Cloudy Day Surprises

The weather has been so unpredictable lately. Fortunately, there’s plenty to see at Drumlin Farm on a cloudy day. Here are a few photos taken earlier in the week on one of those cloudy days.

It’s almost impossible to explore the sanctuary without spotting a wild turkey. Ben Franklin called this creature “a Bird of Courage,” though he also said that it can be “a little vain & silly.”

turkey

Cloudy skies lend an air of drama to our fields. Here you can see some of the carrots, radishes, and kale that we grow for our CSA and Farmstand. Also in the distance, our strawberries are ready for our Strawberry Day on Saturday, where you can pick-your-own from 10 am – 2 pm, or until supplies run out.

crop field

Ferns love rainy weather! This is a lady fern. If you flip a leaf over and look closely, you may see pale jellybean-shaped specks. Those are where the fern keeps its spores.

fern

These two barn swallows were warm and dry in our Crossroads Barn. You can see their nest on the far left. Do you know where barn swallows nest? There’s still time to participate in our Big Barn Study, which aims to keep track of these birds.

This tree swallow, on the other hand, was perfectly happy to stay outside in one of our custom-built homes. When you visit us, remember to keep a safe distance from nest boxes so that you don’t disturb the parents. You’re welcome to watch the birds come and go, and to listen for the cheeps of chicks!

tree swallow

Wet soil is always great for animal tracking. Can you guess which creatures made these prints? Share your thoughts in the comments.

prints

On an overcast day, the flowers in the Audubon Shop’s butterfly garden look extra-bright. This plant is called butterfly milkweed. Many butterflies lay their eggs on it, including the monarch.

milkweed

What do you like seeing when you visit the farm? Share your observations in the comments!