It is a Good Life - Wildlife, Close to Home 

Sometimes plans change, and one can find adventures in nature close to home. Today started out like any lazy Sunday, which are quite rare at my house. The sky was grey and cloudy, it looked like there may be rain in the forecast. The the boys and I decided to stay home, and be lazy.


Brayden "jigging" for fish

After lunch, it still had not rained, so we went to the Outdoor Expo at the fairgrounds. The boys gave fishing a try.

Brayden got quite excited when a fish took the worm off of his fish hook. He said that he was "jigging" his line. He got upset, when Dan took the pole away to put on a new worm. He was ready to fish! Brayden was perfectly happy with "jigging" his pole and empty fish hook. Brayden tried fishing again with a new worm, but the fish were not cooperative today.

Brenden patiently waiting for the fish to bite his line

Brenden had at least five fish fascinated with his minnow and bobber. We could see them from shore. The fish would swim close to shore. They circled the bobber and minnow, to investigate what was in the water with them. The fish would look at the minnow and bobber, sit still, swim around the bobber and minnow, and then come back and do the routine all over again. It was a shame that the fish were not hungry and cooperative today. It would have been fun to watch Brenden and Brayden catch a fish, even if we would have to release it back into the pond.

Geese watching all of the children fish

We had fun watching geese, and looking at the fish in the pond.
There was still a lot for Brayden and Brenden to do. Displays of native fish in aquariums and ponds. Frogs, toads and turtle were also available for all to enjoy. There were many new campers to tour. Puppies were running around and there was Kayaking in a shallow man-made pond.

I told Brenden I would kayak in the pond, but he refused to go with me. I think he was afraid that I would embarrass him, by capsizing my kayak. I was not worried. I can swim, and I have paddled a kayak in the past. He is at the age when it is not always "cool" to do things with his mother. The boys have grown up too fast!

Turtles - A species native to the area



Frogs - species native to the area

Later, we went to see ducks, chickens, pheasant, partridge and rabbits at the local hardware store. The store wildlife and personnel were blessed with the presence of a cocker spaniel and a golden lab. Neither the dogs, nor the fowl and rabbits were impressed with one another. However, the dogs do think that it is the best thing in the world, when we take them to the store.

 Our town is not large enough to have a Petco or other store that allows animals to shop. When the dogs are allowed to come with us, they go crazy. I am not sure if they are excited to spend extra time with me, or to go for the free dog treat from the store. I am leaning toward the free dog treat!

Brayden after a long afternoon at the expo and shopping