I have only ever heard the term ‘rogue male’ used in terms of raptors – particularly with Bald Eagles, and Ospreys. The definition from the online Collins Dictionary (British) is any solitary male. Other references add to this simple definition: A solitary male who is acting in an unusual way that is different from the […]
My husband Cleon and I set aside each Monday morning for an hour drive to Springfield – a city area of about 125,000 people and the capital of Illinois. Lots of big stores. And home to Lulu’s – our favorite diner. We always begin our morning of errands with a great breakfast, a whole lot […]
Cleon and I have to get up early these days to spend time in the garden. Neither of us are as tolerant of heat and humidity as we once were. But this morning was simply beautiful. Clear blue sky, only a slight breeze and at 7AM, it was 53ºF. About 8AM, I spent some time […]
Continuing from my last post: Janelle lives here in central Illinois and showed me this video on her phone. I was simply amazed! She lives at the end of a cul-de-sac in a small town. Her house sits on top of a steep hill of grass and prairie plants that she mows. At the bottom […]
Everything you do in your yard affects all the creatures that live there: birds, insects, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, plus every organism that lives underground. And that includes making the decision to feed birds, provide a bird bath, add nesting boxes, create new gardens, or even adding a patio. Should you not do those things because […]
This is a great place for watching Sandhill Cranes – up close and personal! And take a good look because there will probably be a few Whooping Cranes mixed right in. Wheeler NWR is one of my favorite places for birds. Cleon and I have been here before and have always seen quite a few […]
Late in August a frequent customer came in to the Native Plant Center. I was all set to commiserate with her about what a rough summer it had been for gardeners and gardens alike – too hot and humid, no rain – when she exclaimed, “My garden was so alive this summer!” I was confused […]
If you have been watching the livestream, you know it has been cold – really cold. We have already had several nights in single digits. Several of the past days have been completely overcast. But this morning, it was simply gorgeous. Beautiful blue sky, no clouds, only a light breeze. Three more of our winter […]
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 […]
It is crop dusting time. Cleon shot a video this morning and I have posted it – go to the menu and click on Videos (I have more to say about crop dusting when talking about the video). I agree with him – these pilots are fearless – total daredevils. We have watched them fly […]