Barred Owls, Strix varia, may have been howling and hooting as year-round residents of this hillside in Western Massachusetts for more than 11,000 years. Fossils of their species, that many years old, have been uncovered in Florida, Tennessee and as far north as Ontario. These raptors of night are typically hidden in layers of darkness but do sometimes hunt during daytime hours. Looking out over the panoramic views of Flower Hill Farm Retreat, always stimulates the imagination. But last … [Read more...] about Beauties of the Night ~ Barred Owl
Beauties of the Night ~ Luna Moth
There is beauty hidden within darkness. Beauties of the night are curious creatures and none more than the stunning Luna Moth. We humans are creatures of habitual repetition and it is a reliable assumption that by nightfall most people are indoors with lights on and doors closed to the outside world. When we accidentally or purposefully leave our outside lights on, it is somewhat like fly fishing with the bright light being the lure. Many beauties of the night will be drawn to the light … [Read more...] about Beauties of the Night ~ Luna Moth
White-tailed Deer ~ Doe and Fawn
The gardens at Flower Hill Farm Retreat hold much more than just plants, shrubs and trees. Every day when I walk out into the gardens I never know what surprises await me. On June 4th I was walking down into the south field to check the Tree Swallow house when I heard a familiar yet strange sound. Looking towards the now overgrown rock garden area I saw a tiny fawn trying to stand. In a matter of minutes the little White-tailed Deer fawn was stepping out of the protection of the overgrowth … [Read more...] about White-tailed Deer ~ Doe and Fawn
A Bouquet of Warblers Continues In Plumule Expanse
December sighs and drops whiteness about the land. The last few weeks of 2013 are at hand. Another month unfolds and now a landscape covered in downy snow and ice lies across these hills of Western Massachusetts. I have a new installment of my 'A Bestiary . . . Tales from a Wildlife Garden' up over at Native Plants and Wildlife Gardens. The Black-and-white Warbler joins the lively bouquet of warblers . . . offering its striking plumage to the arrangement of songbirds. I hope you might … [Read more...] about A Bouquet of Warblers Continues In Plumule Expanse
A Bouquet of Warblers Continues In Plumule Expanse
December sighs and drops whiteness about the land. The last few weeks of 2013 are at hand.Another month unfolds and now a landscape covered in downy snow and ice lies across these hills of Western Massachusetts.I have a new installment of my 'A Bestiary . . . Tales from a Wildlife Garden' up over at Native Plants and Wildlife Gardens.The Black-and-white Warbler joins the lively bouquet of warblers . . . offering its striking plumage to the arrangement of songbirds. I hope you might click … [Read more...] about A Bouquet of Warblers Continues In Plumule Expanse
