I think they are Cackling Geese and not Canada Geese, but I am not positive. According to allaboutbirds.org, Cackling Geese do migrate through Illinois, but they are ‘Scarce’. National Audubon maps are in agreement that these geese migrate through Illinois, but uses the word ‘Uncommon’. For the past about 5 years, I believe we have […]
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) and Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii). These two species used to be one species – Canada Goose. But in 2004, several of the smaller subspeices of Canada Goose were separated out from Canada Goose and classified as a separate species – Cackling Goose. This was based on two major things. First, […]
In an earlier blog, I told you that our Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Gray Catbirds, and Brown Thrashers are gone – they have begun their migration. We now have Gray Catbirds again – here in our yard. One was ‘meowing’ at me yesterday from a thick tangle of vines near the shore of our small lake. But […]
– Light: Full to part sun. – Soil and water: Medium-wet to medium-dry soil. This plant will let you know when it is thirsty – the leaves will droop – and this will be obvious. In my experience, it is somewhat drought and heat tolerant. Some of mine are planted in a narrow, raised bed in full […]
I have finally found a good place for the hummingbird feeder where you can watch. It is close to the large bird bath so click on the livestream bird bath cam to watch. Unfortunately, we have only seen 4 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in our yard this year. And only 1 seems to be coming to this […]
– Light: Needs full to part sun. – Soil and water: Medium wet to medium dry soil. Avoid wet soils or soils that do not drain well. Fertilizer is not needed and as one of the reasons to add this plant to your garden is to encourage Monarch Butterflies – who use this plant at […]
When I think of plants that are native to many northern states – and thrive – I admit that a cactus never crosses my mind. But in many of our northern states, we do have a cactus that grows well – Prickly Pear Cactus. This genus of cactus (Opuntia) is native in many states east […]
Light: Full to part sun. Soil and water: Average garden soil, but well-drained soil is a must or the plant will rot. Will tolerate some drought. Once it is established, it only needs to be watered if there is a prolonged drought. Hardiness Zone: Zones 4-9. Size: 3-4 ft. tall and spread is 12-18”. If […]
Normally from mid-July until mid-September, there is not as much going on in our yard as in the previous spring and summer months, but this year is an exception. We continue to have a good number of birds at the feeders and bird baths. I am not sure how many House Finch families we had […]
If you have been watching the livestream bird bath cam since May, you will have seen lots of Baltimore Orioles eating, drinking, and bathing. You have probably noticed that in the last week, there were no Baltimore Orioles. We did have at 1 successful nest at our house and 1 at our neighbor’s across our […]