New Beginnings
Winter has come to a screeching halt here in northern New England. Literally, from lots of snow and cold two weeks ago, to a very rapidly melting base over the last two weeks, resulting in a premature spring. Those familiar with our area know that this good fortune can change at a moment's notice, but for now spring has "sprung", and I and the dogs are out there trying to make the most of it.
Overall, it was more of an old-fashioned winter this year - generally cold, with plenty of snow at times. This was all good weather for the grouse - lots of powder for them to burrow in to on the colder nights, and a noticeable lack of ice, that can cover the buds that grouse need to get them through a long northern New England winter. Hopefully the beneficial conditions paid off in better survival this spring, but we'll know for sure when listening for drummers in April and May.
A couple of weeks ago, a few robins were flitting around in the towns just to the south of us, and we started seeing them around our area last week. When the robins return, the woodcock are usually close at hand as well, as they have the same dietary preferences (worms, worms and more worms).
We have started venturing forth, either on snowshoes or just in boots, looking for birds, but also reinforcing commands that have been buried deep in the dogs' winter slumbers. They have enjoyed their long layoff, but will start getting some work for the next few weeks. Funny thing is that they've literally looked at me in disbelief when I give a "whoa" or "heel" command - but it's all starting to come back to them now.
While we haven't seen any timberdoodles yet, we have seen a few grouse here and there, as well as some guano and tracks wherever there is evergreen cover. Hopefully we start having more consistent contacts over the next few weeks and can develop some good habits heading in to our training this summer.
Overall, it was more of an old-fashioned winter this year - generally cold, with plenty of snow at times. This was all good weather for the grouse - lots of powder for them to burrow in to on the colder nights, and a noticeable lack of ice, that can cover the buds that grouse need to get them through a long northern New England winter. Hopefully the beneficial conditions paid off in better survival this spring, but we'll know for sure when listening for drummers in April and May.
A couple of weeks ago, a few robins were flitting around in the towns just to the south of us, and we started seeing them around our area last week. When the robins return, the woodcock are usually close at hand as well, as they have the same dietary preferences (worms, worms and more worms).
We have started venturing forth, either on snowshoes or just in boots, looking for birds, but also reinforcing commands that have been buried deep in the dogs' winter slumbers. They have enjoyed their long layoff, but will start getting some work for the next few weeks. Funny thing is that they've literally looked at me in disbelief when I give a "whoa" or "heel" command - but it's all starting to come back to them now.
While we haven't seen any timberdoodles yet, we have seen a few grouse here and there, as well as some guano and tracks wherever there is evergreen cover. Hopefully we start having more consistent contacts over the next few weeks and can develop some good habits heading in to our training this summer.
A pile of not so fresh grouse droppings that we encountered earlier this week. We managed to find a few piles like this in the general area that morning, and later on flushed the bird that may have been responsible for them.
