Prairie Roses

I have an app on my phone called iNaturalist.

It helps me identify lots of natural things I find on the ranch.

For instance, these pretty wild roses are called Prairie Rose.

Rose Breasted Grosbeak

This striking fellow visited the feeder today.

An Indiana Day trip

We've been staying home to avoid the pandemic, 

but since the stay at home orders are being lifted, we decided to get out for a change.

We figured a nature preserve would be lightly visited and opted to visit two preserves in west central Indiana.

 First, we stopped a Portland Arch Nature Preserve.

It features the only natural arch in Indiana.

 Its not a huge or magnificent arch, but it'll do!

 There are two parking areas, each with a trail nearby.

Both trails were scenic and short, probably around a mile.

The preserve features sandstone cliffs and the pretty Bear Creek.

About 12 miles away, is another preserve, Fall Creek Gorge, so off we went.

 This preserve has a natural feature called the Potholes.

I think we are in the right place!

Owned by the Nature Conservancy, the Potholes are a local favorite.

As soon as we reached the creek, we spotted the potholes under the crystal clear water.

We were unable to wade upstream through the ravine,

 but here's a picture of the potholes from above.

 Continued on up this inviting staircase...

 To find a pretty waterfall!

Both nature preserves were well worth visiting!

Baby Fawn

• The Trail Camera captured one of our new residents.
• This one looks pretty young!
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  Welcome to the Blue Rock, little one!

Orchard Oriole & Summer Tanager

Not only was I fortunate to have Baltimore Orioles 

visiting my feeder, but we also had some other interesting species.

This handsome Orchard Oriole showed up.

And this pretty Summer Tanager checked out the offerings!

I guess he liked it!

Feeding the Orioles

After spotting the Baltimore Orioles a few days ago,

 I put up some feeders, in the hopes of enticing them to stay.

 Well I had success!

Although its not the best picture, there's 5 orioles in this shot!

Two Males & two females checking out my offerings here.

I've seen up to seven.  Wow!

More Spring Chores

 Burning downed trees

Painting the new arena fence