First oriole
Saw the first oriole today. They are among my favorite birds, both for their color and their beautiful song. Only the wood thrush sings more beautifully among the birds we have here, and he is a scarcity we hear perhaps once or twice a year. The weather may not feel like spring or summer, but seeing an oriole convinces me that the season is well along. Usually we see them only in May and June, and part of July.Robins and grosbeaks are good singers too, but they are repetitive and unimaginative compared to the variations in the orioles' music.
Daffodils everywhere. Gary has been planting more and more every fall, so now they are all different colors and shapes scattered in huge clumps around the house and barns. It gives us an excuse not to mow the grass too early in spring, as we wait for all the flowers to die back.
We haven't seen our regular vixen yet, but I've smelled her several times and so has he, so she's definitely around. Someone has been making tentative efforts at digging in the woodlot and under the arena again, and it is most likely she. I hope we get to see fox kits again. (And if she makes off with the neighbors' stupid chickens, good for her.)
Daffodils everywhere. Gary has been planting more and more every fall, so now they are all different colors and shapes scattered in huge clumps around the house and barns. It gives us an excuse not to mow the grass too early in spring, as we wait for all the flowers to die back.
We haven't seen our regular vixen yet, but I've smelled her several times and so has he, so she's definitely around. Someone has been making tentative efforts at digging in the woodlot and under the arena again, and it is most likely she. I hope we get to see fox kits again. (And if she makes off with the neighbors' stupid chickens, good for her.)