|
|
| Gray Catbird (click to enlarge) |
Bird
Guestbook It all started when I was outdoors talking to my neighbor. “Did
you seethe catbird?” she said, “He always shows up on Mother’s Day weekend.” I had
seen the catbird, but I had no idea that he had an ETA. I have a hard enough time remembering my cell phone
number let alone when the birds
are arriving, but this intrigued me. So being the “I love details”
person thatI am, I went out and bought a spiral notebook and started keeping track ofthe birds I saw in my yard.
I decided to go all out. I drew columns across the page. Each column represents a type of bird, e.g.
cardinal, chickadee, house sparrow, etc. Each row down represents a date. Almost every day I
list the date and put an X in the column for every bird I see. It’s very easy, takes very little
time and is something I enjoy. My birdfeeder is in my view most of the day as I go in and out so it doesn’t require
time sitting and watching. It has been fun. I’ve learned that the goldfinches usually only show up
to my feeder when it’s above 20 degrees. Nobody shows up when the Cooper’s Hawk is around! A
guestbook can be as simple as you like. Use a journal type book and make an entry when you see something
interesting. This is a great time to get started on a guestbook as the winter birds are probably
still around but the migrating birds will be coming very soon! This is also a fun way to introduce
children to birds. You will be surprised how many varieties you actually see in your yard.
Next spring you can impress the neighbor!
|
|
| Decked out squirrel nest next door (click to enlarge) |
New
Look in the Neighborhood This winter we have enjoyed watching the squirrels run along our fence carrying
mouthfuls of stuffing from our
neighbor’s yard. We are assuming the neighbors
have a mattress there for the kids to jump on…well they
won’t be jumping on
much this summer! The other day I happened to look up…then I started
looking
around. Sure enough the squirrel nests in the neighborhood have the “pillowtop”
look this year. (see photo above)
I would love
to hear about your backyard observations.
Use the form below to send a comment or question.
If you would like to
be notified when the new issue
of Calico Woman is available please send me your email address.
 |
|
5 Bird Steps
to Spring 1. The Cardinals start singing 2.
The Red-winged Blackbirds are back 3. The Robins arrive 4.
The Juncos leave 5. The Catbird arrives on Mother’s Day …and spring is here!
Reader Response to February’s “Hey Bird, What Are You Doing Here: I had
one reader report that she had a White-throated Sparrow this winter and she lives in Cheboygan, MI. Now
that’s north!
|
