Surprises at the farm

When we returned from our trip out to New Mexico to check up on our grandson, we discovered that we had been visited by the ASPLUNDH monster. You know, the one with the veracious appetite for undergrowth and all things green near power lines.  On the one hand, they cleared out a lot of underbrush at the property line including a significant patch of kudzu. On the other hand, we now have an oh-so-clear view of the neighbors at the back of our property. Hmmmm.

While checking out the new look, we discovered a new neighbor that we had seen on many occasions as she soared over the fields, but never knew exactly where she lived.  Finally we got to see her home.

This is the nest of a pair of beautiful red tailed hawks who soars gracefully over our property and are busy raising some chicks, a feat they are quite willing to tell me about, warning me to keep my distance. I have witnessed their hunting prowess on several occasions and suspect they are good at keeping the rodent population under control. A task for which I am forever in their debt.

This is a closeup of the nest (thanks to the wonders of digital zoom). It is really quite large and beautiful in its own way.  We'll be keeping an eye on the new neighbors as they grow (much to the squirrel and field mouse populations chagrin). I really love this place.