December Snow 2013

The neighbors were treated this morning to the sight of me in my big fluffy robe, sweep-shoveling a pathway to the grass for Indy. We have at least 7 inches on the ground and the snow is still coming down hard enough to wet my hair and dampen my shoulders as I worked. It's a beautiful wet heavy snow, coating trees and bushes like frosting on a gingerbread house. Perfect for Christmas.

When I finished shoveling, I filled the bird feeder with seed. It's hard for my little feathered friends to find food when snow is this deep. But not to worry. Dozens of them are currently enjoying a smorgasbord breakfast.

I hoped to finish up my Christmas shopping today, but looks like plans will be postponed for a while. So I'll fix a cup of hot chocolate instead and join Bogey at the window.

We both like to bird watch.

An Unusual February Weekend

The news about the weekend is all over. The birds have been tweeting about it (if you don't believe me, check out their Twitter page) and the squirrels have dragged out their lawn chairs. Even the weatherman agrees.

No snow this weekend. The temperatures will ascend into the 50's for the first time in months. After what we've been through, it will almost feel balmy. Like our tropical imagination vacation from a few days ago.

Indy is ready to roll. He senses a trip to the river in this forecast.

But Bogey remains distracted.

"Birds? Did you say something about birds?"

Hope the weekend is looking good for you, too!

Hummingbirds Come Home

One of our visitors from last year-a bit blurry, but you get the picture!

If you live in the Midwest like I do, it's almost time for the return of one of my favorite critters...the hummingbird. Our feeders have been cleaned and filled, waiting to lure in the exhausted and hungry travelers. Amazingly these tiny birds generally migrate clear to Mexico where they spend the cold winter months. Then they travel back to our area in early spring. Ruby-throated hummingbirds are the species that populate our back yard, zooming around like tiny jet fighters.

And fighters is the perfect description for them. They're quite territorial and will chase away other hummingbirds to claim an area. More than one feeder is always a good idea.

If you'd like to see these amazing critters in action, get your feeders out now! You don't need to buy the fancy red stuff to fill them, either. A simple recipe to use is one part white sugar, four parts water. No need to add red food coloring, as most feeders already carry the attractive red color. Clean feeders and put in new solution every few days to discourage growth of bacteria.

Consider creating a hummer-friendly yard. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation hummers love mimosa, cardinal flower, salvia, hollyhock, trumpet creeper, and a host of other colorful nectar-producing flowers. As an added bonus, this can attract butterflies, too.

I'm looking forward to seeing my little buddies again.

So is my little window-watcher, Bogey!

Name That Bird

We have a small opening in the door leading to our screened porch, allowing easy access for Indy. Of course this also allows a multitude of other critters to visit.

On Sunday I saw what looked at first glance to be a pigeon on the porch. However, when I went out to open the door and initiate a rescue mission, I discovered the pigeon was actually a woodpecker. I looked it up and identified the bird to be a Northern Flicker, one of Missouri's seven species of native woodpeckers.

I chased the flicker around the porch where it flapped and fluttered around until the open door finally served as an exit.

Later, my husband informed me that flickers can be quite aggressive, claiming that one of them pecked him pretty hard several years ago. Probably best I didn't know this before I went on my rescue mission. (Note the long and powerful beak--ouch!!) But all's well that ends well.

Oh and one final reminder. There's still time to enter the caption contest. Winner will be chosen mid-week, so good luck to all!

Hello Deep Freeze!

Nobody loves a good frolic in the snow more than a dog in full warm winter coat. But keep in mind that in this brutal chill, shorter haired pups may need a sweater to protect them when they venture out. And even the hardiest of dogs (think Huskies and Bernese Mountain Dogs) should not be outside for prolonged periods of time. Frostbitten nose or cut paw pads...ouch!

Beware of anti-freeze. This sweet-tasting chemical often leaks from cars to garage floors, and is irrisistable to dogs and cats. It's also deadly. Contact your vet immediately if you think your pet may have lapped anti-freeze.

As I write these words our backyard birds are happily muching wild bird seed. Consider putting out food for your feathered friends. They need the extra calories to help them generate warmth. You'd better put out plenty because the squirrels will come to dinner, too. Hey, everybody deserves a little extra TLC right now!

Most of all, if you see an animal left outside...especially one with no place to take shelter, please contact your local animal control or humane society. Your action may save a critter's life.

Stay safe...and warm!

Spring Scenes

Spring is the season of rebirth, not only for plants, but for critters, too. In my internet surfing I ran across this adorable picture of baby owls. It instantly brought to mind an event that occurred last spring. My husband called me outside to check on something the neighbors discovered. We were both curious, especially when we heard that an owl had nested high atop a tree in the neighborhood.

We walked to the yard and scanned the treetop. Immediately, three little heads popped up, and I swear to you they looked exactly like this picture. Huge eyes looked down upon us, each baby solemn as a preacher. It was one of the cutest wildlife scenes I'd ever witnessed. Of course, as luck would have it, I didn't have any way to capture the moment. When will I ever learn to keep my camera with me at all times?

Because a photo like that is too extraordinary to miss.