Simply Bird Photos/Happy New Year

 Welcome back.  Here's to a great 2021!  Happy New Year Everyone!

Blue Jay

Juvenile Female Northern Cardinal

Northern Cardinal

Black-Capped Chickadee

Mourning Doves

Cedar Waxwing

Seed Catalogs Are Arriving/Winter Bird Photos

Welcome back.  Although I have been posting mostly about birdwatching over the last month or so, gardening is always on my mind even during the winter months.  I'm always thinking ahead to the next season in regards to which varieties to try, etc.  With the snowstorm this past week, which gave us a 30 inch snowfall, Spring seems so far away.

Over the the last few weeks I have been receiving seed catalogs.  They seem to come earlier each year.  Although I buy most of my seeds locally, sometimes I order from the catalogs especially if I want to try a specific variety that catches my eye.  I will cover each catalog that I  have received to date, and highlight one variety from each.

The first catalog I received is Totally Tomatoes.  How appropriate for me, as I love to grow tomatoes, especially heirlooms.  If you are a tomato and/or pepper lover, this catalog is for you.

One new variety they are offering is Belle of the Ball tomato.  This one is an heirloom hybrid (from two French heirlooms), which is an interesting concept in itself.  In recent years I tend to stray away from hybrids, which were bred to produce uniformly sized, perfectly shaped fruits for mass sale.  But in the process some flavor was lost.  The heirlooms offer the best flavor, however they also are sometimes oddly shaped, etc.

Therefore a hybrid of 2 heirloom varieties is a great idea to blend the best with the best.

The next catalog I received is Seeds 'nSuch. They have a good selection of veggie and flower seeds.  

Keeping with the tomato theme, I will highlight a variety called Mountain Merit Hybrid.  You may be wondering why I am mentioning a hybrid tomato after just touting the advantages of the heirlooms.  

If you have had problems with tomato blight (early and late), this tomato may be for you.  This one has resistance to blight.  There are other "Mountain" varieties with blight resistance as well so you can choose which variety you would like.  I have had problems with blight for years, although I still manage to get a decent tomato harvest.  I try to to rotate where I plant each year which helps somewhat.  It is also important to dispose of vegetation instead of tilling into the soil in the Fall.  Also, applying a copper fungicide (spray) to your plants several times during the season can help.

The third catalog I have received is Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds  This all inclusive catalog comes in at 162 pages and is more like a book.  

They offer some rare and interesting heirloom tomatoes.  One extremely rare variety is Thorburn's Terra Cotta from 1893.  It is very unusual looking, but  the flavor is described as "out of this world".  It is a prolific producer as well.

Thorburn's Terra Cotta

This catalog is worth taking a look at, you can request a free copy.

I am looking forward to receiving more catalogs in the coming weeks. I will share them with you as I do.  Although it is too early to start seeds, the following is a link if you are interested in purchasing seed starting supplies .  The time will be here before we know it! 

I will leave you with some recent bird photos.  Enjoy.  Thanks for reading.

 

Mourning Doves

 

Red-Bellied Woodpecker and Dark-Eyed Junco

European Starling

  

 

    

Using eBird/Bird Photos

Welcome back.  If you follow my blog you will know that I have covered in detail several bird counting opportunities, including Project FeederWatch, and the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC).  In this post I will introduce eBird, which is also managed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

As you may know, both Project FeederWatch and GBBC limit your bird counts as they are for specific periods of time.  Project FeederWatch runs from mid-November to early April each year, and participants can only count for 2 consecutive days each week.  The GBBC takes place each February and involves counting birds for 4 consecutive days.  What if you are an avid birder and want to count every day even in different locations?  Enter eBird.

Perhaps the best way to introduce eBird is through the following video:

As the video mentions, data can be entered either via the website or using the mobile app.  Photos and even audio recordings can also be entered.

From the eBird website:

eBird began with a simple idea—that every birdwatcher has unique knowledge and experience. Our goal is to gather this information in the form of checklists of birds, archive it, and freely share it to power new data-driven approaches to science, conservation and education. At the same time, we develop tools that make birding more rewarding. From being able to manage lists, photos and audio recordings, to seeing real-time maps of species distribution, to alerts that let you know when species have been seen, we strive to provide the most current and useful information to the birding community.

eBird data document bird distribution, abundance, habitat use, and trends through checklist data collected within a simple, scientific framework. Birders enter when, where, and how they went birding, and then fill out a checklist of all the birds seen and heard during the outing. eBird’s free mobile app allows offline data collection anywhere in the world, and the website provides many ways to explore and summarize your data and other observations from the global eBird community.

So for those of you who want to participate beyond Project FeederWatch, eBird is for you.

Regarding bird photography,  you may wonder what camera I am using.  I currently use a Nikon Coolpix L830.  It has a 34X zoom and is mainly a point and shoot camera, although it does also have manual modes.  This is an older model that I bought used.  It is a good camera for those on a budget.  For your convenience here is a link if you are interested in purchasing a Nikon Coolpix camera; there are new and used ones listed.

Finally, some photos for your enjoyment.

American Goldfinch

Northern Cardinal, House Sparrow

Downy Woodpecker

Until next time.

Counting Birds/Exploring Chalet Feeders

Welcome back.  As Project FeederWatch continues,  I hope you have set up a feeder and are participating in this worthwhile project. 

My first two consecutive counting days were November 14th and 15th, and following are the species I observed along with the maximum number of individuals for each (12 Species).

• European Starling (1)
• Blue Jay (3)
• Black-Capped Chickadee (3)
• House Sparrow (12)
• Tufted Titmouse (1)
• House Finch (4)
• White Breasted Nuthatch (1)
• American Goldfinch (2)
• Hairy Woodpecker (1)
• Northern Cardinal (2)
• Downy Woodpecker (2)
• Mourning Dove (1)

This was a good showing of birds for the first week of the season,  There was no snow cover on the days I counted.  A few days later we had about an inch of snow and cold windy conditions, and there was definitely an increase in bird activity.  However, even though you can choose any 2 consecutive days of the week to record your counts, you can't count more often than once per week.

My 2nd count was done on November 21st and 22nd.  The counts were as follows (13 Species):

• European Starling (1)
• Blue Jay (7)
• Black-Capped Chickadee (4)
• House Sparrow (8)
• House Finch (2)
• White Breasted Nuthatch (1)
• American Goldfinch (2)
• Hairy Woodpecker (1)
• Northern Cardinal (2)
• Downy Woodpecker (1)
• Mourning Dove (7)
• American Tree Sparrow (1)
• Dark-Eyed Junco (4)

If you compare the lists, they are almost identical with the exception of the Tufted Titmouse from the first count was replaced by the American Tree Sparrow the second week and also a few Dark-Eyed Juncos made an appearance.  Once we get consistent colder temperatures and snow cover, I expect the number of species to increase.

In my last few posts regarding bird watching, I have been providing information on different bird feeder types.  So far I covered platform and tube feeders.  This week I will talk about chalet type feeders. These feeders typically have a hopper covered by a roof, and two seed troughs to dispense the seed.  I have provided a link if you are interested in purchasing a feeder.

Chalet Feeder

Suet Feeder

I am also showing a different type of suet feeder that I purchased a few years ago.  It is mounted on a garden pole that pushes into the ground.  This feeder was originally designed for a product called "Suet Balls".   I haven't been able to find them lately, so I just break up a normal suet cake into 4 pieces to fill it.

As you can see, I also have suet baskets (deigned to hold a suet cake) on my chalet feeder and the platform one as well.

The chalet feeder, which can be used by both large and small birds, offers several advantages.  First, the hopper holds a fair amount of seed so you won't have to refill as often.  The seed is also protected from the elements especially compared to the platform style feeder.  They can be made from wood, plastic,  and even metal.  They can be hung, pole mounted, or even window sill mounted.

Thanks for reading.  In my next post I will explore eBird, which is also run by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.  Using eBird, you can submit bird counts anytime, anywhere.

I will leave you with a few photos from this week.

Black-Capped Chickadee

American Goldfinch

Planting Flower Bulbs

Welcome back.  I wrote this post about a month ago but didn't publish since I have been focusing on bird watching lately.  I planted the bulbs in mid October.

This post is a little different for me, although I do at times cover flowers, mainly perennial.  We haven't planted bulbs in many years.  Now that I am retired, I'm finding more time to expand my horizons.  

We decided to plant some bulbs in a new bed I created last fall underneath a crab apple tree in the side yard.  Planting bulbs is pretty straight forward, hopefully the results will be good.

When planting bulbs, first of all, be sure that they are correct for the Zone you live in.  Also, be sure to follow directions especially as to the correct planting depth.  Since this bed is mulched with shredded pine mulch, that should provide an extra layer of protection over the winter months.

It is a good idea also to label what was planted, as it may be hard to remember come Spring.

 

I have recently also planted bulbs in the beds in front of our house in-between the shrubs.  In these beds I planted, tulips, daffodils, crocuses and irises.

Finally, a video how to regarding planting bulbs:

Thanks for reading.  Until next time.

Project FeederWatch Begins November 14th/Exploring Tube Feeders

 Welcome back.  As I have mentioned in the last several posts, Project FeederWatch begins on November 14th.  There is still time to sign up for the season, which continues through mid-April.  This is a great family activity, especially during these trying times.  The project involves counting for two consecutive days of your choice each week, or less often if desired.

I have participated in this project for many years.  Project FeederWatch began during the winter of 1987-88 with over 4,000 participants.  Today, more than 20,000 people participate across the US and Canada.  So join today and let the counting begin.

In my last post I began a series highlighting different types of bird feeders.  In that post I covered platform feeders, one of the most common types.  As I mentioned, platform feeders work well for attracting larger birds and multiple birds at once.  This can be conducive to good photo opportunities.    

In this post I will cover tube feeders, another popular feeder type.  As I started doing in the last post, I will provide links to purchase these feeders for your convenience if you are interested.   Be sure to also check out the tab at the top of my blog titled "Bird Watching and Gardening Supplies" for more products. 

I have two tube feeders outside the kitchen window.  One holds regular bird seed mix, the other is designed only as a nyjer (thistle) seed feeder.  

Tufted Titmouse

The tube feeder above has 6 perches for birds to feed.  This feeder is designed for the common bird food mixes.  Some feeders come with alternate ports that allow use with nyjer seed.  These feeders typically hang thus are fairly easy to install.

The next photo shows both of my tube feeders, the one on the right is a nyjer (thistle) seed feeder.  It is constructed with a fine screen that allows the small seeds to poke through just enough to allow the birds to access them.  This feeder is visited most often in my yard by goldfinches and house finches.  Occasionally, however, a chickadee will feed from the thistle feeder,  Chickadees typically prefer sunflower seeds,  Its fun to watch them take one tiny njyer seed at a time, go to a branch, and open the seed,  I'm not sure how they are able to do so!

As I mentioned in my last post, tube feeders are preferred by smaller birds, as they give them a chance to feed away from the larger, bossy birds.  Occasionally larger birds will try yo feed from tube feeders, but they usually aren't successful.

So fill up your feeder or feeders, and get ready to enjoy Project FeederWatch.

Finally, a photo for your enjoyment.

Northern Cardinal

Until next time.

 

Bird Feeder 101/Bird Photos

 Welcome back.  In my last post I introduced Project FeederWatch which begins on November 14th.  If you haven't signed up yet, there is still time.  You may not receive your membership materials in time, but you can still count birds, then enter the data once your receive your membership kit which includes an ID number needed to log in.  For more information click the link above or see my featured post in the right hand margin from last week.

In this post I will begin a series of posts regarding feeders with information about platform bird feeders.  I have 3 feeding stations in my yard, each of which contain different types of feeders.  If you are new to bird watching, one feeder is fine if you want to keep things simple.  

For your convenience, I will include links for platform feeders to purchase if you choose, or to get an idea of what to purchase.  Just click on the green links labelled platform feeder.  Also, check out the eBay banners to the right for more platform feeder choices and also for suet feeders..

The feeder I use most often for capturing photos is the platform feeder right outside my family room window.  The feeder is about 10 feet in the air so it is at the same level as the window.  Platform feeders can be hung, pole mounted, or even attached to the outside of a window depending n your situation.  Mine is pole mounted.  I used a one-half inch galvanized pipe threaded into a pipe flange that is mounted to the under side of the feeder.  You can also use a wooden pole if desired.  As you can see, I have attached a suet feeder.

The following photo was taken on the platform feeder:

Male and Female Northern Cardinal, Dark-Eyed Junco, In the Snow

First of all, worth noting is the Dark-Eyed Junco, the first day (November 2nd) we have had these birds this Fall.  They are also known as snow birds, right on que, as the first snow we received was October 30th. 

You can see the pipe extending from the bottom of the feeder.  For those of you not familiar with a pipe flange, one is pictured below:

As I mentioned above, there are several types of platform feeders.  These feeders are good to attract multiple birds at the same time.  However, at times the larger birds will chase away the smaller ones not allowing them to feed.  That is why I have several types of feeders.  A tube feeder is designed for smaller birds and I will profile that in my next post.  Different locations in the yard will also attract different birds.  Some birds prefer more protected areas, for example, next to shrubbery as opposed to an open area.

Finally, a few more photos to enjoy.

Juvenile Male Northern Cardinal

White-Breasted Nuthatch

Until next time.

Fall Bird Watching Is Here

Welcome back.  Time is going by quickly and we are once again approaching the official beginning to the bird watching season.  By that I mean that Project FeederWatch begins November 14th.  For those of you not familiar, Project FeederWatch is a citizen science project that involves identifying and counting birds 2 days per week through early April.

Project FeederWatch is operated by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Birds Canada.  Since 2016, Project FeederWatch has also been sponsored by Wild Bird Unlimited.  

From the Project FeederWatch website:  What sets FeederWatch apart from other monitoring programs is the detailed picture that FeederWatch data provide about weekly changes in bird distribution and abundance across the United States and Canada. Importantly, FeederWatch data tell us where birds are as well as where they are not. This crucial information enables scientists to piece together the most accurate population maps.

For more information, I am sharing the following video:

This is a great family activity, and given the current pandemic, it will be a safe activity for families this Fall and Winter.  So join today to ensure a Winter of enjoyment with your family.

This Fall we have been enjoying young Cardinals and Blue Jays in our yard.  We normally don't have these birds nesting right in our yard. We do typically have house sparrows and finches nesting, along with tree swallows and robins.  Our yard is only an acre and a quarter, however, we are surrounded by farm fields and we do have trees bordering our yard.  We also have abundant fruit, shrubbery, and a pond.  So we really do have an ideal yard to promote bird nesting.

Following are some photos to perhaps encourage you to enjoy bird watching if you don't already.  It is a great hobby and is very relaxing as well.

Juvenile Female Cardinal

Juvenile Male Cardinal

Male and Female Juvenile Cardinals

Juvenile Blue Jay

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Birds Canada each have a live bird cam.  For you enjoyment I have included the links below.  They are very enjoyable to watch, and the geographic locations provide a wide variety in bird species, since the Cornell cam is in Central NY State, the Birds Canada cam is located in Ontario, Canada.

Cornell Lab Bird Cam

Birds Canada Bird Cam

Thanks as always for visiting.

The Fall Garden - Cold Hardy Vegetables

Welcome back.  In my last post which covered the garden cleanup process, I mentioned that I had some cold hardy vegetables remaining even though in general the growing season is over.  So with proper planning you can continue growing some vegetables in October and even into early November.

Shown above is Swiss Chard.  This is extremely hardy second only to kale.  Just occasional trimming is all that it needs nd it will last throughout October.  I have already had temperatures down to 25 degrees and it remains in great condition.  Swiss Chard is very healthy as it is loaded with anti-oxidants.

Next is kale, which is also extremely hardy and is amazingly resistant to cold.  I have curly and regular kale this year and look forward to using it this Fall.  Kale makes a great addition to soups, stir fry, salads and more.

Shown above is lettuce, which is somewhat cold hardy but not to the level of kale or Swiss Chard.  I planted my last batch of lettuce in late August and it is doing quite well.  I have some Iceberg and several types of Romaine.  The plants probably would benefit from a plastic cover or cold frame glass panel to increase warmth;  they would grow faster.  I may try that.  Stay tuned.

Another cold hardy veggie is the leek, shown here next to another bed of lettuce.  I grow these every year, starting them from seed in March.  They grow slowly so they continue to grow into October.  They actually get sweeter with frost, so they are one vegetable that actually gets better as the cold weather sets in.  Leeks are also good in stir fry and soups.

Finally, the carrots are doing well as they also tolerate the cold.  This year I grew Kaleidoscope Blend from Burpee seeds, a multi-color variety.  I am looking forward to using these soon.

Thanks for reading as always.  In my next post I will talk about planting flower bulbs, a new topic for me.  In future posts, I will transition into bird watching as that season is fast approaching.  Project FeederWatch begins on November 14th.

Fall Garden Cleanup

Welcome back.  It's hard to believe but the growing season is officially over, at least for most vegetables here in Central New York.  This Summer went by quickly and Fall is definitely in the air.  We have had multiple killing frosts, with the low temperature so far being 25 degrees on September 21st (actually still Summer).

The Fall garden cleanup process is a daunting task but it goes fairly quickly once you decide to tackle it.  By this time of year, we often let the garden go and it gets overgrown with weeds and remaining vegetation.  It is important to "clean house" to get the garden ready for Spring planting.  Leaving the mess until Spring will most likely discourage you from planting next season.

Not only will the garden look better, but it will also allow a chance for the soil to be enhanced by some methods I will describe in future posts.

As you can see, these photos show that a great deal of work needs to be done to get the gardens into shape.  The upper garden (top photo) shows that where the potatoes were dug was already in good shape.  The following photos show the gardens after the cleanup process and one of the cartful of garden debris indicating how much vegetation remains at the end of the growing season.

As you can see, there are some veggies remaining in the gardens that are cold hardy.  In my next post, I will cover which vegetables remain and also garden soil enhancement.  Thanks for reading.

The Harvest Continues - Onions and Potatoes

 Welcome back.  The summer was a hot one for sure and as usual it went by too quickly.  In my last post I featured garden harvest photos including tomatoes, peppers, and blueberries. 

It has been a good season for the garden even though it was very dry at times.  With some intermittent watering, I was able to get good results with most of the vegetables.

This year I planted 3 types of onions.  First, I started Sweet Spanish onions from seed in early March as I described in my April 15th post.  Theses are large sweet onions that also store pretty well.  Next, I planted Stuttgart, a standard long keeping yellow onion.  Finally, I planted Snowball onions, a white sweet onion.

Overall, the onion crop was good, although, they were somewhat smaller due to the dry conditions.  I have seen larger onions, especially the Sweet Spanish, which can get huge.

Sweet Spanish Onions

Plenty of Sweet

I recently also dug the potatoes.  This year I planted Yukon Gold and also Kennebec as I described in my April 18th post.  Both are great varieties and both store well.  Luckily, I have a good place to store vegetables in the basement of my 1850s era farmhouse.  The cellar stays cool even in the summer heat and never freezes in the winter.

Yukon Gold matures faster then does Kennebec, therefore those were harvested first around August 22nd.  I estimated about 30 pounds yield from about 25 hills.

Yukon Gold Harvest

On September 10th, I dug the Kennebec tubers, as the vines had pretty much died back by then.  I decided to take advantage of the fairly dry conditions.  I would not be disappointed in the results, about a 40 lb yield from the 25 hills.

Kennebec 

Kennebec Harvest

In summary, I was pleased with the onion and potato crop.  Last year, the potatoes did not do well at all due to an extremely wet Spring and early summer.

Even though most of the vegetables have been harvested, some still remain.  Stay tuned for upcoming posts featuring fall crops and the Fall garden cleanup process.