The goldfinches favorite food is Nyger aka Thistle. I've never seen them at any of my other feeders.

Glad that the goldfinch was able to let you get him in your GH, warmed up, and then was able to fly. Hope he finds his family. I have never seen one that was solo but just because I haven't, doesn't mean much.

Hope to see some birds at my feeders tomorrow. Just got a report that the Coopers hawk was seen getting a squirrel yesterday just one hood over, or about a mile as the hawk flies. It's been making the birds very skittish. A few weeks ago it got a mourning dove in my yard. Glad I wasn't around to see it.

I'm going to Sam's with my GF's Membership tomorrow. I will grab up a big bag of seed and set up the bird feeders this weekend when the weather is sane again.

Just when we thought the coyotes were the worst pests we were dealing with in the 'hood...now we've had a bobcat sighting during the day.

It's that way in Scottsdale, AZ, too. Bobcat sightings all around our neighborhood.

Something broke into the rooster run last night and killed one of the roosters, but I suspect it was a raccoon.This winter has been hard on my chickens so far - hungry hawks, owls and raccoons.

porkpal said:Something broke into the rooster run last night and killed one of the roosters, but I suspect it was a raccoon.This winter has been hard on my chickens so far - hungry hawks, owls and raccoons.

I hate that - don't miss fending off predators but do miss having hens. My 'new town' allows six hens max - no roosters but there are a lot of unrestrained dogs in the neighborhood and I don't think a run would faze them. Hope there's no return visit.

By noon today the temp is supposed to be above 32F That will be the first time since early afternoon last Saturday. It was bouncing around 10-12F last night shortly after 10p.m. I know too well because a cow refused to wait for warmer temps to have her calf. And then it was breach, so the unhappy veterinarian had to be called out. Fortunately, things went quickly and he only lives about 4 miles from me. Nonetheless, I will be paying for that.. Always expensive when they have to be called out. I wonder if he'll charge extra due to the cold temps.

Inconsiderate cow!

needrain said: I wonder if he'll charge extra due to the cold temps.

A dollar per degree maybe??? Ten or Twelve dollars...

Seriously, I'm glad all went well for all of you, the cow included.

Glad it went alright Donald. I know my horses have only ever needed an emergency farm call after hours on the weekend. Nope not cheap at all. We have had a heck of a time the last few days keeping water available for the chickens and horse troughs. Do you have heaters on yours to keep all your cows watered? I am soooooo done with winter.

Porkpal, we get hit the worst in the winter time on the chickens. This fall we installed high powered motion sensor solar security lights all around the perimeter of roosting area and have been predator free for a few months now. Now that I said it out loud that will probably change

Our neighbors had a death in the family and have to fly out tonight. She had to do some last minute errands and I volunteered to take the Xmas tree down in the front yard. Got the lights off, the tie downs off, and the last thing was getting the huge bolts off the tree base. I had all four screws out of the tree, but I could not pull the tree out of the stand. After a couple of falls, I dragged it out of the grass and onto their driveway. Bounced the base a few times and found blocks of ice cracking around the base. I don't think I've ever seen ice in the middle of day here with the sun shining.

@needrain Glad you were able to get the vet out to save the New Year's calf. I bet it's cute!

Little beads of ice. Greasy, frozen and raining at same time. Shudder. SLEET. FREEZING RAIN. Have had it freeze in my hair in Tulsa one winter while I was packing stuff out of a motel room. Nasty stuff. Kills mammals.

@Esperanza No heater. Just break the ice, fish some of the really thick chunks out and then fill up the trough. That took a while tonight when they came up. After they get fed, they really enjoy their after dinner drinks!!

@Bubbles Very cute! It's #7 so far. Lots of playmates when it gets up and going. I hate having winter calves, but expect to have more than half during the winter months. If it turns cold and nasty, it's hard on me and the mamas. It means grazing is not being replenished with green, growing things and that means more supplemental feed. So I'd prefer toward the end of February to start the calving season.

Tell the bull about that.

@needrain When the weather warms a bit, we'll want to see photos!

Do I ever complain as much as I do during this brief freezing cold while in the horrid summer heat? Well, yes, I guess I do...

porkpal said:Tell the bull about that.

As the saying goes, it takes two to tango. In fact, in cattle, mama is a complete dictator in such matters.

Bubbles said:@needrain When the weather warms a bit, we'll want to see photos!

I meant to take the camera when I fed today, but I forgot to grab it. I have never formed the habit of carrying it around. You wouldn't believe the photo ops I've missed over the year. On the other hand, I'm not encumbered by some gizmo to look after. I have always marveled that women can stand to carry a purse with them. I forget it and leave it behind before a day passed.

We'll be waiting for those pics!