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...]
A Frightfully Frigid Winter Interlude
Winter is becoming a bit freaky across the country creating whirlwinds of bone-chilling chaos and disasters in many states.Here, icicles dangling like dangerous claws, can be likened to imaginary bars of winter's bitter prison blocking healing warmth. Pruning will fill up much of February and March if days warm enough to hold pole clippers and saws.What was I thinking to plant a climbing hydrangea on the beautiful Shagbark Hickory . . . a good trim here and there will open to view some of … [Read more...]
A Winter Focus ~ Cedar Waxwing Ornaments and Long Nights Moon
The nakedness of winter's landscape can sometimes seem cold and lonely, when suddenly, whoosh, all together in flight, a flash of fluttering life lifts the spirit high towards outermost tips of a beloved Black Cherry tree. Offering light and enchantment to the lucky viewer, a flock, an 'ear-full', a 'museum' of over sixty Cedar Waxwings alight, sprinkled along the top of the skeletal cherry canopy, resembling delicate ornaments bedecking leafless limbs. A closer focus reveals hints of … [Read more...]
Berry Busy Fussy Birds
"Whoa!" said the Cedar Waxwing to the Northern Flicker. "Hey! Can you not see this branch is occupied???!! And don't you know you are a woodpecker!??" "Sorry.""Do not loose your feathers over it . . . I just did not see you for all the ripe berries luring me in. Yes! Of course I know I am a woodpecker, and if you were paying attention you would have noticed that I often perch rather than hold onto branches and trunks like some of my cousins. By the way, I saw Ms. Pileated … [Read more...]
Berry Busy Fussy Birds
"Whoa!" said the Cedar Waxwing to the Northern Flicker. "Hey! Can you not see this branch is occupied???!! And don't you know you are a woodpecker!??" "Sorry." "Do not loose your feathers over it . . . I just did not see you for all the ripe berries luring me in. Yes! Of course I know I am a woodpecker, and if you were paying attention you would have noticed that I often perch rather than hold onto branches and trunks like some of my cousins. By the way, I saw Ms. Pileated Woodpecker on … [Read more...]
