May 16, 2008
Lilacs and flowering wisteria are in full bloom on the mountain. As of yesterday, the first few buds on the rhododendron bush have opened as well. And wildflowers are scattered throughout the meadow like paint on a canvas.Backyard tip of the week:
Most likely, you can find some native wildflowers on your property. Look in those areas where you haven't mowed recently and see what's popping up through the grass. Often you'll find a rare treat that you've just never noticed before. During one such expedition I found the evening primrose, which is so delicate, it only opens in the evening. Many wildflowers are thought of as weeds, but are actually beneficial to local wildlife and to the environment. If you find something cool, look it up and see for yourself what benefits it may provide for your backyard.
By leaving in nature, and leaving out man-made chemicals, fertilizers and pesticides, you'll be creating a more natural backyard, one that you're sure to love!
Backyard sightings for last week:
Including northern cardinals, American robins, a northern flicker, and the rose-breasted grosbeak. Chipping sparrows, Carolina wrens and house wrens, eastern goldfinches and house finches. Red-bellied woodpeckers, downy woodpeckers, white and red-breasted nuthatches. The tufted titmice, black-capped chickadees, blue-jays, American crows, a couple of grey squirrels, a mostly white skunk, some bunnies and a bull-frog! Also, European starlings, common grackles, red-winged blackbirds, and mourning doves.
Cool sighting of the week:
The female red-bellied woodpecker has been coming to the peanut feeder by the window quite a bit lately. With a tan head and belly, red nape, and black barred with white - wings, back and tail, the female red-bellied woodpecker can be identified by the grey spot in her otherwise red nape. The male's nape is all red.
A backyard favorite for sure! Catching the 'oh, so vibrant' female red-bellied woodpecker up-close this week was very cool!
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