Yesterday we lost 4 ducklings and 2 goslings to the raccoon monster. The monster could reach under the sides of the yurt, so we put hardware cloth along the sides as well as front and back. We ordered more geese and ducks, as we have been enjoying the geese.

Trillium from 2 weeks ago...a bright spot to cure sad news.

This morning we awoke to all our babies having survived the night, the live trap picked clean of bait without having been sprung, and an enormous pile of feathery raccoon poo.

Michael went out to check on the trap at 3:30 this morning. The raccoon robbed it after 3:30 but before 7 am.

Birds foot violets-bright patches on sandy banks

The trap wasn't able to hold this raccoon last year. She beats it to death then walks out...when she's not simply robbing it.

Lupine-tiny compared to the huge blossom spikes they have in Maine.

Yes, I am purposefully substituting wildflowers for anything related to the topic of this post. If we ever do bag the culprit, I may have to post her mug shot...but we'd have to catch her first. I'm not looking forward to figuring out how to protect our future sheep and goats and pigs from the wolves who slink through our woods. Problems for another day.