How Time Flies: Spring Update

Many, many apologies to my readers for my absence.  I honestly didn't realize it had been two whole months since my last post!  And the last couple of them haven't even been about my place.

I do not know if I can make up for it, but I can recap some of what I've been up to.

The door to nowhere finally has steps!  This sat undone for almost a year after a friend and I took down the old dry rot porch.

I also painted the side of the garden shed a light green, although pictured here is just the white primer.

I have been out in the yard doing whatever presents itself as far as weeding and maintenance goes.  It's been a lovely cool Spring here, just like we like it!

I'm thinking about some artistic paint projects for when it finally quits raining, like a couple of fun murals on the garden shed walls.  I also found some lovely yellow paint I'd like to add on the house for accent color.

I'm building a very small deck off another back door that will require some design tweaks for the steps, stay tuned!  I will also add some potted plants back there as it gets great summer sun.

I think my front porch / mud room will hold up a while longer.  It's not settling anymore and the structure seems sound.  The dry rot was replaced a couple years ago and the steps and deck are new.

Robynne if you're reading this, I lost your email!  Contact me, I'm curious as to how your mudroom is going.

 Last week the majestic Pileated woodpecker stopped by to devour an old piece of log I had sitting around.  What an amazing bird!  I did also get a shot of him on the tree.

 Well it's a great day to stay in by the fire while it pours outside.  Hope you're having a good weekend.

One Last Blast

Apparently I spoke too soon in my last post, hasty to get on with Spring in the middle of January.
Mid February has brought some really cold temps and snow, perhaps making up for the easy mild winter we were having.

It's not a lot, just a lot of days.  Lows hit 22 this week and highs are barely reaching 32, very unlike the Pacific Northwest, but becoming more common as the years pass.

So I carry on with work anyway.  I love being self employed, having your own business is very rewarding, but you do question your sanity when you're working outside at 27 degrees cleaning a clients hot tub while it's snowing.  But as good natured as I am, I laugh at the bizarre-ness of it and add it to my list of fun stories I can recount one day.

Having a car with optional all wheel drive and even four wheel drive, gives me more freedom to actually make it to my jobs in winter, however the courage to do it sometimes wanes.  Fortunately I haven't had any negative experiences yet, but have some more stories to recount about driving uphill in deep snow or downhill in a blizzard, neither of which I recommend!

When I'm at home I work for the birds, they want to be fed and have fresh water, so I keep the feeder full and take out some warm water to break up the frozen birdbath from time to time. 

If I slack off there is a particular Towhee who will fly at the window and sit on the BBQ and stare me down in the kitchen window until I hop to it.  

I keep the fire going in the wood stove almost 24 / 7 during these cold spells as the furnace was surely built for some other climate.  I sympathize with anyone who lives in a vintage trailer that has to rely on electric heat.

I was really inspired at the beginning of the year to finish the latest photo book, poetry book and to start shooting black and white film again, and I will get to them, but the inspiration is limited right now.  Extreme weather makes me uncomfortable, and it's best to just get through it, and wait till it's "normal" again, before starting new projects. 

More snow expected this afternoon but hey, at least the power is still on and I can take tomorrow off from the work that takes me away from the house.  There's another perk, you may sometimes work 7 to 10 days in a row, but when you do finally get two days off in a row?  You think you're on vacation!

Till next time~

PS:  Hey did anyone else notice?  I just hit 35,000 visits!!  Woohoo!  Thank you all for sharing my journey!

Winter Wren

Winter Wren has returned.  He shows up every year about this time.  He makes himself known by flying up to me, jumping around and making cute little peeping sounds.  I'm not sure exactly what this behavior is, but I'd like to think he is just letting me know he has returned and is happy to be here.

I keep a year round supply of fresh water for all the birds and my lush, mostly untouched habitat is perfect for foraging and nesting.

He will stay throughout the winter and then head off to wherever he goes for Spring and Summer.

Summer vistors

Over the Spring, Summer and early Fall I have had a few fun little visitors.  I always have birds at the feeders and an occasional deer, coyote or raccoon, but this year I had a visit from a Jack Rabbit, only one day off from last years Jack Rabbit visit, according to my wildlife tracking calendar.

What a cutie!!  He only hung out for a day, but it was fun to watch him frolick around and enjoy the local fare.

Over the Spring months I was visited often by a Sharp-shinned Hawk.  Probably a female as she was large.  We crossed paths on several occasions, quite literally, as she dove in for a meal, and often missed.  I felt bad for her, but I do so love my other birds.

One day she missed getting a chipmunk and landed on my old spool table, giving me just enough time to capture this shot.

Deer and raccoons came by all through the months too.

I also had the pleasure of getting this shot of two goldfinch fledglings on their first day out, although shot through the kitchen window.

Pileated Woodpecker

 

I see these majestic birds from time to time here.  They are quite agile and fast for a bird their size, darting in and out of the trees, they look like a space ship or some other animated creature!

This Pileated Woodpecker has been a frequent visitor to the many dead trees and stumps around my place this summer.  I finally got a chance to get a few photos of him, but he moves so quickly it is hard to focus on him.

Then he's off again.

I was fortunate enough to get a very brief  (only 14 seconds!) video of him in this area of my yard.  The photos of him on the trees were too blurry as the point and shoot couldn't keep up with his quick moving head and body.

So here's the video:

Enjoy!!

You Know It's Spring When...

You know it's Spring when......   you have to wash your car three times just to get the grime off - and - that it's even warm enough to wash your car.

....when the dish water runs over because you're too busy trying to photograph a flock of pine siskens who just flew in for a drink.  (Nope, I didn't get the shot.)

.....when it's dry enough out to fix that gutter that's been bothering you all winter.

.....when you can't get through a meal without picking up your binoculars three or four times to see what new birds are at the bird feeder.

.....when there are enough returning Rufus hummingbirds to put out a second feeder.

And lastly, but not least important, you know it's Spring when it finally hits 60 degrees!!!!

How about you?

Spring Forward!

Spring is almost upon us here in the northern hemisphere.  The birds are busy preparing nests for families and the dormant plants are waking up and popping through the earth. 

I have been busy as well just trying to keep up with the impending arrival of Spring.  Getting the new trees planted has been a bigger project than I anticipated, but it is getting done.

It's time to get the wooden deck chairs out of storage and start putting potted plants back on the front porch.

What are you doing for Spring?

Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary

My backyard wildlife sanctuary is registered with the Department of Fish and Wildlife for Washington State.

To give you a little background, my location is considered the Pacific Northwest, but more specifically, I'm in the foothills of the Olympic Mountain range on the Olympic Peninsula - that western most chunk of land you see when you're looking at a map of us.  I'm located on the eastern slope.

My property borders the Department of Natural Resources land, which is all forested.  This is perfect for creating and enhancing the natural landscape for wildlife.  The truth is, it was already perfect before the humans arrived, so I feel grateful and humbled that the wildlife are willing to share their land with me.

You can create your backyard wildlife sanctuary almost anywhere however.  Animals and birds are quite adaptable.  Even if you only have room for a bird feeder and bird bath, you will have many grateful visitors!

My little piece of paradise only takes up a few hundred square feet.  It's located on a clear, leveled area near heavy brush and tall trees.  Lucky for me it also includes a trail that is frequented by deer, coyote, raccoon and the occasional bear, bobcat, or cougar.

Originally I had my bird feeding system on the inside of the fence - but then I had my first bear visit who pushed the fence over to get to the feeders.  After that I created the new area outside the fence.

The big picture

The bigger picture

I consulted with my pal Christie at WildBirds Unlimited in Gardiner, WA. about a feeding system that would survive the elements and wildlife here.  She suggested this pole system which is free standing, with a squirrel and raccoon baffle, and attachments can be added on.

Next I added an old spool table to the area for the "platform feeders" like pigeons, with cracked corn and black oil sunflower seed.

Turns out the squirrels and chipmunks are most fond of it!

I placed a rock under one end of it to allow a back door for the chipmunks who often pop in to the hole from the top for a quick escape.  (There is a Merlin Falcon in the area.)

I also recently had to implement some fencing pieces which are not easily seen in the photos.  This is protection from a recent cat who has been skulking around.  The fencing allows the birds and small animals a chance to escape and slows down the cat. 

Most people around here don't allow their cats to roam free as there are too many larger predators.  So my guess is he is an unfortunate stray.

The feeders hold black oil sunflower seed and thistle, and accommodate goldfinches, nuthatches, purple finches, grosbeaks, bluejays and more.

I also scatter cracked corn and black oil sunflower seed on the ground for towhees, doves, sparrows and the occasional raven.

In the winter I put out a suet feeder for the woodpeckers and gray jays.

Even the pigeons like it!

Another very important aspect of your backyard wildlife sanctuary is water.  I have three ground water locations and one bird bath in the yard.  You'd be surprised at the favoritism of these.

The midsize birds like the ground birdbath (sorry no photo, renovating that area), while the smaller birds prefer the tiny concrete water hole or the saucer.

The larger birds prefer the ceramic bird bath in the yard - like a Jacuzzi?

I have added a fun piece of driftwood I picked up at the local beach just to see what they would do with it.  Turns out the squirrels hide seeds in the holes, the chipmunks love playing on it, and many birds perch there waiting for a drink at the water hole.

You can retire your old birdhouses to your sanctuary as well.  This is a great cache for seeds or a hiding place.

If you're lucky enough to live near the woods, don't disturb the nearby brush as you'll be welcoming wrens and warblers.  I have yet to get an un-blurred photo of a wren as they are very small and quite fast, but the warblers often hop right past my window!

MacGulivray's warbler

Orange Crowned warbler

Once you have food and water available, you can register your location.  Here in Washington you can register with the Dept. of Fish and Wildlife here .  For a small fee you can also order a sign and a certificate like these:

indoor certificate

outdoor sign

You can also register as a Certified Wildlife Habitat here , with the National Wildlife Federation.  (I just applied for mine as of this writing!)  This is national., so anyone can apply.

I have only just scratched the surface of what your Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary can mean to you and your family.  You can also attract bugs and butterflies, frogs and snakes, who all work together to create a perfect ecosystem.

I'd love to hear your stories of how you have invited wildlife into your life.

Spring at Last!

I know the calendar said it was Spring, but it didn't really feel like it here in the Pacific Northwest until last weekend.  In fact, we got a three day hot spell in the upper 80's which was quite a switch from the cool, rainy days we'd been having.

I've been enjoying the birds that return to my feeders every year like the goldfinch and grosbeak.  The watering hole has been the real social hub, where many of the warblers have been seen too.

So here's a little photo tour of the yard and some of what's out now in May.

One of my favorite birds is the MacGullivray's warbler.  They return here every year to nest and raise their young.  Usually very illusive, this year he is underfoot, in the birdbath, in the yard, and along the back bank outside my window.  Today he was protecting his territory from the other MacG in the reflection of the glass.  It was quite a show and I got several photos of him up close. 

(No harm came to either party by the way.) 

Isn't he a beauty??

I rescued a hummingbird today who flew into the front porch mudroom and was confused by the large round window he couldn't escape from.  He was quite cooperative as I gently cupped my hand over him.  He actually sat on my finger as I took him outside, probably relieved to be over that adventure, but not willing to wait while I got the camera out for a photo though...

The tomato plants are in as well as the squash, spinach and lettuce, but I'm keeping it pretty low key this year and using mostly containers.

It's hard to tell what the rest of the season is going to be like with this unpredictable weather too.

I hope everyone is getting a chance to enjoy nature and wildlife where they live!

I'm working on the mudroom makeover this month - so stay tuned for the photos of that project.

Natural Pesticide

I have been watching my environment lately as Spring progresses.  Warmer humid air brings out more bugs.
The hooded juncos were pecking at an old stump and the swallows have returned to feast on flying bugs.

Mother Nature was taking good care of the planet before we showed up.  Everything in its natural state functions perfectly.

When I first moved here I had problems with mice, ants, slugs, etc.  I confess I haven't always been a good steward of the land, I was annoyed and wanted immediate results to rid myself of these pests.

Armed with slug bait, ant spray and mouse poison I proceeded to make my human mark on the land.

Needless to say I felt bad about it and went to work to make peace with the earth.  It wasn't easy, but now that Mother Nature has forgiven me I can see the perfection in it all.

I have become more of an observer of my surroundings.  Most of the work is being done for me!

Daily, I watch the birds pecking on the ground, in the brush, and on trees.  You've seen them too, the towhee, junco, sparrow, nuthatch, woodpecker, warbler, robin, brown creeper - just to name a few.  They are eating bugs.  

Bats eat mosquitoes as do swallows.  Raccoons eat slugs, juncos eat ants.  Snakes will feed on mice, slugs and spiders, as do some frogs.

They are all a natural pesticide!  It's a beautiful symmetry, all working together to keep balance.  It's only when we introduce non native plants and soils that put our environment at risk, but worse damage comes from chemicals.

So I learned by letting go - and letting my environment guide me.  Not so surprisingly, I now have less pest problems, my environment is healthier and I have all these new friends!

My Feathered Friends

This week I had a rare afternoon free and the weather was tolerable, so I took the hour long drive up to my favorite shop in Gardiner, WA.;  WildBirds Unlimited.  Do you have one in your area?

This one is truly a treasure, equipped with everything you could possibly want in your backyard wildlife sanctuary.

What's really unique is their landscaped, bird friendly area with a large pond and waterfall.

On this visit to WB I got an extension for my bird feeding pole system I bought there a while back, which came with two extensions for hanging feeders. 

Currently I use one for the WB (lifetime guarantee) blackoil sunflower seed feeder, and the other for their woodpecker friendly suet feeder made from recycled plastics.

My new third extension will accommodate my newest feeder, the (also lifetime guarantee) thistle feeder.

 

Right now I have mostly hooded juncos, towhees and purple finches.  One or two flickers have visited the suet feeder as well.

A couple of days after I put up the new thistle feeder I noticed the juncos had taken a liking to it!  They are primarily a ground feeding bird.

Today my first pine sisken of the season has arrived.  They are usually the reason I put up a thistle feeder at this time of year.  Also when the goldfinches arrive they will feed on thistle too.

I often refer to my Backyard Bird Sightings tracker to see who is arriving on time and who might be earlier, or later, than previous years.  So far everything seems about normal even with the late snows we had in March.

My first hummingbirds began arriving last week, and the first Rufus of the season arrived just two days ago.  Soon I will have to put up a second feeder to accommodate all of them!

I moved the swallows nesting box this year to a safer location, so I hope they like it and decide to stay.  They should be arriving sometime within the next month.

I also put up a new nesting box on the back of the house in hopes of attracting the chickadees, who usually get voted out by the swallows for the first box.

This year I'm also hoping to get more and better photos with a couple of new accessories;  another tripod and a remote shutter, as well as a couple of new spots to set up and shoot from.

What birds are returning to your area?

Documenting the Sightings

One more post about the bird tracking template.  Bear with me, this is one of my most favorite subjects - wildlife.

I noticed in the stats that no one has read either of the previous posts, so either you're not birders or I have failed to represent it correctly.  If you are interested in documenting your backyard sightings, here are some tips on how to use this PDF document I created.

This is available from MagCloud.com and you can easily access it by clicking on the image of it in the left sidebar, or in my previous post.  The downloadable version is only $2.  I recommend this format so you can print out one document for each month you want to track your bird or other wildlife sightings.

Here is a sample page.

  

The left column going down is the day of the month.  Years across.  In this sample I have used a page from May that had some sightings documented over three years.  This document is for the period of 2008 through 2011.

When I created it I wanted something simple, easy to use and lots of options to change it.  So for the MagCloud copy, the years are 2012 through 2015.  You fill in the month.  There are enough pages for all the days of the longest month.

The fun thing here is that for instance if the Swallows arrived on May 22nd in 2008, and May 25 in 2009, they may arrive again on May 22nd in 2010.  So you have documented their arrival for every year for four years - at a glance!

OK, maybe birds aren't your thing.  Do you have deer?  Bear?  Raccoons and babies?  Maybe you want to track the plant growth;  when you planted the seeds for the spinach, what did well when.

Anyway, you get the idea.

OK, so there is the how-to on the bird tracking form.  Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Tracking Your Birds

Just a quick post here to let you all know that I have created a PDF format of my bird tracking template, soon to be available for download here!!  Yay!

I created the form for myself a few years ago when I could not find anything online that I liked, or could figure out how to use!  It seemed like a such a simple thing, some boxes or a graph on paper with a way to line up the years so I could see who came and went, and when.

It's great for all the things you want to track by the day and year.  Besides birds, you could track other wildlife, new plant growth, weather events, etc.  It goes across by year so you can see exactly what day the migrating birds arrived, left or whatever, for a four year span.

So I figured out how to convert it to a PDF and am hopefully going to go through MagCloud so you can easily purchase it and download it.  How does a couple bucks sound?  It's not a major publication and you'll have to print it out and fill it in, so I'm going mega affordable on this one.

Just a teaser for now to let you know it's coming!!