Although since I started my restoration project I've had many encounters with wildlife, lately I seem to be saying to myself, "It's happening!" A couple of weeks ago, I was walking the paths of my field (and future wildflower meadow)...and although I still have mugwort and crownvetch invading areas, while walking the upper section, it
seemed that it was predominantly natives--though mostly various goldenrod species that have filled in on their own. I know I have a long way to go, but being able to walk most paths and not be bored by monocultures of non-natives is a huge step forward. It
is starting to happen.
I know I've been quiet. I can't quite explain it. However, I have been doing things to improve the property, and I've witnessed a fair share of wildlife. Each time, I think I'll post, but never seem to get around to it. What shocked me the most was that I didn't post yesterday about the "walking stick" insect I spotted (on the screen of a window outside). I think too many photos are taken on my new smart phone, and I've yet to figure out how to access them on the computer without e-mailing them to myself.
So, what prompted this post? This morning, I overslept. Well, I had no obligations/appointments, so I guess I just slept in--until almost 10:00! I guess I really needed it, as I doubt I got 8 hours of sleep more than a half-dozen times all summer! (I go back to school--work--in a couple of days.) I'm glad I did (oversleep).
I'd left the window open all night, and had a fan running, but I could still hear birds outside the window this morning--a resident catbird, but, when I went to shut the window, I saw three unusual looking, gawky birds. It didn't take me long to figure out that they were fledglings--well, juveniles really. But, what kind? My first thought was juvenile Baltimore orioles--since I know they nested here this spring. The second thought, after seeing the pictures, was rose-breasted grosbeaks. That is what I think they are, but please correct me if I've misidentified them.
Keep in mind, the photos were taken through
two double-paned windows.
(I just have to add, I used a feature of my smart phone that allows me to use its voice-recognition Google search--I said clearly, "Images of juvenile rose breasted--" then got tongue-tied, and made some guttural sounds. To my surprise, it pulled up "rose breasted grosbeak". I've had a "dumb phone", as Jeff calls them, for years...so the smart phone is still new and amazing to me.)
Oh...I almost forgot: just a short distance away, where I'd added another nesting box, I spotted this squirrel! Normally, I only see them in the winter when they are attracted to the sunflower seed, I put out.
I love the idea that, where ever I look, I spot wildlife, nature in action, and my beloved native plants in their various seasons of beauty. It really feels like it is happening!
