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Downeast Thunder Farm Logo
  • Home
  • SHOP!
    • Pattern Books
    • Felt Kits
    • Felt Sheets
    • Floss, Needles, Beads, and Wire
    • Wreaths
    • Shabby Chic Owl Kits (New!)
    • Note Cards
  • About
  • BLOG
    • On My Mind
    • On the Farm
    • Odds and Ends
    • In the Kitchen
    • Out and About in Maine
  • Susan’s Free Patterns
    • Susan’s Felt Patterns
    • Susan’s Bird Patterns
    • Susan’s Critter Patterns
    • Susan’s Sea Life Patterns
    • Susan’s Insect Patterns
    • Christmas and Other Seasonal Felt Patterns
    • Reader Projects
    • Suggest a Pattern
  • Susan’s SVG Bird Patterns
  • Contact

Downeast Thunder Farm

Our Little Patch of Woods in Downeast Maine
The Charming Burrowing Owl

The Charming Burrowing Owl

by Susan | Feb 21, 2014 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Owl and Raptor Patterns

This burrowing owl was inspired by a picture snapped by a friend during her recent trip to Florida. I don’t imagine any self respecting burrowing owl would be caught in the this much snow. They’re smart enough to fly south for the winter! Right click here...
The Bountiful Red-wing Blackbird

The Bountiful Red-wing Blackbird

by Susan | Feb 16, 2014 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Perching Bird Patterns

The red-winged blackbird is one of the most abundant birds – found virtually everywhere in the United States. He’s also been very popular in the request list. Enjoy! Right click here and select “Save Target As” (on a PC) to save this free...
The Territorial Eastern Towhee

The Territorial Eastern Towhee

by Susan | Feb 14, 2014 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Perching Bird Patterns

Another snowy day, another project! Eastern Maine may be a little too “east” for the eastern towhee, but he’s such a pretty bird. His distinctive pattern makes it easy to create his likeness from felt. Right click here and select “save target...
The Retiring Boreal Chickadee

The Retiring Boreal Chickadee

by Susan | Feb 9, 2014 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Perching Bird Patterns

The Boreal Chickadee is not as gregarious as it’s cousin, the black-capped chickadee, which we see here daily. The Boreal Chickadee seems shy in comparison and doesn’t seem to enjoy being caught on camera. Right click here and click “save target...
The Gregarious Evening Grosbeak

The Gregarious Evening Grosbeak

by Susan | Feb 5, 2014 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Perching Bird Patterns

If you live anywhere in the northeast, you should probably be home, safe and sound out of the weather today. So what to do with an unexpected snow day? This evening grosbeak is the perfect project. They are year-round residents in Maine, but you’re lucky if you...
The Gentle Northern Flicker

The Gentle Northern Flicker

by Susan | Jan 30, 2014 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Tree Clinging Bird Patterns

When readers suggested that I create a northern flicker, I didn’t know where to begin. Although they’re native to this neck of the woods, I’ve never seen one. With this pattern, you can make a yellow-shafted flicker, found in the east, or a...
The Gaudy Ring-neck Pheasant

The Gaudy Ring-neck Pheasant

by Susan | Jan 19, 2014 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Ground and Game Bird Patterns

One of the most requested birds at Downeast Thunder Farm is, surprisingly not a feeder bird, but a pheasant. After spying one strutting about the edge of our drive the other day, I decided to take a stab at designing it. Their color pattern is quite intricate –...
The Pretty Purple Finch

The Pretty Purple Finch

by Susan | Jan 12, 2014 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Perching Bird Patterns

Not long ago a visitor pointed out that what I thought was a house finch was really a purple finch. So, of course I had to make a felt purple finch. This is the only one I’ve seen on the farm lately! Right click on this link and select “Save target...
Sprightly Tree Sparrow

Sprightly Tree Sparrow

by Susan | Jan 5, 2014 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Perching Bird Patterns

I’ve so enjoyed the tree sparrows who are wintering in our yard. Sprightly with an endearing musical twitter, they have been frequent visitors to the feeders and provide much entertainment. Right click here and select “Save target as” (on a PC) to...
The Precious Pygmy Owl

The Precious Pygmy Owl

by Susan | Jan 1, 2014 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Owl and Raptor Patterns

I ventured into this work of creating bird patterns three years ago with my Downeast Thunder Farm owl family of ornaments. So, it seems appropriate that my first pattern of 2014 be another owl. Although no self respecting pygmy owl would be found in Maine – especially...
Happy House Sparrow

Happy House Sparrow

by Susan | Dec 29, 2013 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Perching Bird Patterns

The house sparrow seems to be everywhere. Lately he’s been a frequent visitor to my feeders. In his honor, I’ve created him out of felt. Right click on this link and select “Save Target As” to save this house sparrow pattern to your computer...
The Curious Scrub Jay

The Curious Scrub Jay

by Susan | Dec 19, 2013 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Perching Bird Patterns

My latest bird was inspired by Julie who wrote: My grandfather used to feed the scrub jays peanuts. They would fly in and land all over him-from his head to arms to be fed peanuts in the shells. If he was late feeding them they would peck at his screen and doors. They...
The Spectacular King Eider Duck

The Spectacular King Eider Duck

by Susan | Dec 14, 2013 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Waterfowl and Seabird Patterns

The King Eider is a sea duck prized among hunters. A sighting in this neck of the woods is rare. The male is spectacular with his bright, bold coloring. Our hike last weekend where we spotted a variety of ducks reminded me that this guy was on my “to do”...
The Blue Billed Ruddy Duck

The Blue Billed Ruddy Duck

by Susan | Dec 7, 2013 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Waterfowl and Seabird Patterns

Not long ago, a Mrs. Ruddy wrote and asked me to make a Ruddy Duck pattern. Not being familiar with her namesake, I googled it. Once I saw how fun he was, I knew I had to make him. His blue bill makes him quite unique! Right click here and select “Save Target...
Northern Saw-whet Owl 2013

Northern Saw-whet Owl 2013

by Susan | Nov 30, 2013 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Owl and Raptor Patterns

I first designed a saw-whet owl last year. I was never particularly happy with with the way he turned out. As I was working on my Owl Be Home For Christmas Tree for a local non-profit auction (read more about this here – you can bid on this tree through 6:45...
Simply Sweet Short Eared Owl

Simply Sweet Short Eared Owl

by Susan | Nov 23, 2013 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Owl and Raptor Patterns

This short-eared owl’s heart-shaped face makes her appear simply sweet. Right click here and select “Save Target As” to save this free Short-eared Owl pattern to your computer (on a PC). Purchase a complete kit with expanded instructions to make this updated...
The Beguiling Boreal Owl

The Beguiling Boreal Owl

by Susan | Nov 15, 2013 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Owl and Raptor Patterns

You won’t find the boreal owl in the woods of Maine, but as I work my way through patterns for owls (my favorite birds to design) I couldn’t pass up making this little guy. So, to the ladies in Alaska who brought him to my attention, thank you and enjoy! Right click...
The Elegant Trumpeter Swan

The Elegant Trumpeter Swan

by Susan | Nov 9, 2013 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Waterfowl and Seabird Patterns

A reader recently requested a trumpeter swan – the first such request I’ve received. I loved the idea and had fun coming up with the design for this double-sided felt swan ornament. I think he turned out quite nice! Right click here and select “save...
The Tiny Elf Owl

The Tiny Elf Owl

by Susan | Nov 3, 2013 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Owl and Raptor Patterns

This little elf owl is among the tiniest of owls. You’re not likely to see one in Maine, but Hannah and I fell in love with the sweet Gylfie elf owl from the Guardians of Ga’Hoole movie. Right click on this link and select “Save target as” (on...
Spiffy Barn Swallow

Spiffy Barn Swallow

by Susan | Oct 27, 2013 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Swift and Swallow Patterns

I’ve read that male barn swallows must always put their best foot forward or the females will move on in search of a new guy. So does that make the females fickle or simply smart to keep those boys on their toes? Either way, a Barn Swallow for you to fashion out...
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Downeast Thunder Farm Owls: Felt Ornament Designs

The Downeast Thunder Farm Owl Book

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downeastthunderfarm

Susan’s life in Coastal Downeast Maine

Another snippet of Saturday’s owl visitor. Look at Another snippet of Saturday’s owl visitor. Look at her puff up and clack her beak at the intruding blue jays. #barredowl #maineowl
Another video snippet from Saturday’s Barred Owl v Another video snippet from Saturday’s Barred Owl visitor. ❤️
#barredowl #pumpkintrellis  #maineowl
More about last evening's barred owl visit. And so More about last evening's barred owl visit. And some of the best owl photos I've been able to capture. Website link is in the bio; search "September Owl" if the post is buried!

https://www.downeastthunderfarm.com/2026/09/september-owl/
#barredowl #maineowl
An unexpected visitor this evening made my summer. An unexpected visitor this evening made my summer. A somewhat shaky video of a Barred Owl as I sat on the ground in the yard for 40 minutes watching her. Now to sort through over 300 photos. ❤️🦉
An afternoon porch snuggle with Murphee. 😊 An afternoon porch snuggle with Murphee. 😊
Lunch and shopping with the best of friends today. Lunch and shopping with the best of friends today. 😊
Deer friends-a mama and two young ones just losing Deer friends-a mama and two young ones just losing their spots.
I finally got out of my own way and created a new I finally got out of my own way and created a new felt bird - a brown creeper. It's been a hot minute! Hope you enjoy this free pattern. You can download it from my website (link in bio) or here: https://www.downeastthunderfarm.com/2026/09/brown-creeper/
The monarch season is over at Downeast Thunder Far The monarch season is over at Downeast Thunder Farm. This weekend I released the last few butterflies to hatch in the little monarch B&B. 32 monarchs raised from caterpillar to butterfly this season. It was a fun and manageable season, if smaller than last year‘s 101 monarchs. I find such  joy in watching this process. Hopefully they are all on their way to Mexico for the winter!
Murphee defending us from a propane tank. 🙄 Murphee defending us from a propane tank. 🙄
A few pics from our September Saturday hike with t A few pics from our September Saturday hike with the pups. What a gift! More here: 
https://www.downeastthunderfarm.com/2026/09/september-saturday-hike/ (Or link in bio).
We had a most unusual experience today - a literal We had a most unusual experience today - a literal invasion of dragonflies. Dozens upon dozens of fully grown dragonflies swept across the yard. It was hard to fully capture the spectacle on video. For about 30 minutes, they filled the air before dispersing as suddenly as they appeared. It was truly amazing!
Working hard on a Friday afternoon. Working hard on a Friday afternoon.
Heron on the marsh this morning. Heron on the marsh this morning.
Hannah- very proud of the first pumpkin cut from t Hannah- very proud of the first pumpkin cut from the vine. The pumpkin she planted as a seed and I tended all summer long. 😉
Monarch photo-bombed by a hummingbird. More pics Monarch photo-bombed by a hummingbird.

More pics on my blog here: https://www.downeastthunderfarm.com/2026/08/photo-bombed-hummer/ Visit bio link to navigate.
I finally had a moment to explore the photos from I finally had a moment to explore the photos from our whirlwind vacation. More on my blog! Visit link in bio or comment.
A hummer watching the sun rise on a foggy morning. A hummer watching the sun rise on a foggy morning. There won’t be many more days of these beauties before the last of them migrate.
After a few days away I arrived home yesterday to After a few days away I arrived home yesterday to butterflies very eager to fly away. When I left, I put flowers in for a food source in the event they hatched while I was gone. A few more to go, and this round of caterpillars to butterflies will be finis.
This morning before I left town on a mini vacation This morning before I left town on a mini vacation. I put the flowers in so there would be food for these newly hatched butterflies until I return home or have Paul release them for me. And I’ve discovered the next round of caterpillars in the tropical milkweed.
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Milbridge, Maine

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