This year's sap run ramps up
The Fortune Family would like to thank everyone for their condolences and support following the loss of Ray. He would have been surprised by the number of you who have written, called, posted and dropped by the farm. We all appreciate your kindness and for thinking of us at this time.
Run of sap intensifies
The warm weather this week has triggered a tremendous run of sap! Up to this point, we had been gathering sap, but it was not running with much enthusiasm.
The temperature dropped to -8 degrees overnight into Tuesday and then it warmed up to 9 degrees in the afternoon. The sap ran well until 05:00 on Wednesday morning when things froze up again.
We gathered 44,000 litres of sap during this period and boiled through the night to keep up with the flow. We made over 1,000 litres of amber grade syrup with a lovely rich and buttery flavour. After a couple of hours of sleep, we were in the camp as the sap was running again by 10:00 Wednesday morning. Life is good – and we hope the weather continues to cooperate.
Migratory birds at Fortune Farms, Almonte
Every year we welcome the arrival of migratory birds as they return to their summer breeding grounds. Many species are appearing now.
Red shouldered hawks inhabit our maple forests and they have returned every year that we have owned the farm.
These birds require larger blocks of old growth forests to nest successfully.
Red-shouldered hawk (photo Jim Robertson)
We also enjoy hearing the distinctive call of red-wing blackbirds and flocks of geese wheeling overheard – sure signs of spring.
When you work in the forest, the sound of birds adds to the experience!
Red-winged blackbird (photo Jim Robertson)
Red-winged blackbird singing (photo Jim Robertson)
The weather looks ideal for sap flow this weekend and we expect to be very busy again.
The Kettle Boys and Shanty Men will be here and the forest trails are open.
With the melt, conditions range from wet and snowy to muddy and dry. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the conditions!
We are open daily from 10 to 4 and look forward to seeing you!