My spring-time wreath hangs on the outside wall of our chimney breast on the front porch. A couple of wee birds discovered this to be a warm place during cool nights. I'd noticed one or both birds flying off from the wreath of a morning when I popped out to collect the newspaper from the driveway - assumed they'd just been perching there. After mentioning this to husband he went to investigate, then ran in for his camera, and to call me to see what he'd found. A nest with four eggs! We are very careful, now, not to pry further, wouldn't want to annoy the parents!
So, the theme for this Music Monday has to be:
Or:
And, instrumentally, Stan Getz & Albert Dailey - Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most
So, the theme for this Music Monday has to be:
Or:
And, instrumentally, Stan Getz & Albert Dailey - Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most
Ah, nice! Spring is here, too. The rooks are building a nest in our neighbour's stovepipe. I haven't told him yet. Gotta learn the French for, "The birds are blocking up your chimney." ;-)
ReplyDeleteThe seasons are a bit obscure here in the deep South, with about eight months of summer, fall, winter, and spring occur in the remaining four months. We've had a very mild fall and winter, never dipping below 45*F here in town, and some very warm days...so, one could say we've had perpetual spring since summer ended last October. We often have an abbreviated spring lasting only weeks before the heat and humidity arrive, but this year, we are experiencing an extended spring...cool fronts keep coming from the north.
ReplyDeleteThe birdies are way ahead of your birds in OK! Most have already produced their first brood and are working on the second round. Peculiar year for the Monarch butterflies that I treasure, as they've been present all winter, mating, laying eggs, and caterpillars aplenty here in my yard. I can always distinguish the chrysalis-into-butterfly newbies by their vibrant colors and untattered wings. I've not seen them over-winter here before, so this was unanticipated. Perhaps a results of global warming? My sister thinks they are wildcards, disposable should it freeze here, or the first to fly north in the spring warmth should it not freeze.
I was mistaken about my prolific dill that I was growing. The Eastern Swallowtail is the butterfly that lays eggs on the dill and its caterpillars devour the fresh dill, then cocoon. The Swallowtails' caterpillars appear almost identical to the Monarch's. Regardless, I'm always happy when I've assisted nature by providing a feed-stock toward survival of the way-too-many declining species.
Have you identified the type of bird nesting on your wreath? It looks like a wonderful home for them...five star accommodation. Nesting birds are very highly regarded in Feng Shui as symbols of prosperity and good fortune...here comes that inheritance...LOL!
BTW - I grow a lot of dill here over the winter months. As I mentioned above, the Swallowtail caterpillars eat it, so it's part of their life-cycle. The umbels provide nectar for bees and other aerial creatures. The dill self-sows, so there's lots, but I keep it tidy and well-managed. Every year, city code enforcement visits to investigate complaints (anonymous to me) of weed over-growth and neglect. I give them my story and they tell me to carry-on. Several weeks ago, a police officer pulled-up in front of my house while I was working in the yard. He said there had been numerous complaints about weeds so high, they were blocking the sidewalk and pedestrians couldn't walk through. He looked around and said he didn't understand...the sidewalks were free of dill and very passable. Further, he said he was sent out, because code enforcement, having received multiple complaints, thought it was an imminent danger requiring immediate action. He was very nice and left me and the dill unharmed. I usually receive compliments for my yard and particularly the dill...the dill is only here for a couple of winter months and provides a nice view of beauty. I find it strange that some people find discord with landscaping that is nature-friendly and ecologically sensible. The dill has set seed and is starting to brown and die, so I'll be pulling it up in a couple of weeks, like I do every year, and the complainers will have their view of plain ol' grass again for the summer months.
ReplyDeleteRJ Adams ~ Hmmm - lol! Do be careful with your translation - it could come out as something rather rude. ;-)
ReplyDeletemime + (again) ~ I don't think I'd enjoy the climate of southern Texas. I struggle here, but at least we do have 4 seasons - all pleasant, except for the summer's intense heat, and allergies, constant for me; and of course threat of the odd tornado around this time of year.
ReplyDeleteWe haven't identified the type of bird whose nest it is - small bird - sparrow or house finch we guess, but not sure. Oh the nest and eggs are a good sign you think? Goody!! Maybe I'll get news of the long-winded sorting out of cousin's estate soon, they promised an update around now anyway.
I had to look up dill and find a picture - ignoramus me didn't know what dill looks like! It seems to be a pretty plant, not at all weed-like. So people complain about your dill? Dang! It's a pity they don't complain about something important, such as climate change or fracking or...... :-/
mime = mike!
ReplyDeleteI've been watching these lil fellers (actually, their sex cannot be determined yet) since they hatched. Better than TV any day.
ReplyDeletehttp://dceaglecam.org/
Sabina ~ COOL! :-)
ReplyDelete