Little Surprises

    Our house has a covered porch that runs the length of the front, but we don’t have any permanent patio furniture. Instead we stick with folding chairs of various sorts that we can easily bring out and in. Primarily the… Continue reading

    Driftless Thursday: Little Surprises
  • Driftless Thursday: This Started About Louie

    Sometimes I go to write a Driftless Thursday post and end up down the proverbial rabbit hole. In case you haven’t realized it yet, I’m the curious sort. I research everything. Something pops into my head and I have to… Continue reading

    Driftless Thursday: This Started About Louie
  • Driftless Thursday: A Winter Breather

    After a few days of unseasonably warm temperatures (we hit 50 degrees!), we’re back to snow on the ground in our little valley. This is the time of year when Mother Nature becomes a real tease. There’s a glimmer of… Continue reading

    Driftless Thursday: A Winter Breather
  • Driftless Thursday: Phil and Mrs. Phil

    Ah, Valentine’s Day. Love is in the air. Today’s post features Phil, the ring-necked pheasant. Ring-necked pheasants aren’t actually native to Wisconsin or to North America in general. According to the Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance, they were brought to the… Continue reading

    Driftless Thursday: Phil and Mrs. Phil