It’s a cozy morning here in the house as I awake to a very frosty and icy late February morning – further convincing me that February and March got mixed up on our weather calendar! I took a quick walk outside to get the bird feeders filled and operating after that heavy layer of ice coated them. The birds will […]
For the Birds
Sensing Spring
An installment of For the BirdsIt’s only February, but are you sensing signs of spring? I think we all are – and the birds are as well. By this time, we all probably are getting itchy for spring, thus our “sensing spring” comes even easier! Besides a mostly mild winter that we are experiencing, there are several signs of spring that reveal themselves regardless of […]
October beauty continues
An installment of For the BirdsOctober has dealt us with a couple of waves of cold rainy weather, which is normal. However, October has given us even more wonderful days to enjoy its traditional beauty! The trees seem to be giving us some of the most beautiful foliage that we have had in years. The maples are so vibrant with their red, orange, and golden […]
Come to the NYS Bluebird Society Fall Annual Meeting
An installment of For the BirdsBelieve it or not – but the new bluebird nesting season begins in about six months, which at first seems kind of far away; however, evaluating the season that just finished and preparing now for the next bluebird season is important … and that early spring bluebird season will be here before we know it! Saturday, Oct. 22 will be […]
Summer – Fall transition is great
An installment of For the BirdsWhat a great time of year as the lingering summer weather blends together with the rapidly approaching fall season – one that is the preferred season for so many people. I like all seasons, and the change of seasons is also neat, but I do enjoy the more comfortable fall weather in which to do several outdoor projects. Changing seasons […]
One Year Later …
An installment of For the BirdsWell, it’s one year later since I wrote my column about my 90-year-old mother who had inspired me so much throughout my childhood and beyond – and even now. You may recall that about a month before her 90th birthday (Aug. 25), she became ill last summer with metastatic breast cancer 18 years after having survived breast cancer. She hadn’t […]
Say good-bye to some summer favorites
An installment of For the BirdsAs the month of August marches along swiftly, the sunsets are earlier, school activities are starting up, nights are cooler, and signs of the approaching fall appear. Now, add to that, the slow-but-sure exodus of several bird species from our region as migration begins. Certain species begin their migration in August and some may linger into September … and maybe […]
Prime nesting season is now!
An installment of For the BirdsJune is considered the overall prime nesting month for most of the birds. Paying attention to the various birds in your yard or nearby park can reward you with some really neat observations, as nesting birds often give us a good look at them as they protect their nests. A great example is the pair of cliff swallows that I […]
God works in mysterious ways
An Installment of For the BirdsThis has been a great spring for the birds with nice weather, which in turn has created favorable nesting conditions. As usual, the time just flies by so fast that it is difficult to take in all of the beauty that unfolds from day to day throughout the spring and into summer. Still, any time spent focusing on nature’s wonders […]
A little respect for woodpeckers
An Installment of For the BirdsIt’s been a beautiful month of May! It’s been great for birding and hiking and walking – and also for doing many outside spring projects and yard work. As much as I enjoy birding in my new retirement lifestyle, I do enjoy tackling many projects in the yard and on the farm. There is always something to do […]