Speaking of Nature: A nest of raccoons >Two raccoon kits look out of the entrance to their nest tree and try to figure out what the strange noise is. Note the tail of a third kit that is flopping out of the tree as well. Photo/Bill Danielson
Published: 7/4/2021 6:00:05 PM
It was June 13 and it was a Sunday. After a long, rainy and uncooperative spring, I was finally making a foray into the great outdoors and for me there was only one destination that would suffice. So, I headed across the meadow to my beloved Thinking Chair (TC) where I could reconnect with Nature. I sat in the chair for a while, doing my best to rekindle my relationship with the birds that would come close for birdseed last fall and after about an hour and a half I got restless. So, I got up out of the TC and headed into the woods.
Ever since I rented my first house in 1992, I have made sure that I put out nest boxes. My primary focus has always been bluebirds, but I quickly learned that there are other species of birds that will show tremendous interest in such a valuable.
Speaking of Nature: The Baltimore oriole
Resplendent in the branches of an oak tree, this male Baltimore oriole is a riot of orange. FOR THE RECORDER/BILL DANIELSON
This photo, taken through a gap in some foliage, shows a male Baltimore oriole drinking from a modified hummingbird feeder. FOR THE RECORDER/BILL DANIELSON
Published: 5/23/2021 3:00:13 PM
Today, I decided that I had to write my column while I was outside. The arrival of spring has been a wonderful event, but I have felt largely shut off from it. Last year at this time, I was working from home and I was able to feel the presence of the Green Lady on a daily basis. This year, with things getting back to “normal,” I have been cooped up. Add in a particularly cool and rainy April and it is easy to feel somewhat detached.
Speaking of Nature: A magical spring morning
Though small enough to sit in your hand, a male American toad can really make a lot of noise as he sings to attract a mate. FOR THE RECORDER/BILL DANIELSON
Published: 5/5/2021 10:14:10 AM
It is not uncommon for the four seasons to take their time as they move into and out of an area. Spring arrived back in March, but winter (as usual) wasn’t quite ready to leave. So, the sisters spent some time together as winter tried to get all of her packing done. The snow machine had to be run until it finally ran out of snow and then winter packed her final bags and said farewell.
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