Recreating a native habitat has been a dream of mine since I was about 18. It only took me 20 years, but I finally have two acres of land in the country with which to work (and play). My goal is to document the improvements I make to the property: restoring habitat & attracting birds and butterflies in addition to other wildlife.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Good Day
I got a good bit done today...I worked through lunch (although I did come in and grab a quick snack) --too tired to post about it now. ~smile~ It is a good tired.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
New to Me
This morning, camera in hand (luckily), I strolled the woodland paths. After getting a picture of the male bluebird, a couple chickadees caught my attention. I'm hoping they are checking out the nestbox I put up there.
A little later, I spotted a yellow blur flitting among the branches of a tree. I tried checking it out quickly so I could identify it by memory if necessary, then I lifted the camera and got off three shots--only two with the bird in it...the last shot was of an empty branch. Luckily, the two that I got were clear enough to share...and hopefully ID. I think it is a yellow warbler...not one I've seen before. :) YAY!
I've put in a post at WildlifeGardeners to double check. Anytime I misidentify something, feel free to let me know--hard to believe that I have followers. ~smile~ Nice that others are interested. Thanks.
A little later, I spotted a yellow blur flitting among the branches of a tree. I tried checking it out quickly so I could identify it by memory if necessary, then I lifted the camera and got off three shots--only two with the bird in it...the last shot was of an empty branch. Luckily, the two that I got were clear enough to share...and hopefully ID. I think it is a yellow warbler...not one I've seen before. :) YAY!
I've put in a post at WildlifeGardeners to double check. Anytime I misidentify something, feel free to let me know--hard to believe that I have followers. ~smile~ Nice that others are interested. Thanks.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Visitor at Dusk
After all of the rain we've had...the field behind me is flooded...I finally had a chance to mow the higher grass--first mowing of the year. I mowed the paths, too. :)
In addition to mowing, I worked at creating a large brush pile with fallen dead sumac trees and various other projects throughout the yard. Eventually, I ended up in the hammock as the sun fell below the horizon. Looking up I saw a lone bat swooping at insects. It made me smile. Now I want to look into setting up a bat house.
Even though it is a school night, I still was not ready to go in, and I ended up walking the paths one more time. The bat seemed to follow me and, as I've read about barn swallows, it seemed to be after the insects I must've been kicking up as I strolled.
Oh well, I finally came in...I do have to work tomorrow.
In addition to mowing, I worked at creating a large brush pile with fallen dead sumac trees and various other projects throughout the yard. Eventually, I ended up in the hammock as the sun fell below the horizon. Looking up I saw a lone bat swooping at insects. It made me smile. Now I want to look into setting up a bat house.
Even though it is a school night, I still was not ready to go in, and I ended up walking the paths one more time. The bat seemed to follow me and, as I've read about barn swallows, it seemed to be after the insects I must've been kicking up as I strolled.
Oh well, I finally came in...I do have to work tomorrow.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Bluebird Brood(s) 2011
I finally got a shot of one of the bluebirds. He was perched on the second nestbox...which had only a half-built nest last time I checked. (I guess I never got around to posting those pics.)
The five--count 'em five--eggs (pictured below) were laid in the first nestbox (the one farthest from the house). The third, newly set up box was still empty last time I checked, but I hope the tree swallows will stay and nest there.
Unexpected Amphibian
While looking for signs that the asparagus is coming up in the garden--it's not yet :(, something moved, then jumped. I was very surprised to see a frog (leopard frog, I think)! I guess with all of the rain we've had, it shouldn't be totally unexpected.
I wish I had my pond built so maybe he (or she) might stick around.
I wish I had my pond built so maybe he (or she) might stick around.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Nest Boxes
After seeing bluebird's nests being built in both of the nest boxes, I put up a third one (the one that I took down from a less than ideal place for attracting bluebirds). A short time after setting it up, I saw a female bluebird checking it out. I guess I never posted the pictures of the nests or the new box--like several other posts that I never seem to get around to.
Today, I spotted a tree swallow sticking its head out of the hole of the third, newest box. I actually got a picture this time...though not a great one. :)
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