It's that time of year again! The 22nd Annual Great Backyard Bird Count is this weekend, Friday, February 15, through Monday, February 18, 2019. This is a wonderful citizen science project that helps researchers at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society learn more about how birds are doing, and how to protect them and the environment … Continue reading Bird Count Time
Tag: birds
Who’s in My Nestboxes?
A few weeks ago I wrote about putting up two bluebird nestboxes at our Wisconsin cabin in "Putting Up Eastern Bluebird Nestboxes". I couldn't wait to come back and see who might have moved in! We came back up two weeks later and checked out the boxes. The first one clearly had a new resident, … Continue reading Who’s in My Nestboxes?
An Unusual Visitor to Peggy’s Feeders
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
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
Hidden Nests
I am one of those that snoops gently around in the bushes in the spring looking for those secret nests. But, I'm not usually very successful, so one of the things I love about fall and winter is finding those hidden nests that were so painstakingly made and camouflaged so well. I am always … Continue reading Hidden Nests
Winter Visit to the Morton Arboretum
The other day, before the polar vortex descended into the Chicago area, Steve and I went out for a walk and lunch at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, IL. The Arboretum is a real local treasure where we can always find something interesting every time we visit. Today we walked around one of the very … Continue reading Winter Visit to the Morton Arboretum
Pelicans in Illinois?
We were down at Detweiller Park in Peoria, IL this weekend to watch a huge high school cross country meet. As we were standing around after watching our team race, we noticed a huge flock of birds up in the clear blue sky. First thoughts that were tossed out by people were Sandhill Cranes, Canadian … Continue reading Pelicans in Illinois?
rip pretty little ovenbird
The other morning, right after the kids left for school, I heard an odd, unexpected thud against the front door. I went to investigate, thinking one of the kids had heaved the newspaper up on the porch and hit the door by accident. But, much to my surprise laying on the front step was … Continue reading rip pretty little ovenbird