Irma Who?

Although Irma was first predicted to hit the WNC (Western North Carolina) mountains with several inches of rain and tropical force winds, we were spared the brunt of the storm’s fury as it took a more westerly course. Nonetheless, many parts of Buncombe and nearby counties to the south experienced high winds and heavy downpours, resulting in power outages and cancelled schools. The rains south of us caused the northerly-flowing French Broad River to rise, although there was no flooding. The Hollow received less than 0.5″ of rain, and the wind blew off a few extra leaves but didn’t down any trees or even large branches.

I helped a tractor-driving neighbor work to clear the ditches along the road in preparation for the rain and discovered this screech owl in the creek. I was (am) worried that it was hurt and climbed down to check. The photos are poor quality, but I was trying not to frighten the bird. Before I could reach it, it flew into the nearby culvert, which was a good sign. I often hear screech owls (and call to them), but I have never before seen one in the wild.

The turkeys and deer continue to come to the meadow and are not always patient.

The fawns are losing their spots, and one of the single fawns has been hanging out with the triplets.

My ramble generally goes as far down as the river and then over the ridge to where I turn around at a gate that leads to a different set of neighbors. I thought showing the changes in that field would be a good way to end posts.