You made me laugh, Michelle 😆. One year when we were at the beach, I learned to identify several different gull species, but I've forgotten most of them now. Why is my brain so old? I would love to hear more about your work sometime! It makes me happy that we are both digging deep into the more-than-human world. We need to catch up!
Wow, Laura, that's quite a list! And yes, when we can slow our pace and appreciate this wondrous creation, we are renewed. Thank you always for giving us a bit of a retreat.
I too love birds, keeping my binoculars and Merlin app handy. Recently we heard and then spotted a barred owl over several days, then two owls (male and female), and not long after three owls (one a fledgling)! Now they've been absent or hidden for a couple of days; perhaps moved on to better hunting grounds? Meanwhile we wonder how many chipmunks and squirrels are left. Haven't seen our lone rabbit either. 😢
I love the owls, but that is the trade-off, isn't it, Nancy? I checked on the rabbit's nest in my raised bed last night because I had convinced myself they were dead. I haven't seen the mother at all! But when I carefully lifted the leaves and the fur lining, a tiny head popped up! I quickly covered them back up because I didn't want to cause any distress, but I don't even know how many there are. This mama was so smart to find a fenced in place for her nest! I'm hoping they will be ready to leave the safe burrow soon so I can plant my garden! But. I don't really mind that much.
The fact your mother rabbit stays hidden has given me hope for "our" rabbit! As I recall, it doesn't take long for baby rabbits to grow and move out of the next. Hopefully you can start your garden soon! As for the owls, I happened to glimpse the male yesterday. The foliage is getting so thick, it's hard to spot the wildlife.
I hope you are right, Nancy. We are having so much rain the past couple days I think it's delaying their departure from the nest. I’m glad the owls are still around!
I don't know what it is about birds, but I'm always drawn to the photos of them that Substackers share. Maybe it's the expression that's captured or the vividness of color. The color of the coat of the Scarlet Tanager in your photo is intense, impossible to scroll past. The image of the Palm Warbler taking flight is wonderful. I'm impressed that you can identify and name 96 birds; I'm sure your list will grow. You've caught bird fever, and it's a delightful fever to have.
I do have bird fever, Maureen . It might be contagious 😊! I agree, there is something so compelling about these beautiful creatures. These little dinosaurs have evolved alongside us for so long. Perhaps that has something to do with why I love them so much. I did read once that early humans relied on birdsong to alert them to danger. I don’t know, but I will keep enjoying them as long as I am able!
OH my WORD!! I cannot believe your bird list and how many birds you know. I have a long way to go! #89 is my favorite. Lol.
Oops I meant #88! But I do love the belted Kingfisher too!
You made me laugh, Michelle 😆. One year when we were at the beach, I learned to identify several different gull species, but I've forgotten most of them now. Why is my brain so old? I would love to hear more about your work sometime! It makes me happy that we are both digging deep into the more-than-human world. We need to catch up!
My goodness, what a list! I was so excited to see my first American Redstart this week. Such little gems 🖤
I do love those little redstarts :)
Wow, Laura, that's quite a list! And yes, when we can slow our pace and appreciate this wondrous creation, we are renewed. Thank you always for giving us a bit of a retreat.
I’m always grateful for your company,Karen 💚
I too love birds, keeping my binoculars and Merlin app handy. Recently we heard and then spotted a barred owl over several days, then two owls (male and female), and not long after three owls (one a fledgling)! Now they've been absent or hidden for a couple of days; perhaps moved on to better hunting grounds? Meanwhile we wonder how many chipmunks and squirrels are left. Haven't seen our lone rabbit either. 😢
I love the owls, but that is the trade-off, isn't it, Nancy? I checked on the rabbit's nest in my raised bed last night because I had convinced myself they were dead. I haven't seen the mother at all! But when I carefully lifted the leaves and the fur lining, a tiny head popped up! I quickly covered them back up because I didn't want to cause any distress, but I don't even know how many there are. This mama was so smart to find a fenced in place for her nest! I'm hoping they will be ready to leave the safe burrow soon so I can plant my garden! But. I don't really mind that much.
The fact your mother rabbit stays hidden has given me hope for "our" rabbit! As I recall, it doesn't take long for baby rabbits to grow and move out of the next. Hopefully you can start your garden soon! As for the owls, I happened to glimpse the male yesterday. The foliage is getting so thick, it's hard to spot the wildlife.
I hope you are right, Nancy. We are having so much rain the past couple days I think it's delaying their departure from the nest. I’m glad the owls are still around!
Laura, it's so fun for me to see that the birds I'm enjoying here on the Cape are the same ones that you're enjoying so very far away.
* chirp chirp
Chirp chirp back at you, Linda! It’s fun to know we are admiring the same beauties as they pass through!
I don't know what it is about birds, but I'm always drawn to the photos of them that Substackers share. Maybe it's the expression that's captured or the vividness of color. The color of the coat of the Scarlet Tanager in your photo is intense, impossible to scroll past. The image of the Palm Warbler taking flight is wonderful. I'm impressed that you can identify and name 96 birds; I'm sure your list will grow. You've caught bird fever, and it's a delightful fever to have.
I do have bird fever, Maureen . It might be contagious 😊! I agree, there is something so compelling about these beautiful creatures. These little dinosaurs have evolved alongside us for so long. Perhaps that has something to do with why I love them so much. I did read once that early humans relied on birdsong to alert them to danger. I don’t know, but I will keep enjoying them as long as I am able!