Barbie Perkins-Cooper, Author

Tag: wildlife

  • Where Are the Geese?


    Dearest Readers:

    Today, I awoke to glance outside to see IF our geese have returned. We haven’t seen them on our property this week in the country. Now I am suspicious. These two geese we named Romeo and Juliet were always here, so close together they were almost attached. Sort of like my hubby, Phil, would like us to be — attached. No thank you, I’ve always said. Don’t smother me. Give me my space.

    Romeo and Juliet would arrive early morning, landing quietly in the pond to swim. Then, they would walk along the meadows and eat corn from the deer feeder. I watched Romeo stretch his neck on the feeder, spinning out some corn. Then, sweet little Juliet would join him and side-by-side, they would have breakfast together. During the afternoon, they would do the same.

    Now since the murders of 70 geese in the West Ashley Village Green neighborhood, I suspect those two precious geese, Romeo and Juliet, could’ve been at that site. If so, no doubt, they were murdered. Grown geese and ducklings too. Why?

    Village Green is a neighborhood I would never consider living in. Why? Simple. They don’t like wildlife. Over 70 geese would swim and rest along the pond. Residents looked for them when they walked around the neighborhood. Now? The geese are gone. The HOA said the geese were a nuisance. That’s just another reason why I don’t believe in the power of HOA’s.

    Nuisance? Oh. Please! Fireworks are a nuisance. Speeding cars driving dangerously in a neighborhood where children ride their bikes and play in the roads are a nuisance. And, let’s not forget those nosey neighbors who gossip and get drunk while standing in the roads too! Nuisance???

    I admit it. I miss the geese. I was hopeful soon we would see some geese ducklings. Now, I doubt it. We do have ducklings I believe they are mallard ducklings. I’ve counted at least 18 ducks yesterday. They are so comical. When I go outside, they rush away, rushing into a parade of swimming ducklings getting out of my way. They shouldn’t worry at all. I would never harm them. I love watching them swimming around the pond. My Serenity Oasis pond is a blessing for nature, especially the ducklings.

    I still look outside, hopeful to see Romeo and Juliet. Reportedly, the geese at Village Green were captured in the night and euthanized, then they were given to a food bank. I suppose I’ll keep my opinion about those dinners to myself!

    After I heard about the euthanizing of 70 geese I was furious so I reported the situation to PETA. Will they read my email? Will they respond?

    I suppose you, the reader, should read the story about the geese. When Romeo and Juliet resided along our pond, they were welcomed and I believe they felt welcome. Whenever I walked or drove by them, I would say Hello, Romeo and Juliet, enjoy your day.

    Now, I can’t do that. I’m angry and ever so sad. Perhaps I’ll walk around the pond area to see if I can find a goose feather. Whatever happened to Romeo and Juliet, and the 70 geese, was wrong. Life is to be cherished, not taken away like a cult group would do. I miss Romeo and Juliet!

    https://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/dozens-of-geese-euthanized-after-they-were-quietly-removed-from-west-ashley-neighborhood/

  • Hurricane Isaias


    Dearest Readers:

    This will be a short post, due to getting the house ready, in the event the hurricane strengthens. So many people freak out when a hurricane targets their area. As for me, I survived Hurricane Hugo. Hurricanes are lots of rain, wind and destruction. I’m certain I can survive this one. My fear is worrying about the wildlife that come to eat dinner in our pasture. Will they be AOK?

    At the moment, we have 12 geese in the front yard. TWELVE! The most we’ve had before was nine. Then seven. A few days ago, only six. Today, I suppose they shared hey, follow us. We know where there is food and we are always welcomed.

    Silly geese. Yes, their feathers are always left behind, and they can make a mess. I feel God provided us this new home in the country with five acres of land, including a large pond, for a reason. Maybe it’s to help the wildlife. All of the geese. WE had baby raccoons, although I haven’t seen them in over three weeks. Every afternoon, we see the deer. Fawns. So far, we’ve counted four fawns! We must not forget the fish in our pond. Catfish. BIG catfish! Brem. Baby fish. Bass. And of course, those precious turtles. We have several baby turtles too. They are so funny. They will not come near me until they hear me singing. All of the wildlife on our property LOVE to hear me sing! Isn’t that funny!

    Did I mention I found a baby frog in the trash can inside earlier. When I tried to catch him, he jumped away. Now, he’s inside. Just where inside is the question? A baby frog inside my home? What’s next? Deer or fawns ringing the doorbell?

    That philosophy definitely proves to me that animals, including wildlife, love doorbells and music. Years ago, when my precious Sir Shakespeare Hemingway (my beautiful schnauzer) was alive, he loved to hear me sing! Every time I rehearsed a song, he would sit nearby and look up to me — to watch and hear me singing. When I stopped singing, he tapped my leg with his paw, as if to say don’t stop. I love to hear you sing! How I loved when he watched me. I certainly miss him.

    Now, with Corona virus, Covid-19, I no longer sing. There are bars that provide live music and karaoke, however, I am not willing to use anyone else’s microphone. Now, I sing at home, or in the car. Still, I’ve quarantined myself.

    I suppose I should end this post for today to see what is the latest with Hurricane Isaias.

    Here’s the latest. https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/2020-08-03-hurricane-warning-tropical-storm-isaias-forecast-east-coast

    We are definitely staying. Perhaps I’ll cook crab legs for dinner. Yummm. Can’t wait for them! And so, the waiting begins! Reportedly, Hurricane Isaias will arrive in the night. Oh well. I have several books to read!

  • Our First Wildlife Loss On Golden Serenity Oasis Pond


    Dearest Readers:

    Earlier, I walked down my long winding road to the mailbox. As I walk, I always stroll a bit by the pond, then take my time headed to the mailbox. I saw something in the pond. Something I’ve never seen before. Its head looked the shape of an alligator. I threw a stick, to see if it would move to realize that if it was a gator, he might chase me and I can’t run now. Not with the back fracture! The “gator” didn’t come after me! After collecting the mail, I returned to the animal in my pond. Phil was taking a nap, so I waited until he woke up, telling him I think we might have an alligator in the pond.


    We walked towards the pond. Phil, as always, directing me not to get too close. I laughed. “Heck, you’re late. I threw a stick by it when walking.”


    He grabbed a stick and tapped the “gator.” It didn’t move, so he chose to move it.
    No. It wasn’t an alligator. We’ve had our first wildlife loss. At first, we thought it was a cat. Of course, the soft-hearted Barbie found tears slipping down her face. “We must bury it and have a service for it.”


    We found a spot underneath a tree. Phil gathered the “gator/cat” and we buried it recognizing it was not a cat, but a raccoon. A male raccoon. You don’t want to know how I know it was a male. Ladies, just use your imagination! Maybe I was a bit too curious!


    At least he will rest underneath a tree. I suspect he drowned in the pond. So sad.
    Rest in peace, little Racy Raccoon.

  • Pismo Beach, CA…A “Go To” Getaway Destination


    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    December 30, 2014
    Media Contact:
    Ann Flower Communications
    Ann@annflowerpr.com

    Pismo Beach: 10 Top Reasons to Visit in the Cooler Months
    (PISMO BEACH, CA) – With mild temperatures year-round, anytime is a good time to visit Pismo Beach, and winter is no exception. A jewel of the Central Coast with miles and miles of uninterrupted beaches, scores of oceanfront hotels and resorts to choose from, a world class wine region minutes away, and hiking through the spectacular scenery of the Santa Lucia mountains, Pismo Beach deserves its reputation as a ‘go-to’ getaway destination.

    A few of the reasons winter is still “prime time” in Pismo Beach include:

    Monarch Butterfly Grove – November through February
    Each year thousands of vibrant Monarch Butterflies flock to Pismo Beach, seeking shelter from the freezing northern winters. From late October to February, the butterflies cluster in a grove of Eucalyptus trees at the Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove, just 3 minutes from downtown. The Pismo colony is one of the largest in the nation, hosting an average of 25,000 of these enchanting butterflies each winter.

    Wine Tasting
    Leading from the center of downtown Pismo Beach, scenic Price Canyon Road meanders a few short miles through the neighboring Santa Lucia range to the pastoral Edna Valley. An officially recognized American Viticulture Area, Edna Valley is most well known for its Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. Wine tasting rooms vary from tucked away converted barns to impressive contemporary structures, but the common thread is a warm and welcoming attitude. Standouts in the region include Center of Effort, Claiborne & Churchill Vintners, Tolosa Winery, Wolff Vineyards, Kynsi Winery, Sextant Winery, Edna Valley Vineyard, Saucelito Canyon Vineyard and Chamisal Vineyards. Other nearby wine producing areas that offer tasting opportunities are the Avila and Arroyo Grande Valleys, as well as Paso Robles. Within Pismo Beach itself, several businesses offer the chance to sample locally-grown vintages, including Tastes of the Valleys, a wine bar and store with up to 700 wines offered by the glass; San Liege Wines showcasing the talent of Curt Schalchlin and his wines made from Central Coast sourced fruit; and Vino Versato, pouring a selection of 35-40 wines by the glass while also serving as the tasting room for several local wineries, and featuring live entertainment.

    Pismo State Beach
    Spanning an impressive 17 miles, the wide open and pristine sands of Pismo State Beach extend southward from the Pismo Beach Pier to the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge in the distance. Offering opportunities for long walks, surfing, swimming, kayaking, fishing, camping and even horseback riding, the opportunities for outdoor recreation as well as the views are endless.

    Hiking
    Winter brings ideal temperatures for tackling the varied terrain and variety of hiking options available in and near Pismo Beach. Right in town, take it easy on the Shell Beach Bluff Trail, a wheelchair-friendly paved path overlooking the water, or take the parallel Ontario Ridge Trail with a nearly 700-foot elevation gain. Combine the two for a 3 mile loop that explores the coast between Pismo Beach and Avila Beach. In July 2015, access will be available to the newly acquired Pismo Preserve, which includes 900 acres of open space. With 10 miles of existing dirt roads and single-track trails, many with spectacular ocean views, it will form a vast resource for hikers, as well as cyclists and equestrians.

    Biking
    San Luis Obispo County is considered a mountain biking and street biking paradise, and you can bring your own or rent some wheels right in town. For a coastal tour, bike from Pismo Beach to Avila Beach, traversing a path that wanders through lush landscapes and follows an enchanting stream. Take in the wine country on a 15-mile trek through the Edna Valley AVA, or explore the hills on the region’s many mountain bike trails.

    Birding
    The mild climate of Pismo Beach attracts many over-wintering species, and is home to many year-round bird residents. Pismo State Beach encompasses a variety of habitats for birdlife, providing serious and casual birdwatchers alike with a myriad of choices, from the freshwater lagoon adjacent to the Oceano campground and the Pismo Lake Ecological Reserve to the shore birds found along the beach and dunes. Nearby Montaña de Oro and Morro Bay State Park are also destinations for birding enthusiasts.

    Oceano Dunes
    Recognized by scientists and conservationists as the finest, most extensive coastal dunes remaining in California, Oceano Dunes are located just south of Pismo Beach. For those seeking to inject some adrenaline into their stay, it is also the location of the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area. A popular playground for off-roaders, with 5.5 miles of beach open for vehicle use and the surrounding 1,500 acres of dunes dedicated to off-highway vehicle use, it draws visitors from around the U.S.

    Wildlife Viewing
    Nearby Avila Beach offers opportunities to see California sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters and a plethora of sea birds. Rent a kayak and paddle the calm waters of the bay for a closer look at these extraordinary sea mammals, and explore the ecosystems beneath the Harford Pier to view resident anemones, sea stars and barnacles. Pay a visit to the Central Coast Aquarium, steps from the beach, to experience the region’s sea life found beneath the surface. Winter brings migrating Gray Whales, and common and bottlenose dolphins are also always a possibility.

    Shopping
    When a dose of retail therapy is in order, Pismo Beach has just what the doctor ordered. With an impressive lineup of 40 sought after brands, including Aeropostale, Calvin Klein, Coach, Jones New York, Levi’s, Nike, Nine West, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Izod, Guess and Sketchers, among others, the Pismo Beach Premium Outlets has something for practically everyone. Downtown Pismo Beach offers even more opportunities, with a diverse collection of boutiques, surf shops, gift and collectibles markets, and wine stores.

    Hearst Castle
    It may be one of California’s most popular destinations, but the summer months can bring sold out tours and long lines. Winter offers a perfect opportunity to explore the castle and take in some of the more off beat tours such as Cottages & Kitchen, Upstairs Suites and the Evening Tour without the crowds.

    About Pismo Beach, California
    The Classic California beach town of Pismo Beach is located on California’s famous Central Coast, halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles along Pacific Coast Highway and US-Highway 101. Overlooking more than 26 miles of pristine Pacific coastline, enjoy Pismo Beach’s great weather, plethora of outdoor activities, rich wild life and nature preserves, seaport inspired cuisine and fresh farmland produce, downtown wine tasting rooms, and neighboring world class wine producing regions of Edna Valley, Arroyo Grande Valley, Avila Valley, Paso Robles, Santa Maria Valley and Santa Rita Hills. Pismo Beach offers the perfect pairing of Wine & Waves with a truly “Classic California” experience. Pismo Beach is also noted for being one of the most dog-friendly towns in America. See our wide variety of lodging choices accommodating every budget and lifestyle, by visiting ClassicCalifornia.com. Also, join us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest. Media inquiries, please contact John Sorgenfrei at john@tjaadvertising.com or at 805.541-6020.

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