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“Where’s my supper?”
The goldfinches are showing up again, a sign of changes.
In the summer months they hang out by the pond further down the road.
We keep the nyjer seed feeder topped up, just in case.
This little bird was just a bit startled at having its picture taken, I think.
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There has been a change in the groundhog population too, although it’s more something that we sense.
Over the summer these animals change dramatically in size as they build themselves up for their long hibernation.
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We had been wondering about the 4 babies that have so delighted us. We assumed they would separate and go their own ways but the “twins” seemed so bonded.
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This was them on July 3rd.
Still very small.
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One month later…
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By the beginning of August, their coats had filled in as their figures filled out and they had lost their baby faces.
It all happens very quickly for groundhogs that have a life expectancy of a mere 3 years.
Longer, no doubt in captivity, but who wants to be a prisoner?
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On August 17th, apparently, we had cauliflower!
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Which went down a treat..
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This seems to have been the last time the twins visited.
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This is a different pair.
Grant thinks the bigger of them is Mama Blaze…
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…and that the smaller one is number 4, who was the tiniest.
So where is number 3 and what happened to the twins?
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My theory is that they are out checking real estate.
According to what I’ve read, groundhogs are solitary.
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I’ve also read that they share, but I think it meant with rabbits and snakes or small animals fleeing for their lives.
“I’s not going in that hawk’s tummy!”
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Groundhog burrows are extensive, measuring up to 65 feet, with two entrances.
They are divided into a number of chambers including a sleeping room and a latrine.
Groundhogs are fastidious which I can document.
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They are often seen collecting fresh bedding.
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And apparently when necessary, they remove dried feces or seal off the latrine and dig a new one.
We have seen groundhogs in October and last year I think even once in November, but they usually begin their hibernation by the end of September.
There are exceptions, of course. Our friend Scooter, having not been able to build up her body weight last summer, was above ground for most of the winter.
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The question is, will she re-appear when the others have gone to their slumber? We shall certainly be on the lookout.
This was Scooter on Christmas Day last year.
Thank you, Carolyn, for your lovely reflections on the upcoming autumn, the beautiful pictures of your fraternity, the taste of cauliflower which I love too, and the great joy that people like you exist to look after those lucky ones who live close to you. In their name, Carolyn, let me thank you!
Joanna
I do so hope that Scooter is still with you for one more season.
I love to see those chubby Groundhogs stuffing themselves. They look so cute, it’s a shame that they only get to live for 3 years.
Best wishes, Pete.
It’s amazing how fast the groundhogs grew up (I suppose one can’t use the term “fat”). Well, if Scooter reappear on Christmas Day again this year, I believe there will be a small festive table set out for her (just in case she need some extra energy for the long Winter). Love that video … I feel like grabbing a carrot from the fridge now!