Spring is finally here in Western Massachusetts! Snowdrops are ringing their tiny white bells. Bees are answering their chimes. The woodcocks have returned along with the Phoebes and Tree Swallows. Robins are singing at dusk and dawn. It is a wonderful season. I just finished my butterfly page for the new website. They — the butterflies — apologize for not making an appearance here as well but there is just not enough time to be everywhere. I look forward to sharing the … [Read more...] about Snowdrops and Returning Birds Announce Our Real Spring
Waiting with Wildlife for Spring’s Return
We are all patiently waiting for spring to arrive here in Western Massachusetts. Flower Hill Farm has no buds a bloom in the trees or scattered about the snow covered grounds, and though I may be a bit weary of this winter, I can see signs of spring in the arrival and behavior of some of our wildlife. I have seen turkey vultures soaring high over the hills and do note more song filling the rawness of early morning. Also, sap is flowing within the sugar maples, while stacks from … [Read more...] about Waiting with Wildlife for Spring’s Return
A Bestiary ~ Warblers ~ Northern Parula
Over two years have passed since my monthly posts featuring Warblers began over at Native Plants and Wildlife Gardens. The next to the last warbler in the series, and as always sighted in the gardens at Flower Hill Farm, is presented this month in 'A Bestiary — Tales from a Wildlife Garden.' The Northern Parula perches in an old apple tree and darts about searching for insects inside flower buds as I capture photos. If you would like to see more images and learn about these … [Read more...] about A Bestiary ~ Warblers ~ Northern Parula
Monarch Migration Milkweed & Monsanto
It is hard to imagine that the words Monarch, Migration and Milkweed would have anything in common with a multinational chemical and biotech corporation like Monsanto. To see and hear the word Monsanto conjures up images of poisons, lies, manipulation, and now the possible loss of a momentous migration is added to the list of onslaughts to our environment, personal health and sacred connections to nature. Monarch Butterfies are just one of the insects that fall prey to Monsanto … [Read more...] about Monarch Migration Milkweed & Monsanto
Taking Time to Observe Divided White Light
Taking time to observe gifts of light . . . how they stretch and morph. Divided white light creating full spectrum shooting rainbows. While outside is a colder white. Happy School Vacation to many of you heading to warm beaches and family fun. We are up to our necks in snow, writing deadlines and building a new website. Butterflies are fluttering waiting to get out of my external hard drive and on to this page too. Much to do! … [Read more...] about Taking Time to Observe Divided White Light
