May 2008
33 posts
Flower Update: My rhododendron is beginning to bloom, and my azaleas have been well underway to blooming for the last week. The pink weigela began blooming yesterday, and there is one bloom on my chives. The flowering quince has been in bloom since last Thursday and is so pretty with its orange blossoms.
Gray Catbird Bathing: Hooray!!! We have a new entry on our bird list! This catbird has been visiting the bird bath for two days now. I got a glimpse of it, but not long enough to take any still shots. So, Drew caught it on video! This bird eats insects and berries, which is why it is not visiting the bird feeder. We’ll have some blackberry bushes in bloom soon, so maybe this bird will hang...
Orioles Eat Grape Jelly: Did you know that orioles enjoy a bit of jelly for a snack? This mated pair were particularly gracious with each other by taking turns at the jelly feeder. (Notice to Laurie’s colleagues & students: YouTube is blocked at school, so you’ll have to view this video elsewhere. Click here to try an alternate source.)
Red Squirrel: This resident red squirrel loves the orange almost as much as the birds. There are frequent squabbles between the orioles and the squirrel, but the orioles always win. (Notice to Laurie’s colleagues & students: YouTube is blocked at school, so you’ll have to view this video elsewhere. Click here to try an alternate source.)
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: This woodpecker loves oranges. He is one of the most regular visitors to our fruit feeder. (Notice to Laurie’s colleagues & students: YouTube is blocked at school, so you’ll have to view this video elsewhere. Click here to try an alternate source.)
Spring Visitors: Colorful birds.
Baltimore Oriole Two-Note Whistle: This is one of...
Robin Call: The first bird calls of the early...
Bird Update: Drew saw a Black-and-White Warbler walking up and down, and all around the maple tree just outside of our kitchen window. I am hoping to get a photo of it soon, although it does keep on the move.
Loon Call: There is nothing more peaceful than...
Loon Update: Our Lone Loon arrived at Caesar Pond today while Drew and Kasha were over at the shore. Kasha was swimming, and the loon didn’t seem bothered by her at all. I hope to get some photos soon. Tree Update: The crabapple tree in the back yard is in full bloom, while the crabapple tree in the front yard is in full leaf, and will soon flower. Both regular apple trees are leafing out...
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: This industrious Yellow-bellied sapsucker male is seen busily excavating a nest hole. While no female companion is in evidence, our redheaded friend seems hopeful of a meaningful relationship in the near future. (Notice to Laurie’s colleagues & students: YouTube is blocked at school, so you’ll have to view this video elsewhere. Click here to try an alternate...
Red Squirrel: A brief look at a cute, but territorial, red squirrel. Listen closely for a variety of vocalizations. (Notice to Laurie’s colleagues & students: YouTube is blocked at school, so you’ll have to view this video elsewhere. Click here to try an alternate source.)
Bird Update: Baltimore Orioles have arrived along with the Red-breasted Grosbeaks. The oriole flew immediately to the hummingbird feeder seeking nectar. Drew nailed half an orange to a tree which became instantly popular with the oriole, although I believe the orioles would prefer a dedicated oriole feeder (with the same sugar water combo we give to the hummingbirds). Drew will look for one next...
Hummingbird Alert: Drew saw the first Ruby-throated Hummingbird of the season this evening. That cheeky little bird buzzed around a Red-breasted Grosbeak at the seed feeder. We need to prepare the hummingbird food tonight and put it out tomorrow (boil 4 cups of water: 1 cup sugar).
Paddle on the Pond: This afternoon I took a quick paddle on the pond. Drew installed a new cushioned kayak seat for me, and I just had to try it out. I saw 4 mallards and our resident osprey flying about. In fact, I paddled up to “Kasha’s Island” (just offshore of the dock) and scared up a mallard that might have been sitting on a nest. I did a quick turn-around so as to leave it...
Bird Update: This is the first day that I have seen swallows swooping hither and yon on the pond. The temperature is 47F and the insects are starting to increase in number, so the swallows have lots to eat. I always enjoy observing their actions especially as I kayak on the pond at sunset on a summer’s day…ahhhh…something to look forward to…
Early Blooming Spring Flowers: I love spring flowers so much because they brighten the yard after the starkness of winter. My level of anticipation is great as I wander the yard on a daily basis, peering at each grouping of flower buds that are in varying stages of maturity as they get ready to bloom.
