I expected to see a towhee in the woods, but in a yard?
He’s been calling and digging in the leaves under the rhododendron for the last 90 minutes. This is his first day here.
The day began with robins and jays calling at first light. Just before sunrise the squirrel with the patches of fur missing came out and started stuffing her face with bird seed. She also enjoys maple tree buds. I think the patches of fur may be lining a nest. She’s the dominant squirrel, having run another, bigger squirrel off.
The red-winged blackbirds are pretty good and keeping the cowbirds from taking over. The little song sparrow arrives last.
Even a tiny bit of green space attracts an amazing range of wildlife.
I’m trying to decide whether to wipe the muddy squirrel prints of my window - they make a useful tracking study. I managed to get a few little items completed this morning. I’ve got some leftover trout lily leaves - do I experiment with another recipe or try wilting and freezing them for a taste of spring in mid-winter?
The rain has stopped and water droplets pick up glints of sunlight, like miniature rainbows. It’s already getting hot. I can see the insects that make up the meals that attract so many different birds.
I haven’t seen the mouse for days. I wonder if she can read, and maybe decided to move rather than risk being my meal. I did find out - I’d have to remove the entrails before cooking. It’s good to know, just in case.