A bird mystery.....

I decided to feed the birds this year.   We've always had hummingbird feeders and I usually keep 3 near the windows and the patio. So far, none have shown up this year

but they will..... 

I went to the Wild Birds Unlimited store to learn about feed and came home with a less messy variety and I have been pleased that it seems to leave very little residue on the ground.    We put this feeder and another in front of our family room windows and have enjoyed their antics.    Mostly we get house finches and they are colorful and lively.    

Today, I looked out our large kitchen windows and found NINE birds sprawled on the patio.    These windows are under the upper deck and the feeder is out farther in the yard.    I had one very dead robin (they don't eat from feeders) and 8 finches in various stages of dead and stunned.    I was shocked and saddened.      I immediately removed the feeders.     We left the birds undisturbed and in the end, 4 managed to right themselves and wander off.    I'm not optimistic they will survive.    

So now, I'm feeling quite guilty and sad.    I will move the feeders to the perimeter of the yard and just have the hummingbird feeders by the family room.    I just got an oriole feeder and undecided if and where I will put it out.   

Birds are just amazing and especially the happy little finches.   We also have chickadees, cedar waxwings, kingfishers, crows, an occasional grackle, lots of swallows over the pond,  doves, hawks circling and lots of robins.     Most of those won't come to the feeders but I have my bird books and binoculars nearby to try and identify more of them.    

My straw bale is ready to plant and I am trying to decide on tomato varieties.   I can only plant a few things and will put some bright flowers around the sides.   It won't camouflage it at all but if I put in nasturtium and marigold it might help as a repellent.   I have to figure out a deer cover.   

Our Ladies golf league started yesterday.   It was 35 degrees and ominous but we bravely went forth.   Our group and most others lasted about 7 holes before rain, wind and probably some snow forced us in.... a luncheon followed with hot soup to start and lots of cupcakes to make us feel better. 

With uncertain weather, I'm using the treadmill most days.   I kind of miss the morning walks to check out the changing trees and pending flowers.   But it sure is nice to walk in my pjs.   And it's about time to get on my bike !!

Update:

More birds have hit the windows....I had the feeders  farther back and we had way too many birds.   And then they started flying into the windows again so I removed it all.     I'm puzzled as this has rarely happened in the past.   And I'm sad, for the dead and injured birds and for the loss of enjoyment from watching and identifying them.     The hummingbirds have returned and I will keep their feeders up.   

 

Spring is in the air..... along with miserable allergies

Yes, that is a straw bale sitting in our yard.    I am not a gardener and I would never plant a garden.    But, after seeing the results of Jon's successful Straw Bale Gardening efforts the last few years, I decided to take the plunge.    I got a book and joined a FB group.    Jon and Mason came to visit (after skiing at Vail) and he helped with the purchase and placement of a single bale.  Most people have several bales in rows.    It needs to be in the sun and have water available.    I wanted to make it more inconspicuous but then decided that golfers aren't critiquing my yard when they are really trying to avoid the pond in the background.     I have started the 'conditioning' process which takes about 2 weeks.    It involves fertilizer and warm water.    Then I will be able to plant cool weather plants ( peas, kale, lettuce etc) and once the chance of frost is past, I will put in tomatoes .... maybe peppers.     I will stick some flowers in the sides to brighten it up a bit.    There shouldn't be any weeds.      I can use the bale for 2 years before it deteriorates.     Stay tuned......

There is still plenty of snow around and with the warmer temps, there is fear of flooding and falling rocks and assorted dangers.    We will stay  off the mountain roads.    

April brings a birthday and this year it is a MAJOR one.    I feel fortunate that I am still upright and healthy and reasonably aware of my surroundings.    In order to stay that way, I need to continue my exercise level and coming back from AZ to windy, cold weather made that difficult.   So I requested a treadmill for my BD gift.    It arrived yesterday and after waving $$$$, the delivery guys agreed to carry the large, very heavy box upstairs.    It will go into my large bonus room,..... now called the TV lounge, the exercise gym, the art room, the library and the sewing nook.     I am happy to have all that space.   

And more than happy to have my favorite handyman around.....

Mason had to take his turn driving the 50+ year old Beetle.   It has its share of issues but ably goes to the pickleball courts and beyond.