Saturday, February 23, 2013

The Obama Administration just announced it would protect 11 million acres of the Western Arctic, in an area called the National Petroleum Reserve, from drilling. This was probably a trade-off  for the Keystone XL pipeline. We'll see. It's good to see some protection occurring anyway! Say thanks to the President! http://sc.org/Arctic_victory

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Crocuses!

I am always excited when these lovelies work their way through the leaves and other debris to emerge and bloom. They are like a breath of fresh air after being in winter mode for two months or more. Now I am ready to plan my yard for spring. Time to head to the nursery and pick out new plantings for 2013! Tomorrow I will prune my forsythias and bring in many of the cut branches which will bloom inside before the weather warms up enough for the ones outdoors to bloom. Another touch of spring to help keep me positive. These short days are hard...but I've noticed the longer days, a few minutes each day,  giving me a little longer to be outside.

Saturday, February 2, 2013

Hungry birds

This winter, hungry birds have kept me busy filling feeders every day. I fill them each morning, and must bring some in at night so as to not find them torn open and emptied by, I'm guessing, raccoons. We do have flying squirrels that come out at night, but in winter? I'm not an expert, so not sure. I have seen the raccoons. I do have grey squirrels during the day, but have a pretty good handle on most of them. Don't worry, they get fed too. This nuthatch was taking his/her turn at the suet. Woodpeckers enjoy it also, but they are harder for me to catch in a picture. This brand new suet block had been out only about 2 hours when the picture was taken. I put some mix seed out, but mostly black-oil sunflower. That is the favorite among my bird clientele. That and the suet. Might have to start making my own!