Over the last month or so, a male Ring-Necked Pheasant has taken up residence near Peggy's house in Michigan. He's been visiting the front porch feeder, enjoying the corn she's been putting out for him. Haven't seen a female yet, but maybe they're just shy. By the way, this is a view through the front … Continue reading An Unusual Visitor to Peggy’s Feeders
Category: Nature
Dead Man’s Fingers
As the snow melted, I went out looking for any signs of life to announce spring is coming. While out there, I came across these odd looking things. At first I thought it was something left by Daisy or another animal sometime this winter. After poking at it a bit out of curiosity, it was … Continue reading Dead Man’s Fingers
First Day of Spring in Chicago
As I came home from Northern Michigan on the first day of spring, it was clear I was heading south by the disappearance of snow and the warming temperatures. By the time I arrived home, my car thermometer had risen over 25° into the balmy 50's. Of course, my yard oddly always has the most … Continue reading First Day of Spring in Chicago
Peggy’s Snowflakes
With all the snow that Michigan has received this winter, my mom Peggy decided to try and make something fun out of it. On days that it was warm enough to endure being outside, she experimented with taking pictures of individual snowflakes and came up with some amazing shots. I've always heard that every … Continue reading Peggy’s Snowflakes
Visitors to the Homemade Suet
While I was out there putting the new homemade suet in the feeder, I heard, and then finally found a Flicker in the neighbor's yard. I haven't seen him at my suet feeder yet, but I hope he comes to visit. In the meantime, the last couple of days I've seen Chickadees, a Downy Woodpecker, … Continue reading Visitors to the Homemade Suet
Homemade Suet Cakes
I was at my favorite local butcher shop (Prime-N-Tender Meats) the other day, and asked if they had any suet I could have to make homemade suet cakes for the birds. They went in the freezer and came out with this bag containing a big bag of fatty glop. I'm not really sure what I … Continue reading Homemade Suet Cakes
Angel Wings in the Snow
Of all the tracks in the snow this winter, I have been the most fascinated by the ones that look like angel wings. Every so often in the newly fallen snow, I've found soft little wing-like brush marks. Are they from birds dancing? Showing off for a potential mate? Or just stretching in the sun? … Continue reading Angel Wings in the Snow
Trips Down Memory Lane
One of the things I've really enjoyed while blogging is having my memory jogged by reading other blogs. For example, reading about lichens and mushrooms on another site brought back memories of when I was in high school and my family went to a huge Audubon gathering in the Allegheny State Park called the Allegheny Nature … Continue reading Trips Down Memory Lane
Blustery Day
I felt a little like Winnie the Pooh yesterday. Oh the wind is lashing lustily And the trees are thrashing thrustily And the leaves are rustling gustily So it's rather safe to say That it seems that it may turn out to be It feels that it will undoubtedly It looks like a rather blustery … Continue reading Blustery Day
Great Backyard Bird Count
Great Backyard Bird Count February 14-17, 2014 Since 1998, birders of all kinds have come together for a four day bird count in February. Counting birds at the same time every year provides a snapshot into the overall health of bird populations around the world. Years ago as a service project, my Girl Scout Troop … Continue reading Great Backyard Bird Count