June has not been the kindest on record. Torrential rain with damaging winds followed by drought followed by more torrential rain and damaging wind. Smoke intensities from wildfires are now part of the weather report. The smoke is affecting the U.S.A. and even reaching Europe. Can't remember this being an issue before this summer.
At a grocery checkout last week the cashier asked me if I'd like to donate to the local Canada Day fireworks display. I told her no, the air was polluted enough. She simply smiled back at my candor.
On a happier note, earlier this month I had a special treat. Biologist Erik Pohanka volunteered to do a bird count in my region for eBird, a citizen science project managed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Erik spent a couple of hours searching my property and found thirty-three bird species. He sent this link to list them:
https://ebird.org/canada/checklist/S141246419
Here are a few snaps I took this month.
 |
| The window pane blurred this Brown Thrasher's feet. |
 |
| Barn swallow admiring her hatchlings. |
 |
| A house wren attending her brood. |
 |
| This summer's orioles are on their third jar of grape jelly. |
 |
| Mama robin is laying eggs for batch number three. |
 |
| A peony bouquet. Short lived but showy and fragrant. |
* * * * *
My sister is a proficient gardener and partial to miniature roses. I can't remember not seeing an arrangement of dainty specimens of flowers and/or cuttings for rooting on her kitchen table. She emailed me these photos and agreed to share. Nothing cheers a room like a fresh bouquet!
I hope I don't sound like a weirdo, but the first thing I thought this morning when I was making my coffee and looking at the calendar was "Where the heck is Florence?" So glad to see you! Actually, I've been thinking a lot of you (and our mutual friend Robin) these past few days, as Pittsburgh has been covered in a smoky white haze. I mean, it's been heavy duty--I had to wear a mask everytime I left my apt. And the night air has been filled with the sharp tang of burning wood. I sure hope you guys are okay. That said.... so amazing about the 33 bird species Florence! I actually have Buzz n' Flutter open on both my laptop and my Samsung Galaxy Tab so I can see your wonderful photos in hi-resolution. They're beautiful and you're my favorite nature photographer. Happy Canada Day tomorrow my friend :^)
ReplyDeleteDidn't have a lot to report, Doug, but as you say the calendar has just about run out for this month. Feel guilty for at least not sharing a bit since I enjoy and encourage other bloggers to keep me entertained. (Your's is my fave.) I've been seeing on the news how northern U.S. cities have been affected by our wildfire smoke. Somehow feel like apologizing. Firefighters from around the world have come to our rescue. Thanks for the Canada Day wishes and your generous serving of ego boost. :>) My 15 year-old iMac doesn't do emojis otherwise I'd add some hearts!
DeleteFlorence, I just wanted to add that your comment here almost made me chuckle (I don't hold you responsible for Pittsburgh's haze!) and I just pray those wildfires are tamed soon--also, your sister's floral arrangements are downright striking. But your peony bouquet brought back memories of my dear grandma (those were her favorite). Please say hello to Ellie Mae for me :^)
DeleteThose peonies were planted by my Mom who in turn got them from friends/neighbours. They have a wonderfully understated sweet scent somewhat reminiscent of wild white waterlilies. Ellie Mae is enjoying the outdoors but when the young barn swallows are close to leaving the nest, she'll be under house arrest. (unintentional rhyme)
DeleteWhat a boon you are to all the local critters! Everything thriving. Great photos too and how wonderful to have such a visitor. I will check out the link with great interest.
ReplyDeleteThanks Anon! It was a treat to get an expert's account. I feel very privileged.
DeleteGood to know you are out there! I was happy when the robins and phoebes and house wrens fledge, but the house wrens are doing a slow circuit of the house, and the robins and phoebes are on brood #2. What a treat to have an expert bird list!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the shout out, Jennifer! Yes, it was indeed a pleasure to meet Erik and benefit from his knowledge. He's also a sweet guy to simply chat with. (Wish I had a grandson just like him.)
DeleteHi Florence, Oh my goodness, I really enjoyed this post. I checked out your link for the bird sightings, how interesting! Were you able to walk around with Erik?
ReplyDeleteYour bird photos are fabulous. I have seen a few Baltimore Orioles here so far. We had a Robin nesting in one of our maple trees but one of the wind storms a couple weeks ago blew out it’s nest.
I love your sisters bouquets. The peony are my favourite.
We are thick in the midst of some renovations. The hardwood floors were put in a few days ago so Chuck is busy painting the new trim. Of course you know that leads to new living room furniture!😆😆
Have a wonderful Canada Day Florence.❤️❤️
How exciting for you to have new floors (and potential new furniture). We humans also enjoy feathering our nests. So you went with hardwood floors? Congrats on the high end choice! I walked with Erik to the back of our property but left him to ramble the bush on his own. After his walk we had a lovely visit. Win, win!! Oh, and guess what! In two weeks time Verdun Windows and Doors are finally coming back to install the door handles and locks in the colour I ordered. It's been over a year since I put in my order. (sigh) Anyway, hope you and Chuck have a wonderful Canada Day. ❤️❤️
DeleteFlorence, that is wonderful you are finally receiving your door handles and locks.
DeleteAfter much deliberation we decided to go with hardwood. We have put it in in two of our other homes and loved it. What can I say, we are creatures of habit!😆