This feathered fellow is one of several burrowing owls here on the ranch. These summer residents have enjoyed the proliferation of homes provided by a recent uptick in the prairie dog population (which we believe is driven by mild, easy winters allowing the rodents to thrive). I love owls and these long-legged, yellow-eyed avians are no exception. They will gladly make their home in a prairie dog burrow, but can also dig their own abode in a pinch. Unlike other owls, they hunt at all hours of day and night, feeding mainly on insects and rodents. Before laying eggs, they line the opening of their burrow with animal dung, which attracts dung beetles and other insects. Nothing like a close, easy meal when you are incubating and raising young! Apologies for the blurry, low-quality photo. I don’t have a zoom lens for my camera so I took this shot by lining my lens up with my binoculars. A cheap (though not very easy) way to get a close up!
Maverick in his happy place – watching his horses in the barn. He is easy to please as long as his equine pals are nearby.
This is our first summer pairing Jack and Jill, our half-draft percherones, with Beth and Indie, the Belgian mares we purchased last year. They worked wonderfully together and swiftly mowed the hayfield under the small pivot, despite the soaring 100°F temperatures. In a year marked by intense drought, it is a relief to have these irrigated hay fields. The lush, green growth is a site for sore eyes!
This year I was lucky to be surrounded by family and friends at the annual Red Ants Pants Music Festival, which conveniently kicked off on my birthday for a built-in party! It is an honor to work for the Red Ants Pants Foundation, promoting women’s leadership and the enrichment of rural communities across the state. The annual Festival is a keystone program where folks connect around a love of music and community. After a few days of laughter and love, I always head home with a big smile on my face and a full heart.
Coulee Creek Ranch 