I’ve been watching “my birds” closely. In early April they began pairing up. The robins are everywhere; there seem to be more each year. As I walk about the yard they madly fly by, one in close pursuit of another. This appears to be a part of the mating process and a mix of competition and ritual.
A female robin tried to build her nest in the step ladder that hangs under the back deck. I reluctantly tore the nest down and relocated the ladder (not a good place to start a family). The persistent bird rebuilt on the ladder. Sorry, but I had to remove it again. The ladder now lay on the ground. The bird seems finally to have been discouraged.
My observations also included some round holes several inches deep throughout the lawn. I blamed chipmunks until one day my wife called me to look out the living room window. Just a few feet away on the lawn sat a flicker. As we watched, the large, beautiful bird proceeded to dig furiously in the ground with its bill for the worms and insects that serve as its feed. Flickers normally tend to be rather careful of humans and I had never had such an opportunity to observe one this close and at length. We watched for perhaps ten minutes. (Yeah, I know, we’re not very busy and are easily amused.) Later I went out to inspect and found that the holes that I had observed were caused by the flickers feeding, not the chipmunks.
The bluebirds returned this year and again took to building their nest in the box on the clothes line post. I had grown fond of the shy little birds last year and was happy to see them back. In recent days, however, it seems that the bluebirds have been rousted by a pair of English sparrows. My dilemma: Is it ok to intervene and physically remove the sparrow nest in hopes that the bluebirds will return? I remain undecided. (Your opinions are welcome.)
Complimenting the birds this spring season, is an especially beautiful crop of daffodils! I consolidated them from the neighboring woods and lawn last year into a row at the top of the garden. The rows filled out nicely. Bands of outlaw daffodils continue to freelance elsewhere in the yard (why can’t I get grass to grow like this?). If you haven’t every cut daffodils for indoor vases, try it; they stay fresh in the house as long as any flowers I’ve seen.
On the gardening front, I planted okra and cucumber seeds in pots in the basement in mid-April. I was about four weeks late, but I’m hoping better late than never. Because of the influence of my Southern wife, I’ve have developed a real liking for okra, but being on the northern edge of the effective growing range where the season is shorter and the heat not as intense as okra prefers, I’ve not had much success growing it. The seeds were quick to germinate, so I hold out hope that when they’re transplanted outdoors in mid-May, I’ll get my first good crop.
The trees have started “greening” as well. The flowering varieties are the furthest along. The dogwoods which get southern exposure “popped” recenlty officially signifying (at least in our family) spring. The big hardwoods, like the maple and oak, will be a while yet.
Speaking of trees, I received a dozen seedling trees two years ago from the Arbor Day Foundation and, because I didn’t have the heart to let them die, I planted them near the garden. I had expected to find them a permanent home last year, but didn’t. That was a mistake. Boy did they grow fast! This year I made arrangements to transplant them to a local park where they’ll have space to grow and people to shade. I dug them up during some cool, wet weather recently taking great care not to damage their roots and put them in the back of my 1997 Neon. (It’s times like these that I really miss my 92 Caravan. Poor thing “died” last month. I’m still in mourning. It was like family.) So far, the trees seem to be taking nicely to their new grounds. Based on my forsythia transplant which I shared with you last time we talked, I expect nothing less than a 100% rate of success.
In closing I must note that I saw my first toad of the season on April 10. I mention this because it will send shivers down my daughter’s spine. I have fond memories of her calling me from her car in the driveway and asking for an escort to the front door because it was dark and she was afraid of the toads she might encounter on the sidewalk. (She’s in her twenties now and still requests an escort during toad season.)
Well, it was good talking to you, as always! Get to planting!
-Papa Perry
This was the first time reading your writing but I enjoyed your thoughtful observation of nature and its “spring bloomings”. One of my favorite authors/books is Annie Dillard, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek and for the same reason. The attention to detail is pretty great. Thank you for sharing something that you love!
On my own green note, I am working on my herb growing/collection this year. So far it includes anise hyssop, german chamomile, patchouli (guilty pleasure :0) ), lemon thyme and greek oregano. I love green things!