Hi,
A belated note: Saw 2 nighthawks interacting over an open field about 7 AM on
Sept. 25. They were making a sound that I had never heard them make before.
Just before 8 AM today, had a Winter Wren in the brush pile near the bird
feeder pole. But I want to mention that bird feeding is not just about putting
feeders out! I leave my senescent herbaceous plants standing until spring, and
Winter Wrens are usually seen on them searching for insects (aphids remain for
a long time). So-o-o, please consider spreading the word to neighbors who
clean up their yards every fall.
Also was alerted to a screech owl in one of my five owl boxes around the yard,
which I was expecting, thanks to the low temps this morning. Sure enough, got
back from exercising and the chickadees and titmice alerted me to the
situation. Made my day before it had much begun!!!
Then discovered that all 8 caterpillars on my small (volunteer) Black Birch
tree have survived and are now curled up inside leaves on the plants. Moth
numbers are way down so I am delighted to see this.
A chipmunk made its way along the "bunny trail" a while ago, and now a Monarch
butterfly is in the yard! What a great day already!!!!!!
Very happily,
Marlene
