Thursday, October 20, 2016

A Woodland Walk-about


Hello, Dear Friends, we are in between rainshowers,
here in the Pacific Northwest, so come along
with me as we venture out for a lovely woodland
walk-about while we have the chance. 

We'll keep our eyes open for some 
wildling sightings along the way.....


We begin by walking through one of two gates
that Ramblin' Man just built and replaced over the summer <3




Here is one before I stained it 'ebony'.

The old gates are now in my stash of garden 
recyclables - those wonderful 
things with years of patina that you just can't part with :)

Perhaps hung on a wall with a beautiful wreath someday.........


The first wildling we see is the Dark-eyed Junco
bathing in the bird-bath under the pear tree. 


These little birds travel in large flocks this time of year, 
often with several other species. This is a male
and he was with several others, including 
some sparrows, chickadees, and nuthatches. 
They are all year-round residents. 


The lawn is littered with leaves from my beautiful 
Russian Ash trees, which are now quite bare. 

They are the first to show color here. 


This is what they looked like before the wind
carried the leaves away. 

I gather several leaves in my little basket
that I take on woodland walks.
I am always on the look-out for pretty leaves and feathers.


Dappled sunlight shines through Big-leaf Maple 
as we enter the forest. 


The smaller Vine Maple glows.


When exposed to bright sunlight, as here
along the edge of a forest clearing,
the leaves take on a brighter hue. 


The second wildling we see is the ever-present 
Douglas squirrel. 
These little squirrels are just a bit larger than 
a chipmunk. We also have gray squirrels, 
but this year they have been scarce. 

I suspect predation, as they spend much more time
on the ground than the tiny and fast Douglas squirrels. 


Or perhaps they have been poisoned! Someone 
has been nibbling on this Amanita mushroom. 


Another smaller mushroom pokes through the dry leaves.


A ground beetle sits on a rock in an abandoned
entrance to a small burrow.

These are little predators that eat other bugs
and seem to be very numerous here.


A beautiful Spotted Towhee is the third wildling we spy.

These beautiful little birds have bright red eyes
 and spotted wings and sides.


A much clearer photo from my guide book.

They are slightly smaller than an American Robin
and nest in thick brush on the ground.
These are also year-round residents.


The ground is littered with Black Cottonwood leaves
as we reach the driveway gate.

Whitey Bear and Kai give each other acknowledging looks.
I've watched them do this and then take off running
 together towards something unheard or unseen
by my mere human senses.


A wild plum sapling shows beautiful deep colors
next to a wild hazelnut, still green, that will show
color later in the season.
A yellow willow hangs over all.

I am always amazed at the diversity of plants
and trees growing here, and continue to find
something new with each stroll.


An ivy climbs a Black Cottonwood
outside the gate, the result of a long
forgotten planter. The deer seem to like
this particular ivy and the leaves are always
nibbled as high as they can reach.


The neighbor's field across the road.

I don't venture past the gate when I am alone.
My own 5 acres are completely enclosed with
5 foot high, heavy wire fencing,
 which can't be climbed.

It is hunting season.

My perimeter fence was installed by my youngest
son, Dustin, in his last years of high school.

It was his precious, parting gift to me.

He knew that once he left home, I would be alone
frequently while Ramblin' Man was traveling for work.

We had hunters come too close to the house, one too many times.


Can you see the deer? This is the fourth wildling we see.
(Look to the left of the tree)
We have Black Tail Deer here,
which are quite numerous.


The ground is a tapestry this time of year.


The hills are also a tapestry of color.



Black Cottonwood, Maple and Alder stand out
against the deep greens of Douglas Fir.

This is a forest planted for timber harvesting,
 here in Washington State.


It's starting to rain, so we hurry back home
before we get too wet.


A sweet Wood-thrush, the 5th wildling we see,
sits on the fence surrounding the property.

This unassuming little bird has the most
beautiful song.


We approach the main gate to the house.....


These gates always stay shut unless we are outside.

Whitey Bear and Kai stay inside the lower
fenced area surrounding the house, with
free access through their pet-door during the day.

This is our little sanctuary from the wild, wild world.


Some feathers I found on my walks.

From left, a Spotted Towhee feather,
a Mourning Dove, and two Hawk feathers.


I add them to my collection inside my silver baby cup :)


The leaves I gathered are spread out to dry
before adding to my leather bound scrapbook for pressing.



I found this beautiful vintage scrapbook
on a visit to New Hampshire a few years ago.


It makes a perfect 'press' for autumn leaves
which I will use to decorate my Thanksgiving table.


It looks lovely on my table in the living room.



Thank you for coming along on my woodland walk-about,
Dear Friends!


I hope you have a chance to get outside
to enjoy these glorious days of fall, too!

xoxo

Today I am linking with:

Good Fences
&
Five on Friday
&
Saturday's Critters

Won't you join the fun?

56 comments:

  1. whitey and kai are so sweet. loved the junco and wood-thrush and sweet red squirrel. and nice fences and your own gates!

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  2. Hello, I love all the views of your place and the birds. Your furbabies are adorable too. I am glad you are safe there while it is hunting season. Have a great day and weekend ahead!

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  3. A lovely walk between raindrops! I loved seeing the different birds in your area - they are different from the ones I see in my area. Have a nice weekend!

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  4. Oh Karen its always a pleasure to walk with you! I learned they are douglas Squirrel I always called them chipmunks ....

    Thanks!
    Hugs

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  5. What a beautiful property for a walk, I love the gates that Ramblin Man built for you. That's a shame about the hunters, you should be able to enjoy your own property without being concerned about who is trespassing. I enjoyed all the wildlife, I never tire of seeing it. Enjoy your evening.

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  6. Karen, I love the color of the golden leave on the maple tree. The Spotted Towhee is so pretty. That was so nice of your son to install the wire fencing for you. I would love to hear the Wood-thrush's song. I don't see that bird around here. Every time I take walks with you around your area it's as if I'm there with myself. The way you explain all the wonderful things that you come across each day makes it a visual for me. A blog friend asked me what is the thing that brings you the most peace, and my response was "nature." How I enjoy seeing nature that surrounds this wonderful place you call home.

    ~Sheri

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  7. It's nice to wonder around in your part of the world.
    Hunting is very popular in your part of the world not so popular here you can't hunt on anyones property without the owners permission.
    Merle..............

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  8. What wonderful photos and collection of the joys you see daily in your part of the world. It is all such a gift. I like your new gates.

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  9. P.S. In case Merle comes back to your blog, no one hunts on anyone's land here without permission either.

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  10. I always love your walks Karen. It feels as if I'm right there beside you. So many any different creatures in your corner of the world. Beautiful autumn colour. B X

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  11. What a lovely and calm walk there in the beautiful nature...
    Thank´s for sharing this with us!
    Love and hug,
    Titti

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  12. It is always a joy to wander with you through your beautiful home and surrounds, Karen. What sweet wildlings you captured with your camera. Your rambling man is very clever. Love 'his' new gates. I don't much like the thought of hunters coming close to your home. It is wonderful that you have five acres to explore.

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  13. Dear KAren, my sweet friend, thank you for this wonderful woodland walk ! You have so many beautiful birds arround you! It was a great pleasure to come with you through this wonderful nature!
    Have a great weekend,
    sending Love and hugs and blessings,
    Claudia xo

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  14. I sooooo enjoyed my walk-about with you this morning! The gates are just beautiful that your Ramblin' Man made, Karen. It must warm your heart every time you see the fence that your sweet son put up for you, to keep you safe. I also loved seeing all the sweet birds that inhabit your area...such beauty on your five acres. Happy weekend, my friend. Love and hugs!

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  15. I so enjoyed my walk along with you today. You certainly have a talented man the gates are stunning. It was a pleasure to see such beauty from across the miles.

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  16. you live in such a beautiful area, so many pretty things to see on a walk. i get a lot of juno here but only in winter, i am waiting for them to arrive!!

    you son was so sweet to leave you with such an important parting gift!!! my sky lights are decorated in the same way, i have a lot of pretty fall leaves on mine!!

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  17. Your entire post is eye candy Karen! I enjoyed from the beginning till the end, the autumn is so beautiful at your place. The birds are happy, as well your dogs! Happy weekend.

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  18. Thanks for the beautiful walk. Time for a cup of tea! x

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  19. Oh what a beautiful walk, Karen...pure beauty! I love when you share it with us! The gates are so lovely...and completely charming!

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  20. Thank you for this stroll. I could almost smell the fresh air! I so miss my walks around Oregon.

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  21. Stay safe during the hunting season Karen.
    What beautiful nature images you have shared. I loved all the birds and the cute squirrel.
    Your gates are stunning, so clever!
    Thank you for the wonderful tour of your beautiful homeland.
    Have a lovely weekend :)x

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  22. Karen, thanks for helping me learn more about the beauty in the world around you...including the handsome gates, and the safety fence your loving son installed. xx

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  23. Thank you Karen for this wonderful walk on your oh so lovely property. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

    Happy Fall ~ FlowerLady

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  24. Lovely. lovely post. Gate is so pretty. Have a wonderful weekend <3
    L, Satu

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  25. Oh be still my heart!!! A Spotted Towhee!! One bird that is on my list to find and photograph to add to my collection. Such a beautiful creature. And the Junco is very attractive too.

    The golden and ruby leaves are simply spectacular. Love the gate.

    Thanks for taking us along Karen.

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  26. Absolutely 5 Acres of Heaven! You have such an eye for detail whether it be a mushroom, a feather or a deer in the distance. It's always a pleasure to be included on your walks.

    Marilyn (in Dallas)

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  27. Hiya Karen,
    Thank you for reaching out on a difficult day. I went along with you on your wild walk and enjoyed every step.
    Your ebony gate has gathered a wonderful cape of greenery and become a work of art as well as a protective structure.

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  28. Wonderful, wonderful pictures. I enjoyed every bit and piece of life you showed there. Those gates are wonderful and I wouldn't be able to part with the old ones either. Thanks for the beautiful post- xo Diana

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  29. Dear Karen,

    How lovely to go with you on your walk and often it is great when it is showery. The gates are wonderful and good that your husband and son are so good with their hands, your son building the fence enclosure would be a good safety feature.
    Lovely to see all the Autumnal leaves abbout, so pretty
    happy weekend
    hugs
    Carolyn

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  30. You live in a beautiful part of the world

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  31. The photos in the post are full of poem. The beauty of autumn is ephemeral. Though we enjoy autumn every year like same as the previous year, our sensitivity would be slightly different from the past.

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  32. What a stunning time we spent together, my darling Karen, thank you for such a wonderful stroll amongst the wonders of the autumnal nature !

    Wishing you a most wonderful weekend ever,
    I'm sending my dearest love to you

    Xx Dany

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  33. Oh you do live in a beautiful area. Having a fence around your property is definitely a good idea. The Spotted Towhee is beautiful, don't think we have them down here.

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  34. Karen ... your home is so beautiful. I would be outside (or looking outside) all the time! Lovely walk with gorgeous Autumn color. Loved seeing your resident wildlife. Have a marvelous week!

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  35. Beautiful pictures. Thanks for taking us along on your walk for Five on Friday. I really enjoyed it!

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  36. Wow you have gates galore! I love the new one that was made and your fall colors are spectacular.

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  37. Absolutely lovely, Karen! I enjoyed seeing the wildlife in your neck of the woods. I love your gates that your husband built for you. They have so much character. I hope you are enjoying a nice weekend. We are having rain here, which is needed.

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  38. Thank you for showing us around Karen, I loved to see that squirrel we don't have them in our part of our country. Such adorable dogs and how they communicate together....

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  39. Karen, Your autumn colors are magnificent! Our leaves are just now starting to turn colors. I love the pictures with the birds and puppies. Xo

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  40. I enjoyed your little walk about through the woods with the autumn colors coming out! Love your gates and you have an excellent idea for your old ones!!
    The birds and squirrel were so cute!Love the pick of the vines around the tree and looks like you have a good selection of feathers started!

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  41. Such beautiful and sweet photos, full of serene autumnal colours and atmosphere. The two little dogs are super cute and it's interesting how they communicate in a way we humans don't understand. :)
    Have a lovely new week!

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  42. Oh the colours! We just do not experience Fall the way you do where you live, Karen. We are all green and glossy, all year round where I live in Australia. It's such a visual feast to see your trees in their Autumnal dress. Thankyou for sharing. Love, Mimi xxx

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  43. I really enjoyed my walk with you and so pleased we got in before the rain came!

    Lovely photo's and that Douglas squirrel looks so cute!

    All the best Jan

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  44. I like the design on your main gate. Beautiful post!

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  45. You live in a beautiful area. I loved seeing all the wildlings in this post, especially the junco. Such pretty birds. Glad you have a fence to keep the hunters out!

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  46. Enchanted place...Your woodland walks never cease to amaze me Karen.You, most of all of us, must better feel the touch of every season,day by day,you have an entire world all by yourself.
    Have a lovely new week,
    Olympia

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  47. Dearest Beatrice, I so enjoyed this walk! You live in a beautiful place! Your dogs are gorgeous and I love you gates! Have a beautiful week!

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  48. Hello, I wanted to stop back and say thank you for linking up and sharing your critters. I love your sweet dogs and the birds. Have a happy day and new week ahead!

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  49. I've always thought of my departed auntie when I find feathers. Today I read that found feathers are from guardian angels. Now I understand the connection, because she loved me unconditionally. Someone you lost must really love you, as well.

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    1. Hello, Patsy - thank you for stopping by! Yes, I do believe that feathers are signs from the angels.....I have many loved ones on the other side now, including both of my parents. Each feather is a lovely thought of our beloveds watching out for us from the other side. Thank you for sharing your sweet thoughts. Hugs xo Karen

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  50. Your property is the perfect back drop for Fall! Just lovely and inviting. Thanks for taking us on a beautiful tour.

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  51. Another wonderful photo journey with you. Lovely fall colors, good fences, great birds & cute dogs. Your new gates are so charming.

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  52. I love that even though you live on practically the whole other side of our country - we share so many of the same trees, shrubs, flowers, birds, bugs and berries. ;) I love when you take me on a walk with you dear Karen! Such beautiful sights we see and I always learn so much. Hope I don't gab your ear off when we visit. Ha!

    Blessings. xoxo

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  53. What a woodland paradise! You are so lucky! Great job creating such a beautiful place.

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  54. Beatrice!
    We thank you for a wonderful walk.
    I admire the autumn pictures,. They are wonderful and full of charm.
    With all my heart I thank you for your visit and comment.
    You have given me a lot of happiness.
    Nice and very sunny weekend.
    Greetings from Poland.
    Lucja

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Thank you for stopping by! Your comments are important to me and are very much appreciated. xx Karen

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