Roaming Chickens

The chickens have been exploring a little bit further each day. 

They've discovered the orchard.

Their favorite hangout is under one of the mulberry trees.  They like the shade...to take dust baths...and to eat the fallen mulberries.

Nature Class: Owls

Olivia had her nature class on owls.  This was an evening class. The kids learned all about the different owls we have here in Ohio. They learned about their diet, nesting habits, and listened to their calls.

The kids dissected an owl pellet. Both girls have done this before and it is really interesting. The regurgitated pellet is what the owl cannot digest properly. Lots of fur, teeth, claws, and bones in there.  The kids dug in and got to see what that owl had eaten. Olivia amassed quite the collection of bones...figuring out what bone it was, and from which animal.  Her owl had eaten a mouse...well....mice. There were a couple skulls in there!

Olivia made a nice paper bag owl. 

 While we waited for the paint to dry, the naturalist led us on an owl hunt. He had a gadget that made calls....and we waited to hear an owl return the call and fly overhead.  We saw bats....but no owls this time.

Fresh air...

We planted most of our tomatoes. We have some extras that I'm not sure where to put yet. We planted Romas, rainbow grape tomatoes, and cherry tomatoes.

We also have some extra cilantro, too.  We had good luck with them.  Our oregano had a great germ rate but didn't like being potted up.  Those are the tiniest seeds I have EVER seen!!!  Tried direct sowing some. We'll see how they turn out.

And the peppers are waiting for their turn to be transplanted.  We have jalapenos, rainbow bell peppers, tango bell peppers, and tabascos.  Our cayenne never germinated.  I tried two seperate times under the same conditions as the rest.  I'm thinking we got a bad packet of seeds. It happens.

Country Girl

I love this photo.  The Cotoneaster is in bloom, chickens foraging in the background, and a beautiful country girl smiling in the foreground!

Sketch Time!

Girls enjoying a peaceful morning as they sketch.