Joyce

We had a Barred Owl nest in our backyard one year.  They used an old Squirrel nest to raise their brood.  They had three chicks.  The chicks were so cute.  I was surprised that they looked so much bigger than their parents.  It was fun to watch them grow up and watch the parents feed them. I was surprised to see the parents active during the day.  My husband was filling up the bird feeders one evening and the Mother Owl swoped down on him and hit his hat!  Good thing he had his hat on. We have five acres in the woods.  I love to hear the different owls calling to each other at night.  I have seen Barn Owls, Barred Owls, and Great Horn Owls in our woods. It was a very interesting lesson.  Interesting to learn that most owls are loners.  Burrowing Owls live in colonies.  Really enjoyed it.

I retired two years ago and my daughter sent me a sketch book and a Nature Journaling book.  I have always liked to draw birds and animals and like observing their behaviors.  I like drawing flowers as well and am fascinated by the growing stages of flowers and plants.  I live on 6 acres of woods in the Ozarks and we have deer, wild turkey, squirrels, and lots of birds, which we feed.  I like to watch the birds behaviors at the feeders and observe them on their nests and feeding their young.  I've always said that I would rather be outside than inside.  That is where I am happiest.  We keep most of our property natural so that the animals and birds have a little sanctuary to come to where they know they are safe.  This course will help me practice my skills and learn more about the outdoors. It will also help me to record what we see on our road trips to the National Parks and Bird Sanctuaries we visit.