One year and counting

It’s hard to believe we’ve been here in this gorgeous setting for a year already; but then when I think of that long cold wet winter we had last year and no spring to speak of, what’s not to believe!

A couple of weeks ago a coyote was spotted climbing through the huge lava rock pile between the house and the barn. I missed it. Drat it! I'm told the coyote was of the gray variety. I'll add this to the list of things to check out.

Speaking of rocks... in the towns where I’ve lived most my life you had to pay big bucks to landscape with rocks of any significance; you know, the kind you can’t lift by yourself, even with a helper. We have the one huge rock pile that I just spoke about; two medium sized ones where we planted a Dogwood (see rock image 2 posts below) and a weeping Japanese maple; and another medium one that Kitty likes to climb and repose on top of ala lion-like as he surveys his stalking ground below. All the rock piles have beautiful moss that is a bright green in the spring and turns darker as fall approaches.

So far, Kitty's stalking has only resulted in a couple of tiny lizards that couldn't out-run him. As hard as he tries, the squirrels and my fellow birds are too fast for him. But it’s fun to watch him stalk his prey as he crouches close to the ground… only to see them scurry off much to his dismay. (Luckily he hasn't seen the quail that parade through the lawn once in a while.) His body language during the whole stalking process speaks volumes. He loves being outside. Let’s hope this coming winter isn’t as wet as last year. I do think he’s forgotten about all the rain we had and the snow.

As for an early spring next year… hope springs eternal...

Speaking of eyes...

Ahem! Attention, please!

German scientists have concluded robins can see Earth's magnetic field which allows us to navigate. Well it's about time... who doesn't know that! How do they think this bird (me, moi) gets around to all those locations for those payload drops that humans ask me to do. (More about that later.)

We (birds, that is) have an internal magnetic compass. Scientists are just not sure if it's tiny magnets in our beaks wired to our nervous system that detects lines of magnetic force... OR if magnetic fields are "seen" via our eyes using a complex light-sensitive mechanism. The scientists suggest it's the second theory, at least for the European robins they studied. And I'm not telling! Let them figure it out.

Happy Mother's Day To All Fine Feathered Moms!

... and all other moms out there, too!

Been busy keeping watch over Tree Top Village while Grandma was recuperating from her hospital stay. Happy to say she has fully recovered.

Bird condos in Tree Top Village

Spring came while Grandma was away, but you wouldn't know it by the looks of things today - very dense fog - I don't even have a good bird's eye view of anything; except the bird condos. Fully occupied. Lots of chirping and flitting about when the sun is shining. Note: The bird condo is seen just below the eaves. There's another one to the right. That's lava rock in the foreground.

The BirdBuzz is we'll be lucky to see the sun before Tuesday. We had a thunderstorm last night. And next month summer arrives. Unbelievable! So what does that give us (besides a yard full of pine needles that we gather and burn on "burn day") - 6 months of rainy season, 3 months of summer with little spring and fall?

Deer - resourceful rascals, aren't they!

It's been such a rainy winter that there is no more drought! That's the good news. The bad news is everyone is late getting their garden planted (ugh! no opportunity for snatching a few seeds and juicy worms surfacing from freshly plowed dirt; although several ornamental trees and shrubs have been planted.) Note: One deer managed to reach a lower limb by standing on its hind legs to nibble on the blossoms much like you see here nibbling on the grapevines. Grandma doesn't mind... she'd like to plant shrubs just for the deer! She even keeps a hanging bird feeder on the deck and another hanging basket of twigs, straw, fluff, etc. just for us birds to feather our nests. :)

Cat or Manx?

We had 2 new sightings - an orange cat with no tail (like the one shown here) - or could it be a Manx(?) and 6 quail. So that adds to our list of 5 deer, wild turkeys, funny looking rabbits, "regular looking" squirrels, Red Hawks, Stellar Jays, red-headed woodpeckers (good thing all our roofs are metal) and many other fine feathered friends that Grandma hasn't identified yet. But give her time, she will!

In the meantime, leave a comment; I promise to answer back!

Birds Of A Feather

A new Twitter friend, @oldbakerman, sent this poem to me; it's one his mother used to say when he was a child. It's obvious where his story-telling and poetic talents come from. I must admit I was tempted to shake my tail when I got it, but proudly fluffed my feathers instead.

Thank you, Winston. So 'tis true: Birds of a feather flock together! I like having you as a friend.

@RobinNestor…

He came to my window
to say how do you do
and shook his little tail
and far away he flew!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Yeah, I know... it's not Valentine's Day yet; but seeing as how I'm so far behind with posting I thought I'd get an early start with this one.

Nobody to love? Don't we all know some bird who is always complaining about not getting any valentines or has no "love interest" to send one of their own? Tell 'em to get a life... and leave the worms for me!

Hey, that's a yellow bird singing that tune, not this robin!

Happy Valentine's Day
to all you critters out there!

Time Flies When You're Having Fun!

OMG, it's been months since I've posted a blog... the altitude must be getting to me. Either that or just been too busy checking out the local critters and food supply - you know, juicy worms and such - and time flies when you're having fun. These new digs at 2600' elevation are enough to make anyone a wee bit light-headed; especially while getting familiar with these lofty surroundings.

Must admit I've never seen a Red Hawk before (see photo above). But there one was perched on a limb to greet us as we drove onto the property for the first time. Awesome.

As if that's not enough to chirp about, you should see a Stellar Jay in flight - like a graceful swoop in slow motion allowing you to see the contrast of the dark gray head and wings (they look black to this bird though) and striking blue body. Stunning. Enough to tweet home about. (Of course, my redbreast is nothing to be ashamed of now, is it?)

We've heard the wild turkeys down near the edge of the spooky pine forest but, haven't seen them yet (though the contractors have). I call it spooky because I hear tell that a mountain lion cave has been spotted in those woods and there's a tunnel through the patch of red brown Manzanita branches just waiting to grab you.

Moving on to larger critters - you know, Bambi and family. Seeing deer on the property is a daily occurance. The most we've seen at one time is five. They're getting braver - grazing closer and closer to the house (the upper lawn and back yard). I'm tempted to perch on their racks, just to see what they'd do. I'm sure when the word (deer talk) spreads that the orchard gate is being left open for them, 'they will come' - of course, the good pickings are gone and the gate will be closed come Spring.

As for me, I'm safely perched on the sunny side of a building just outside my bird condo. Who said robins HAVE to go south for the winter. Of course, I may have to rethink this. I'll keep you posted. Chirp chirp! \|/ \|/

Personal Want Ad: Wanted! Woman to . . .

LAZY DAYS OF SUMMER

Poolside chats, barbeques, and ... fishing!

Seeing the tweets of @Roommate_Wanted on Twitter reminds me of a Personal Want Ad I saw a few years ago. And since it involves worms, my favorite delicacy, I thought I'd share this with you.

WANTED!

WOMAN TO COOK AND CLEAN FISH,
DIG WORMS AND MAKE LURES.


MUST HAVE GOOD BOAT AND MOTOR.

PLEASE ENCLOSE PICTURE
OF BOAT AND MOTOR.