Happy Father's Day to all of the dads out there and to all of us who remember our fathers on this special day.
It has been far too long since our last newsletter, however, the timing did not feel appropriate as we were all confronting more important concerns involving the pandemic and long-standing human rights issues affecting far too many Americans. Hopefully the increased awareness and conversation will begin to put us on a better path forward that includes tangible actions!
Back on the farm, we continued to make progress this past month. I am happy to report that 4 months and one pandemic later, our new GMC 3500HD truck arrived. After installing a new "dumper dogg" dump insert early next week, we will be ready to make compost and firewood deliveries. So for those of you waiting to have your backyard fires, thank you for your patience! If you would like firewood for next fall, please let me know. Based on extensive benchmarking, the new price will be $150 for a rick delivered and $20 for stacking.
Last week we also received 60 peeps and I am happy to report all are doing very well. If you feel stressed, we are offering free peep cuddle therapy sessions in the barn. Next week we should be receiving another dozen and in July, 15 guinea keets, so the fun should extend for several more weeks. Then they will just be loud and unruly.
Unfortunately, the farm was visited by several predators the past few weeks. One day a large bald eagle flew overhead, reminding us they are close by, but thankfully more interested in fish than chickens. After forgetting to close the coop (the risk of free ranging), some raccoons captured a few chickens in the coop and all of the guineas flew away. Thankfully 5 guineas returned and 3 are still roaming Hunting Valley. And lastly, we had a surprise visit by an immature sharp-skinned hawk who enjoyed a day's buffet of barn swallows. Farm life is never easy
The sheep, llama and alpaca are all much cooler after their shearing. We cut down 5 dead trees for firewood for next year, and the chickens are laying well but slowed down after the raccoon raid and now with the hot weather. We sincerely appreciate all of the egg cartons dropped off by customers!! The pastures are wonderful but crying for rain.
Fun Fact: After enjoying several hummingbird sightings this week, we review some aspects of a hummingbird's amazing life. Their average heart rate is 1,200 beats per minute and at rest they take an average of 250 breaths per minute. They can fly 30 miles an hour and can reach 60 miles an hour during a dive, as well as they are the only bird that can fly backwards and upside down. A hummingbird must consume 1/2 of their body weight in sugar daily and they feed 5-8 times per hour. The ruby throated hummingbird (photo from our friend Debbie's back yard) weighs 3 grams while a nickel weighs 4.5 grams. And lastly, their eggs are the size of jelly bean!
We hope you are all staying healthy!
Harry
