Kleckner Oasis

Iowa Porcupine

Branches on this Mulberry tree are being stripped, like I have a porcupine in my woods.

But since porcupines don’t live here, the offenders must be squirrels.

Snow Induced Evergreens

With a very late fall turning into a quickly, snow-covered winter, some plants kept green leaves under the snowline.

Now with the warmer temps melting off the snow, I am seeing the green life.

Whitebark Pine

Dried sap on this White Pine has made the bark look white.

None of the other White Pines were covered in as much of this white as this tree.

All Hail King Cat

Guineas and Cats are curious and surround the pickup truck, that is parked in a different area.

Sometimes the Guinea Fowl will also make a lot of noise if they do not like something. In this way, they are like watchdogs.

Takeoff

I saw that a turkey made prints in the snow with its feet and also the wing feathers.

Looks like the turkey took flight to the sky.

Deserted Rookery

These abandoned nests of a flock of Great Blue Herons awaits their return this spring.

It is fun to hear the squawking chicks in the nests during the summer.

Tree Colors

I am growing a lot of different colored trees, whether their branches or leaves are different colored.

The colored branches of this golden willow are a noticeable addition to the dull-colored, winter landscape.

Quail Cats

Creating habitat on my Oasis helps draw in more wildlife. The wildlife that gets too close to the homestead is at risk of potential dangers.

One of my cats got a bobwhite quail. It appeared to be alive, so I made the cat drop the bird. I looked for injuries and was nothing life threatening, so released it and it flew off. Soon after this orange cat got it and it was dead this time. He had a good supper tonight. I saw 3 more quail in the trees and they flew off when they saw me. Quail haven’t been too common, but maybe this Oasis will help bring up their numbers.