A Taste of Spring
This morning might have been one of, if not, the coldest mornings all winter. But by midday the sun was blazing in a blue sky andthe sun was warm.
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I went outside to trim up the butterfly bush before Phyllis was right and spring arrived. Well since I was out, I needed to take fresh water to the ladies along with some kind of snack. As soon as I opened the door, Phyllis bolted. She is done being in the complex with those others.
She went in and out so I did not want to contain her and I always want there to be 2 exits if a door is opened so I opened the side door as well. Everyone fluffed out thinking there was grass and found themselves trapped on the bricks.
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I went back to work and tried to renege to keep an eye on things as I worked. A short while letter I turned around and caught Phyllis in full explorer mode. Check it out.
A short time after I took this. Phyllis headed towards me and the house. Bear in mind there are no melted pathways, just Phyllis walking about on the snow. Next thing I know she is at the backdoor and Mrs BY Bob is inviting her in. After a stay of about 30 min, I went in and suggested it was time she came back out. When she did come out, she did not go back to the coop but rather hung out on the deck.
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By this time I was done with my busy trimming but I could not leave Phyllis alone without the protection of the flock. I would feel better if Hattie was there to keep eyes peeled for danger. Plus, a little black hen on a white background just screams eat me Mr. Hawk.
What to do.........
First, I dug a little pathway back to the coop hoping the others would come join her. No luck.
Meanwhile Phyllis was thirsty. She found a source of melted water that had some good extra flavor and seasoned it more with her feet.
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Phyllis did decide to try out my new pathway to see if it would enhance her exploration.
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She showed no indication of wanting to go back in.
What to do................
Did I say the sun was warm? My solution.
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I grabbed a book, a cup of coffee, and I was back in my chair!
Phyllis came over to visit and to eat some of grass that was exposed under the footrest which she had discovered on her first walkabout.
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Before long Sydney realized that something was up. Unfortunately, I did not shovel a clear path to the coop. That did not stop Sydney as she is a bird.
Flap flap flap flap flap!
There was Sydney on the path. Purple corn was her reward. I think Sydney is exceptionally beautiful against the snow.
Time for the photo shoot.
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The rest of the crew was just not interested in coming to see me but I was able to watch them. Aurora started me down several times.
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Eventually dust baths were had and Lilly took a nap on the porch in the sun.
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Phyllis continued to roam the yard, even venturing out onto our frozen pond. Choosing to climb the snow drift on the middle of it.
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Phyllis had herself another day and I enjoyed myself reading and visiting with them. A great time was had by all.......... except Aurora who missed the party because she wouldn't walk on the snow.