Marching Along

March trotted in like a slightly grumpy lamb and seems to be strolling out, still a lamb, in a peaceful sort of way. To my mind, Spring is officially here when the first Robin returns. One arrived here on March 18th. Now there are two of them, making themselves at home and squabbling over property rights. They take breaks in their contests to scan southward for the tardier females. Each morning I awaken to enjoy their wonderful dawn chorus. As bandleader, Lawrence Welk would say, "Wunnerful, wunnerful!"

Harvesting newly hatched Cluster Flies in the lawn. 

Watching for his rival who is also staking his claim here.

Scanning southward for returning female robins.

 

The little boxes on the 'to-do-list' I started the winter with have remained pretty much unchecked. Decluttering and storage organizing will have to await next winter. (Too many more enjoyable distractions.) There is one accomplishment I did achieve. I've switched from buying bread to always making it myself. I love pumpernickel bread, toasted and embellished with vegan mayo, sweet onion, tomato, romaine lettuce and salt and pepper. I can't believe how delicious this homemade version is and with so few ingredients! And of course, the kitchen smells so yummy for days after the bake.

A White-Breasted Nuthatch pair have again expressed an interest in using the nest box on the old tree outside my south window. The metal excluder ring has passed the harsh test of rodent teeth and remains intact to thwart squirrels and larger birds. It's a bit early for the nuthatches to seriously begin nesting but I did see them add a strip of bark to the box. They were successful in raising a family in the dwelling last year so will likely repeat the process this year.

A White-Breasted Nuthatch proclaiming his nest box ownership.

Starlings like the prospects of the owl's winter roost box.

When the little birds scatter, this Cooper's Hawk could be the cause.

Sunflower seeds and fresh Spring grass please my cotton-tails.

Ellie-Mae's admirer, Romeo, regularly sprinkles his cologne about. I wish he wouldn't!

 

Happy Valentine's Day

 

Just listened to a podcast about a little dog, named Gobi, who bagged herself an athlete's heart during a marathon in the Gobi Desert. Here is the link to the story: 

How a little dog named Gobi changed an ultramarathoner's life

A few backyard sights that help keep my life sweet:

Yes, it's me who adores you, snapping yet another picture!

I love those plush, feather covered eyelids!

Dusk signals the screech owl that it's time to rouse and begin the evening hunt.

Aw phooey! Only goldarned beans and noodles! Where's the beef?!!

Bread this time. Rye slices and tortilla wraps.

They stack nicely for take-aways!

Ellie Mae snubbed the cat grass I bought for her. This bunny, however, loved it!

I've named this male Red-Bellied woodpecker, 'Erik The Red'.

Feathers a-fluffed, a Mourning Dove couple hang out after a snowfall.

A strong sun loosening the icy clutches of Old Man Winter.

Not a pine cone, but squirrel-on-a-stick!

Miss Ruby has finally given up her efforts to chew into the bird box.