The fox family

This is the granary, one of the original old buildings on the farm.  Built in the early 1800's and originally used to keep corn and other grains dry, it stands in front of the barn, nearest the road. Now, besides being used to store a few odds and ends it's also home to a family of foxes that has taken up residence beneath it.      

Underneath the left corner is the front door....

..... where we often see the youngsters romping and playing.

There are five kits altogether.  Here three of them enjoy
the afternoon sun.  Dan has been able to get within 10 feet of them,
allowing him to snap some very nice photos.

There is one that is especially fearless.

He's quite curious, but unafraid.....

.... and was so comfortable with Dan sitting near him
that he eventually curled up for a little snooze.

The back door entrance.


A few evenings ago, during milking, Dan watched from the milking parlor
as the usually elusive mother stood out in the paddock nursing all five at once.
We know it's not an ideal situation having a family of predators living
so close to our guinea hens and ducks but for now we've been able to enjoy
watching their antics from such a close vantage point without many problems.  
Hopefully the kits are almost old enough so that the whole family will
move out soon.

The cows are out!

Now that the grass is green and plentiful, it's time for the cows to spend their days and nights grazing, making lovely creamy milk from all that lush green.  First, though, a quick check of the fences is necessary.  The cows wait impatiently.

The girls all know something is afoot.  After having been restricted to the barnyard all winter,
that green grass has been looking more delectable by the day.  They are all anxious to get at it.

Tartine, in the little girls' paddock, wants in on the action too.

A short clip of the ladies romping and kicking up their heels.

After a good romp, they settle in to eating.

A nice after lunch nap is always a good thing.

Heather's a very good eater.

Our new little goslings arrived 2 weeks ago and are growing faster than we can keep up with.  

Henry and Eliza are quite funny little creatures.  They are very alert and love
to follow whoever is nearest.  Before long they will have the run of the farm,
just as their predecessor, Oscar, did.  For now, though, we must keep them out
of the way of the fox family living under the granary so they are safely
ensconced in the garage.  Next post will be about the foxes.