Happy Robin

I went out for a jog/slog to the Douglas County Lake in Baldwin today and saw this robin high in a tree enjoying the sun. The entire woods was filled with robins.





What made these tracks (that are melting) under the Count's bridge in Baldwin? I've seen opossums, coyotes and raccoons in summer, so it could be any of them.

Green and White Pond

Here is my small pond in late September and today. It's only 3 feet deep and is completely frozen. The birds find refuge in the tangled willow limbs.



I usually bring in mandevilla each fall, cut it back and leave in the basement closet until warm weather. This year Iplaced it by a window and after serious pruning, the vine is making its way up a metal trellis. This plant will grow to be thick and lush, with pink blossoms. If you're looking for a great summer plant to put in a pot, this is it.








Winter

My large garden. This may take a while to melt.



Fennel emerges in a basement pot.



PostBlizzard

 

 The blizzard was not as intense as I expected, but I lived in the mountains of Arizona for 16 years and this type of storm was fairly common. The grass birds used as a shelter yesterday gradually become covered as the snow fell yesterday afternoon. See what it looks like this morning (below)

Blizzard Day in Baldwin City

 It's 10:00 on Feb. 1, just two hours away from the predicted blizzard. I've already put out four heaping piles of birdseed--in a bird bath, in my gardens, on the porch--and the various birds have just about devoured it all.

Right and below: Birds are already seeking shelter. I counted over a dozen hiding in the grass in my butterfly garden. Sparrows are using the house swallow nests under the porch, while others like the emergency "pockets" I hung for them. Some prefer the thick honeysuckle or bluebird nests nailed to posts.