Happy Harvest Blog
Party on the new bird feeder
I was very surprised. It took *hours* for the chickadees to discover the new bird feeder. And then, it was only one, who hogged that knowledge and had exclusive access for days. Finally the grosbeaks made the discovery, and brought their drama to the squirrel-proof swivel bird feeder. There was a great deal of open beaking at each other, hustling the prime perch on the arms, and squatting inside in the feed pile.
magical christmassy snow
There was an unexpected veil of snow settled on everything yesterday (I wasn’t expecting it). It was warm, too, and that kind of snow that falls in huge, feathery flakes gets heavy. Awful to drive in. It’s very hard on my bird protection. Surprise, no birds are outside! I have to untether the netting when it snows like this and drop it down inside the fence. I’ve learned to tie quick release knots, so it’s not much slower than walking around the garden. Then I hoist it back up when it melts.
Suet woodpecker
The woodpecker was so absorbed in the new dish at the buffet that he let me get quite close to him/her. Then, GAH! I didn't see you there. The suet looks like I'm about to camp-toast some bread. The new floor chips caused consternation this morning. I dropped the Silkie ramp and all the hens came pouring out as always, then erkk! Put the brakes on partway down the ramp, staring down at the chips I'd liberally sprinkled around before opening them.
Cold hiatus
We had snow and cold for several days - -10C cold, and it seems like that's here a little early. It's the kind of cold that you're not ready for: don't have the right coats or sweaters at hand, can't find the good socks, and it feels horribly bitter and assaulting, even though I know I've laughed at much much colder numbers. You get used to the cold, preferably incrementally, when winter eases in its arrival. Two years ago today I was pulling carrots.
This hat sees a lot of action
I was quietly working, when there was a bird-window thump, on the north window. No one ever flies into the only, small, north window, and it's not shielded. Not a terrible, dire, sickening thump, but I thought I should check, anyways. There was a chickadee under the window, motionless, wings splayed awkwardly, beak and eyes open, feet clutching a chunk of the brown leaves that it fell on. It went straight into the hat. All birds in trouble around here get the hat treatment.
Window protection saves wild bird
I had a bird finally test the bird protection window screens I'm so proud of. I happened to be inside to see a bird fly straight into the window. I'm quite sure it was a young robin. There are two being attended by frazzled moms right in the vicinity of the house, and one overactive and very friendly baby woodpecker that's always on top of us - very cute. But this wasn't the woodpecker, it was a substantial dark bird, so I'm sure a robin.
BIRDHOUSE FACTORY
I allowed myself to have a part of a day where I just did something that I just wanted to do, instead of needed to be done (like solar re-wiring, or boundary maintenance). And it was even more glorious than imagined. made three flower boxes, and seven birdhouses, although I didn't get to any decorative ones, just the robust functional ones the birds actually use. They're headed for the garden fence posts, etc. Probably too late for this year's nesters, but who knows. Spring birdhouse maintenance is going to become a day project. I saw a tree swallow!
Unexpected visitors
I was shifting recycling at the house door when there was suddenly a great flapping of wings. And then 20' away on our path, there was a young duck couple! So cute! She's so very well disguised. They were obviously young, obviously, a couple, and so confused, wonking away. wonk. wonk? wonk! Why did they land right here? I know the paths are just big long puddles these day. They pattered back and forth, following each other around, and then, woosh! They burst back into the air.
Nuthatchling
There was an itty bitty bird, hopping along in the duff.Because it allowed me to, I reached out and picked it up. I thought at first it was a chickadee, but the way it grabbed on my hand indicated a woodpecker.Then I noticed the tip of its beak was all gummed up, and I picked and pulled at that. I think it was sap, full of dirt.
Instagram.
I may not make a blog post every day, but at least I Insta.
Bite size.
