While I haven't been seeing many Ruby-throated Hummingbirds this year at home, I did have a pair spend the summer at our cabin in Wisconsin. When we were there last time, it was clear that we now had a very noisy family of five hummingbirds. I had no idea they "chipped" so much. This juvenile … Continue reading Ruby-throated Hummingbird Playtime
Category: Nature
“Cardinal Vulture”
I'm sure most of us have seen a turkey vulture, that dark soaring bird with a featherless head. Well, I have a new vulture to add! I was startled earlier this summer by a red bird right outside the family room window that I had not seen before. I saw a spectacular new red bird … Continue reading “Cardinal Vulture”
Where Are the Hummingbirds?
I started wondering this earlier this summer around the same time a friend asked me how long it takes to get Ruby-throated hummingbirds to come to a new feeder. While it does usually take a while to get them to find a new feeder, her question made me realize that it seemed like I was … Continue reading Where Are the Hummingbirds?
I Planted Milkweed…
And the monarchs came! Last fall at our WI cabin, I scattered milkweed seeds from native milkweed that had sparsely grown in what I call the "loop" in the center of the circular driveway. It's a native area anchored by three Hop Hornbeam (Ostrya virginiana) trees. There's lots of advice on how to collect milkweed … Continue reading I Planted Milkweed…
Who’s In the Nest Boxes This Year (2017)?
Last year at our cabin in Door County, WI, I put up two nestboxes and had chickadees nest in both of them (Who's In My Nestboxes). I was hoping for bluebirds, but chickadees certainly are a welcome second choice. I was excited to find out who might use the nests this year, especially since I … Continue reading Who’s In the Nest Boxes This Year (2017)?
A Hidden Sanctuary in Central Park: Hassett Nature Sanctuary
We had some time to pass in NYC a few weeks ago and decided to go to Central Park. Rather than wandering aimlessly, which is easy to do, we checked out a guide for interesting things to do. Up popped the 4 acre Hallet Nature Sanctuary in the southeast corner of Central Park. Perfect! We … Continue reading A Hidden Sanctuary in Central Park: Hassett Nature Sanctuary
Hoping for Bats: Installing a Bat House
I have a love/hate relationship with bats. I find them a bit creepy because they carry rabies and who isn't scared by these nocturnal flying mammals, but I also know they are vital in keeping night flying insects like mosquitoes in check. For now, I'll take my chances with the rabies and opt for … Continue reading Hoping for Bats: Installing a Bat House
Who Knew? Porcupines Climb Trees!
Porcupines are truly odd creatures, and one definitely best watched from afar. Recently at dusk at our place in Wisconsin, one came to visit that provided an evening of entertainment! When he realized we were watching, he headed off towards the woods. They are not the speediest of animals, but in his own lumbering way … Continue reading Who Knew? Porcupines Climb Trees!
Chickadees Are Back in the Nestbox
While I was hoping for bluebirds this year in the nest boxes, this little chickadee popped her head out and seems to be making it her home for the spring. Luckily Steve had his camera handy and could get some pictures of this cute little bird. She was just so entertaining to watch. It was … Continue reading Chickadees Are Back in the Nestbox
Orioles? Fingers Crossed!
I saw on my local Wild Bird Unlimited Facebook page today that Baltimore Orioles have been spotted in the area. I tried to attract them on their spring migration last year but no luck. They are in the area only 4-6 weeks unless they nest nearby. But, last year I was a couple of weeks … Continue reading Orioles? Fingers Crossed!