Mostly cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 63F. Winds light and variable..
Mostly cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 63F. Winds light and variable.
Janet Robertson and Carol and John Dodson spread recycled rubber mulch around the community center playground. (Courtesy photos)
Carrie and Steve Anderson were surprised that this black snake made it into their bluebird box, even after the installation of a baffle to deter predators.
Janet Robertson and Carol and John Dodson spread recycled rubber mulch around the community center playground. (Courtesy photos)
Carrie and Steve Anderson were surprised that this black snake made it into their bluebird box, even after the installation of a baffle to deter predators.
The overhand knot may seem like a basic, even boring, knot, but when Clyde Carter demonstrates how to whip, pop, roll or drop one, you might think differently. Carter will demonstrate how to efficiently tie practical knots and how to perform knot tricks at the Thursday, July 21, Pie and Program event at the community center. Dessert will be served at 6:30 p.m. and the program will begin at 7 p.m.
Carter, who for over 40 years has had jobs and recreational pursuits that require rope and knots, has collected 65 tricks which he compiled into his book, “Knot Crazy!” During his program, he intends to not only demonstrate his craft, but to encourage participants to join in the fun. Carter will bring lengths of rope for knot-tying practice during the presentation.
Everyone is invited. Dessert donations are welcomed, but not required.
Last week, two pallets full of bags of recycled rubber mulch were delivered to the community center. Volunteers worked to spread them around the playground area. Keep posted for more improvements, including new outdoor seating.
Carrie and Steve Anderson of Cantrell Mountain began the summer with the distressing loss of three of their hens to a neighborhood fox. For the time being, the “girls” are being safely kept in their runs.
Most recently, they have encountered another avian predator. Carrie sent a photograph with the caption, “Not what I hoped to see!” and this story:
“Steve and I have a wrap-around metal baffle on our bluebird box post. This spring we watched a clutch successfully fledge.
The couple, or another couple, returned several weeks ago and were dutifully tending the new clutch. As I was mowing the grass on Thursday, I noticed a black snake racing into the pasture and wasn’t too worried because of the baffle.
Friday evening, I realized I had not heard the typical bluebird chirps and tweets so decided to peep in on the nest. To my horror, I gazed upon the coiling of the black snake!
Quickly summoning Steve, we attempted to knock him out as he was far too engorged to slither out the way he entered. We marveled at the rattling he was making in mimicking his venomous brother and decided to leave the clean-out door open for him to depart at his leisure. How did this happen?
We saw that the metal baffle slid down the pole to a point that did not deter the snake. We’ve learned our lesson, and along with correctly positioning the pole baffle, we will be adding a wire baffle to the nest hole as well. Our summer couple may not return, but we have hope another couple will raise a family here next spring!”
Send me your nature encounters at dunnsrocknews @gmail.com. Folks interested in renting the community center can text inquiries to Janet Robertson at (828) 384-0104.
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