Ruby-throated Hummingbird Playtime

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

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

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

Hummingbirds and Monarchs

While I've planted a lot of flowers and plants that attract pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies at home, my WI garden is much more natural, but equally full of attractive plants. This wild columbine at the woods' edge is a natural attractant, while other native and cultivated flowering plants can be found in the garden. … Continue reading Hummingbirds and Monarchs

What’s In My Door County Garden?

As a gardener, one of the fun things about our new cabin in Door County WI is seeing what is going to come up in the gardens this spring and summer. I love taking a walk around the property to see what's changed since the last time we were there. I know the previous owner … Continue reading What’s In My Door County Garden?

Spring Leeks (aka Ramps)

This past spring while wandering my Door County, Wisconsin woods, the ground was covered with beautiful, light green leaves. I knew it wasn't trout lilies, since the leaves weren't mottled, but I also knew it looked familiar. Without a flower, I wasn't sure what this plentiful plant was. I sent a photo to my expert … Continue reading Spring Leeks (aka Ramps)

Checking On the Bird’s Nests

I was able to get back up to our cabin in Door County sooner than I thought and checked on the Black-capped Chickadees nest in our nest boxes. In my previous post, Who's In My Nest Boxes, I discovered that chickadees had laid their eggs in the boxes intended for bluebirds. In the first … Continue reading Checking On the Bird’s Nests

Fall Mushrooms in Door County, WI

I was surprised to see so many mushrooms on a recent fall trip to Door County, WI. I know many varieties grow well into fall, but with the mild El Ninõ winter we seem to be having, many plants including mushrooms are lasting well past their usual growing seasons. The Coprinus comatus (Shaggy Mane) was the first mushroom … Continue reading Fall Mushrooms in Door County, WI

Fall in Door County, Wisconsin

In addition to going to Northern Michigan for the weekend (Fall in Northern Michigan/Stumbling Upon Club-Mosses), Steve and I made a trip up to Door County, Wisconsin the third week of October. It was definitely peak colors that week and it was spectacular. The day started like this! Sunrise over Lake Michigan. After breakfast, we … Continue reading Fall in Door County, Wisconsin