Monday, December 14, 2009

Backyard Trails

While Mr. Johnson was at work Saturday morning, I had the chance to spend some quality time with our little green Toro snowblower making paths in the backyard. In some places the snow had drifted to at least 30 inches and I was getting tired of putting on my snow pants and big boots just to go out and fill the birdfeeders.

I've made these paths in previous winters and it turns out that in addition to making it easier for me to fill all the birdfeeders, it also makes it easier for Sophie to get out on her potty breaks. It also makes it really nice for my backyard critters -- mainly deer and bunnies -- to get to their food too. Here's the view right out the basement patio door.....believe it or not, there were actually deer hoofprints right up to the patio! I sprinkle a little birdseed on the patio for the juncos and the deer came sometime during the night and ate up all the remaining seed.

Here's the convergence of trails right outside the kitchen window. If you click on the picture to enlarge it, you can see additional deer tracks out beyond the trails. We have a double row of white pines right there, so it's a good sheltered spot. I'm hoping sometime this winter the deer will take advantage of that shelter and use it as a bedding area.

I also made some trails for Mr. Johnson to place his targets for his daily archery practice. Naturally, the critters and Sophie are also taking advantage of these trails too.

One more view of a couple more trails. In the top right of this picture (behind that evergreen tree), I have another birdfeeder that's only visible from the basement patio. That's also the area where the deer usually enter or depart from the backyard.

I wish I would have thought of taking these pictures a little earlier in the day so I could show you all the hoofprints on these trails. We still have at least 6 deer visiting the yard -- much more regularly now since the snow has arrived.


9 comments:

Lynne at Hasty Brook said...

Art snow-blows a path around our back yard for Gidget too. With her stubby legs she can't get past the doorstep unless he moves the snow. He calls it the "Plaza del Poopie"

Anonymous said...

Aren't snowblowers fun, I don't know what I would do without one. Paths to the bird feeders and trails for all the kitty's to get around plus a path to the intake and exhaust pipes for furnace. Gotta keep them open. Of course there is the driveway and a path for the propane man to deliver propane. Winter is a lot of fun.

MOM

RuthieJ said...

Hi Lynne,
Even with her sweater on, Sophie gets cold pretty fast. The paths encourage her to get the job done quickly so she can come back inside where it's warm!

Hi Mom,
I'm really glad we have a snowblower -- it makes winter a little more fun.

Kelly said...

...wow....I would love to have some of that snow! I don't think we'll eve get enough to have to snow blow the grass...very cool. You have a such a nice backyard...perfect for those critters!

Mama Pea said...

All your pictures make me homesick for winter snow! (Is that the right way to put it?) We STILL have only a light ground covering . . . grass sticking through all over the place. And temps way below zero at night . . . with nasty wind in the day. (Sounds pretty bad, doesn't it? Any sympathy yet?)

Your backyard looks like a winter wonderland to me.

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Now that is some snow when you have to make paths for the dog to do her business. I feel sorry for all the short legged doggies in your world. I bet they feel the world has collapsed around them. I love the look of the snow though.

troutbirder said...

Now that looks like an idea I could use. Thanks for thinking of it. :)

RuthieJ said...

Hi Kelly,
The snow is pretty this time of year but it gets pretty annoying by March and April. I hope you at least get enough snow for a White Christmas though.

Hi Mama Pea,
According to the weather forecast I saw tonight, it looks like you might get some snow tomorrow. Hopefully you'll get some snow soon to go along with your cold weather.

Hi Lisa,
The trails are mainly for me to get to my bird feeders, but have the added benefit of getting Sophie to do her outside business. With her short fur, she needs all the encouragement she can get to go outside in the winter.

Hi Ray,
Have fun with that snowblower in your backyard.....if nothing else, it will give your neighbors something to talk about!

Dialia said...

Do you ever get hummingbirds in your yard? Since I got my hummingbird feeder I get them quite frequently but I have the darndest time photographing them. Looking for some tips!