We had our first ice storm (hopefully our last this season, but who am I kidding?). I had filled this feeder less than 24 hours ago. Now it’s nearly empty again, and covered in ice. I don’t recall seeing actual icicles on my feeders before. Hopefully all this seed is helping the birds keep warm. I’m afraid if I went out right now I’d slip and break a leg, so they’re going to have to wait for later before I can provide the refill.
Author Archives for pchemkelly
Reservation for one
Our next door neighbor’s cat, aptly named Bubba, comes to our house regularly and waits at the front door. He is expecting us to give him kibble, and for some reason we actually do. He is not starving by any stretch of the imagination. We should not do this, but we do.
I have started calling him Tubba.
I’m only stunned
I heard a “thunk” at the front window and looked out to see an Oregon Junco sitting on the deck. He (she?) was very still and it was a little bit before I was certain he was still breathing. I went outside and he didn’t move other than to blink at me. I wanted to move him to a safer place, but the first time I started to pick him up he flapped at me – for which I was grateful because it meant everything seemed to be in working order. The second time he stayed calm while I lifted him off the deck. Looking around I decided the best spot was on one of the feeders with a wide base. He sat there calmly for about ten minutes before finally flying off. It did mean I was able to get one good portrait.
Bar-code dragonfly
Super stripes on this dragonfly, who was kind enough to pose near the pond for a while.
Self-sustaining
Our birds planted a sunflower and we let them keep it. This one has begun harvesting the bounty. It’s good to see them taking steps towards independence.
Choices matter
Okay I admit I’ve been lax on refilling the feeders and I will get to that today. One bird chose unwisely and was the face of disappointment. The other was the glutton and would not share with anyone.
Much dragon. So fly.
The dragonflies have returned to our pond and I couldn’t be more delighted. For one, they are a sign of a healthy ecosystem. But they also eat annoying things. And they are terrific models!
