Well. Yesterday was quite interesting!
Remember our plan to stay outside in the area where the groundhogs had their den, etc.? We did go outside. After seeing the babies emerging from the tree trunk, we stood on the funky patio and looked at them. They looked at us and I talked to them because they were so adorable. Eventually, I sat on the funky patio, and Don sat on the porch playing his ukelele. Every once in a while, I had to warn the babies to get out of my big garden bed, but mostly, because I was sitting there, they just peeked out at me. By the way, earlier in the morning, they were playing with each other, just like baby puppies or kitties or lions. It was so darned sweet.
Mom was off feeding somewhere, but I couldn’t see her. However, at one point, she whistled sharply in warning. Clearly, she saw me there – not being aggressive of course, just sitting there – but I was near her babies and she didn’t like it. Eventually, I decided to mow the front lawn because it needed it. The grass was 6 or 7 inches long in places. I was trying to outrun some rain that was on the way. Don came out to help me and we stayed on the front lawn and away from the babies. When that was done, we went in the house to shower, etc. Mom had come back to the babies and a few times when I happened to go outside for something or other, I startled her.
A bit later, I happened to look outside and there she was, with four of the babies walking very close to her. She was on the move. I called out to Don and we watched her walk quickly one way and then another, all the time looking for predators. Was she moving the babies? Yes! She moved up through the corral and up into the back forty. There are some burrows up there between our property and my neighbors. That’s where she went. We couldn’t believe it had worked. We really didn’t do anything but stay outside and that – and maybe the noise of the lawnmower – was enough for her.
But what about the 5th baby? A hour or so later, I saw mama back in our yard. I said to Don, “She’s looking for the other baby.” And then I saw a little one coming from the direction of the secret garden. Did this one follow her from their new home or was it the missing baby? Mama went to the tree and the baby joined her there. She was looking into the big garden bed, which was where I was afraid the 5th baby might be. But then she looked elsewhere, several different directions, so I got the feeling she was looking for predators. She moved toward the corral with the baby by her side and then, suddenly, she grabbed the baby by the scruff of the neck (with her mouth) and carried it into the corral. I soon saw her tearing across the back forty, baby in mouth, and she disappeared.
We couldn’t believe it worked! We took down the barriers, put everything away. We were relieved. But we missed them. And we worried about them.,
Never fear. Around 6 pm, I looked outside and three of the babies were eating on our property. I couldn’t believe my eyes, though when I think about it, all of this activity, whether by the house or up on the edges of the back forty, is on our property. It’s not like they moved far away. And one of them was in the darned big garden bed. I had to quickly put some of the barriers back in place. Later, I was outside doing something and I saw two of the babies run through one of my beds to the little gate, then to the secret garden, and back up the hill to their new abode.
So they’re really not gone, just staying in another hotel. I’m still going to have to deal with them! I took a tour of my big garden bed and almost every phlox and coneflower has been chomped on by the deer. It’s very depressing. Between the deer and the groundhogs, I’m sort of giving up on the garden. But not totally. I’m going to spray the deer repellent again today.
Big sigh.
I have to say, both Don and I are in awe of the fierce protection from the mama groundhog. She didn’t like us so close to her babies and she managed to communicate to them that it was time to move. The look on her face was amazing. She was determined to protect her babies and she did that.
She is Mama of the Year.
Stay safe.
Happy Saturday,.
It’s absolutely delightful reading about the groundhog family. I would feel just as you do, so excited to see them, and frustrated if they got to my garden! All I can say is, they are lucky to be on your property owned by sweet, caring people who appreciate nature. They might not fare so well elsewhere.
Thank you for your kind words, Jenny.
Stay safe!
dear Claudia/Don — glad for your semi success w.ghog family — hope “new” places will be more to their liking — are you all prepared to deal with more when babies mature ?? don’t know the maturity of ghogs or their pattern/behavior with reproduction but undoubtedly will happen. think you all need to be ready/aware in the future. are there animal relocation companies in your area?? not all ghogs become roadkill. good luck, stay safe
We’ve been dealing with groundhogs for 18 years and we’ve had babies before. They leave home in a couple of months and go off to make their own home. Some years, we hardly see any. Anyway, they most likely will not be in the vicinity of our property.
We’ve done a lot of research over the years.
Stay safe.
keep at it because you know the groundhogs will, too. giving that same message to my family and myself about the limits we’ve set with earl the squirrel.
and take breaks. can’t be out there 24/7 and all God’s creatures need to eat. just wish it wasn’t your garden and hope the wild ones stay outdoors.
happy, safe, easy saturday to everyone.
kathy
I will take breaks. I did see one (maybe two) of them over here around noon. I think they’ll eventually eat the grass in the back forty but this is what they know right now.
Stay safe, Kathy.
So the mama groundhog took your hint! It was probably all a good lesson for the babies, too! Sorry about your flowers being a snack for the deer! If only they could eat just one whole flower instead of taking bites from a lot…that would certainly be nicer to look at. We’re having overcast, cooler weather…for a couple days…a nice quiet Saturday. Enjoy your day!
Some years, I have absolutely no problems. This year is particularly bad. But I have to remind myself to spray everything earlier and if that doesn’t work – try another method.
Stay safe, Barrie.
We haven’t had much luck with barriers due to some really superior tunnel constructing prowess lol but we wish you well! Wonderful photos as always . PS I have not yet heard that sound but apparently another name for your happy eaters is “whistle pigs”. Guess that’s why!
Yes, I’ve read that!
Thanks, Naomi.
Stay safe.
Boy, you were sure up close and personal with your little racoon family. Hopefully, they will get the hint and learn that your garden is not a free buffet. Maybe you need a scarecrow, a noisy one. Hugs, Elaine
I know you meant to write ‘groundhog family’, Elaine. Although, I’d love to see a baby raccoon, as well!
I am the scarecrow, Elaine.
Stay safe.
I know this whole thing has become a hassle but I had to chuckle over your interactions with Mama Groundhog today!
Well, it is a pain, but also – it’s fun.
Stay safe, Vicki.
Found your groundhog babies story very entertaining. A deer got all our phlox as well. I looked up your deer repellant recipe and made a batch. This is the worst it has ever been damage-wise,
We’re supposed to get some actual rain in the early morning hours! So excited!!
Take care,
Kay
This is the worst it’s ever been for me, too, Kay. Very, very frustrating!
We had some rain on Friday, several summer storms. Very much needed.
Stay safe.
How fascinating it is to watch them and especially Mama. Hopefully even as they return, they’ll get the idea they are not entitled! Love the story about Baby Five.
Thanks, Jeanie.
Stay safe.