From the U.S. Fish & Wildlife website: Click on the underlined words for links to more information. Please keep in mind that I am posting this 9/20/25. As of today, all these links work and will connect you to further information However, as we all know, right now, our federal government is changing rapidly and […]
With the merger of the American Ornithologists’ Union (AOU) and the Cooper Ornithological Society (COS), the American Ornithological Society was formed. From their website at americanornithology.org: The American Ornithologists’ Union (AOU) was founded in 1883 out of concern for bird conservation and interest in developing the field of ornithology in North America. Early AOU efforts led to […]
This is a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and although we are well within this bird’s spring and summer range and we do have a habitat it likes – brushy woods and water – it is rare that we see or hear one in our yard. And here is one saying “Howdy-do!” to us right on our deck. […]
– Light: Full to part sun. Prefers full sun. The less sun, the less this plant will bloom. I have four in my garden. Two are in full, unrelenting sun and bloom profusely. The other two are in full morning sun for about 6 hours, then shaded the rest of the day. They bloom well, […]
– Light: Full to part sun. – Soil and water: Medium-dry to dry average garden soil. – Hardiness Zone: Zones 3-8. – Size: About 2 feet tall. Will lean towards the sun and might sprawl. If you want this plant to always stand straight and tall, consider using a plant support. – Bloom period and color. Deadheading. Blooms blue/purplish […]
I was not quick enough to get a photo – probably because I was rooted to the spot. But a few minutes ago, I was looking out the window at the bird feeders and a Blue Jay was drinking, then taking a bath in the larger bird bath. When all of a sudden, a bird […]
Thanks to all of you who have been sending me photos and videos. I love looking at all of them. Here are a few: This first photo is from Janelle in Alaska. It is a Ptarmigan, but as I have never been to Alaska (ALAS!!!!!!), I am only guessing when I say it is a […]
We human beings who love animals are often tempted to see or to assign human characteristics in them or to them, and there are experts/professionals who deplore this practice. It is called ‘anthropomorphism’ which means humanizing those who are not human – in this case birds. However, I am not in agreement with these experts/professionals. […]
Before I discuss online field guides, bird apps, and field guide books, I will tell you what I prefer – field guides that are books. Keep in mind, this is a personal preference and I think it is partly a generational thing. I lived part of my life before cell phones and the internet. I […]
Journaling. There is a big push for journaling these days. Classes are being offered just about everywhere. Everything from scrapbooking to having a beautifully bound notebook in which to write. But as most of you know – journaling is not new at all. Ever since people invented materials to write on and with, they have […]