The older chicks from last weeks hatch and the four we bought at Tractor Supply are doing well. The little chipmunk marked one is getting an interesting pattern as the wing feathers come in. I'm excited to see how he or she turns out.
We are one week out from our confirmed hatch date for the rare breed assortment coming from Cackle Hatchery. How exciting! May is going to be busy!!
Today the French Black Copper Marans decided to start laying again, but they gave me a weird mottled colored egg. Not sure what that's about. It reminds me of the eggs we get in winter that freeze before we can gather them (except it wasn't below freezing last night).
The birds enjoyed the nice sunny day. They hung out at the edge of the lake. It was pretty neat to see them all co-mingling. Below is a photo of four ducks. Quackers is the white one closest to the camera. Beside her is Raisin (Black Swedish cross), and beside him is Gracie (Pekin). Phyllis is in the photo too but she's harder to find. She's the brown duck (rouen) playing in the water (look below the taller reeds in the center of the photo).
The Sandhill Cranes are back. They've spent the last two days in the west field doing mating dances where they spread their wings and hop into the air. It's interesting to watch. I'd love it if they stuck around and we could maybe see them raise their babies this year. Might be asking too much though - we are a pretty busy bunch and the kids are always out and about all summer long. It's nice to have them back though.
Our very first night in the house, the next morning we woke up to the Sandhill Cranes in the same field, singing and dancing. What a great housewarming gift from Mother Nature! It sure was special to us then, and I am reminded of the magic of this place whenever I hear them now.