Birds are gone

[Bayard]

51. Our bird feeders were swarmed in the spring

Not much now. Tons of goldfinches, wrens, titmice, purple finches, cardinals, woodpeckers, bluejays, and a few mourning doves then. We put up new gourds for the swallows by the pond. They didn't go for them, and they usually have a couple broods. Not many hummers on the feeders.

Still have some deer, but not much since the 200 acres next door was sold to a developer, (heartbreaking for multiple reasons.) Still seeing a few, and some foxes on the trail cams. Been having a real problem with raccoons and possums. Trapped a bunch, but lost some chickens.

No more coyotes, thank goodness. Wondering if we could get some ducks again on the pond.

The big flower garden always attracts plenty of butterflies, but not as many this year. Saw only one Monarch, and we have both butterfly weed and milkweed.

Definitely not Nature's business as usual.