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!"
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Harvesting newly hatched Cluster Flies in the lawn.
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Watching for his rival who is also staking his claim here.
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Scanning southward for returning female robins.
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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.
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A White-Breasted Nuthatch proclaiming his nest box ownership.
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Starlings like the prospects of the owl's winter roost box.
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When the little birds scatter, this Cooper's Hawk could be the cause.
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Sunflower seeds and fresh Spring grass please my cotton-tails.
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| Ellie-Mae's admirer, Romeo, regularly sprinkles his cologne about. I wish he wouldn't! |
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