This is the first year I've had much success with hosting Eastern Bluebirds so they are still a novelty and I'm learning their habits as I go. By now I would have thought they'd be winging their way south. Not so! They are still here and paying regular afternoon visits to their beloved, little old cement birdbath. I suppose they are staying to fatten on the abundance of wild fruits. Besides insect fare, they can gorge on Wild Grapes, Virginia Creeper berries, Thorn apples, Nannyberries and Highbush Cranberries.
But yesterday the little beauties were distracted from their bath and snacks. Angry tweets from their neighbours warned them of a menace. Upsetting to them, perhaps, but a welcome sight for me. My old pal, the screech owl, was again using it's winter roost box.
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Mr. Blue: What's this I hear about a sneaky villain?
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It's dark in there but I think I can see the bad guy!
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Take a good look, Junior, and remember this lesson!
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That really gets my feathers in a ruffle!
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Mr. Nuthatch: We know you're in there so don't try anything!
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Reddy: Yikes! This dude totally creeps me out!
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Screech Owl: Have you ever had your food scold you?
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Since switching to a whole food - plant-based diet at the first of this year, I've discovered many treats I previously didn't know existed. I used to love wonton soup from a restaurant here in Ottawa. I rarely eat out now and not at all since the arrival of COVID-19. But I've discovered something that tastes similar but even BETTER!! Vegan Miso Soup!! I'd not heard of miso before and most grocery stores don't carry it. Luckily Ottawa has a T & T that specializes in oriental products and is well stocked with it.
Florence, it is SO NICE to turn off all the news, all the politics & look at your picturesque blog. Loved seeing the Eastern bluebirds, the curious squirrel and that grouchy screech owl! So what's to become of the birds? Anyway, I admire you a lot for your vegan diet, even tho' I'm not a fan, you sure make it look appetizing with that soup! I need to look at your pictures again :)
ReplyDeleteI suspect my bluebirds and robins won't fly very far south. Perhaps to Florida where a blogger from there posted pictures of them staying in her yard over winter. As for the vegan bit, I'm thrilled with my blood pressure now (I no longer need meds) and my energy levels have MUCH improved. The only downside is that I had to buy new jeans, a size smaller. I so agree with you, Doug, about limiting news exposure. Too depressing! I do intend to watch 60 minutes this Sunday though. Can't completely look away.
DeleteThat was a hoot about the owl being scolded by his food. Thanks for the morning chuckle.
ReplyDeleteThe soup looks good and the extra energy you are enjoying sounds appealing.
Arh-h-h!!!! Spoke too soon, Patti. I'd thought Blogger was running smoothly but just noticed that it has quit informing me of new comments! Regarding my vegan diet, I'm now a bit worried about falling below my ideal weight. I feel great but just don't want to get too thin. People will wonder if I own a straw broom and a pointy black hat.
DeleteThis is so much fun! Sweet bluebirds, I'm trying to encourage some. No success last year, though.
ReplyDeleteI think I've gone bonkers for the bluebirds, Jennifer. Just refurbished, painted and numbered twenty-five nesting boxes for their consideration next year.
DeleteJust adore those bluebirds, Florence. Such pretty shades. Love the way you presented the screech owl there...and the line having your food talk to you. We eat mainly vegetables with a little meat now and then. I love noodle soup and often cobble together my own. We buy seaweed sheets at Costco. I keep meaning to go to that T and T...must be an interesting grocery to wander.
ReplyDeleteIt really is an interesting store, Jocelyn. I feel that I'm transported to another part of the world. No passport required. Unfortunately a lot of their products are written in Chinese only. The staff are friendly and helpful though. T & T has a very popular take out section. I must try one of their hot meals to go the next time.
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