I certainly learned something today reading this! Asian Honeysuckle; that grows wild near my fence line--your days are numbered. I live on 13 acres at the delightful end of a road where I am the last house. I have been dancing here with birds for 24 years. Oh the bird stories and their antics I could tell! I too have allowed a lower field near the stream to wild out and am planting native flowers and shrubs. Spice bush is next on my list thanks to your post.
I have been delaying the removal of Asian bush honeysuckle in the woods behind the big pond at Puddock Hill because it's so much work (and there's so much other work around) and in some spots they provide the only understory. But the details in this piece make me think I should get to it sooner rather than later.
Hello Mia, Thank you for your thoughtful questions. Regarding bird seed, I offer a mix of primarily black oil sunflower seeds and smaller seeds like millet. In the spring and fall I set up a hummingbird feeder full of sugar water. I also put out suet over the winter. Birds get most of their food from foraging for insects and seeds in nature, but feeders are helpful in supplementing their diet.
It is true that many birds have suffered large declines in their populations. Supporting local environmental groups, landscaping with native plants, and helping raise awareness around projects like Homegrown National Park are all important ways people can help the birds.
It helps to focus on appreciating small things and thinking about our efforts adding up over the long term. Birds are very resilient, and if we give them a chance, they will make a comeback. Ultimately, our fate and the birds fate are tied to the same source. So, a course correction is inevitable, it is largely a question of the extent to which we support or work against positive change.
What a lovely nudge to get out on the trail this morning! The portraits you share of these intricate beings are simply gorgeous. Thanks, Bill.
Thank you Ann. I like the idea that I am prompting people to go for a hike.
I certainly learned something today reading this! Asian Honeysuckle; that grows wild near my fence line--your days are numbered. I live on 13 acres at the delightful end of a road where I am the last house. I have been dancing here with birds for 24 years. Oh the bird stories and their antics I could tell! I too have allowed a lower field near the stream to wild out and am planting native flowers and shrubs. Spice bush is next on my list thanks to your post.
Full body chills when I read about the Veeries deeper knowing about hurricanes! Thank you so much Bill for sharing this beautiful piece.
I have been delaying the removal of Asian bush honeysuckle in the woods behind the big pond at Puddock Hill because it's so much work (and there's so much other work around) and in some spots they provide the only understory. But the details in this piece make me think I should get to it sooner rather than later.
How have I never heard of a veery?!
They are all around you this time of year, but they are hard to spot.
Beautiful photos and the poetry of birds...thank you for this post!
Breathtaking photos are icing on what I have taken away from your letter! Thank you!
The veery info is mind-blowing. It’s nice to be reminded of how much can be known but that we humans know nothing about.
Hello Mia, Thank you for your thoughtful questions. Regarding bird seed, I offer a mix of primarily black oil sunflower seeds and smaller seeds like millet. In the spring and fall I set up a hummingbird feeder full of sugar water. I also put out suet over the winter. Birds get most of their food from foraging for insects and seeds in nature, but feeders are helpful in supplementing their diet.
It is true that many birds have suffered large declines in their populations. Supporting local environmental groups, landscaping with native plants, and helping raise awareness around projects like Homegrown National Park are all important ways people can help the birds.
It helps to focus on appreciating small things and thinking about our efforts adding up over the long term. Birds are very resilient, and if we give them a chance, they will make a comeback. Ultimately, our fate and the birds fate are tied to the same source. So, a course correction is inevitable, it is largely a question of the extent to which we support or work against positive change.