Birds

The birds seem to be getting more vocal. When I went outside this morning to investigate budding plants, I noticed more bird singing than I have heard in the mornings recently. In particular I saw and heard two different winter wrens. I did not hear the full song, but they did seem to be calling … Read more

Budding Plants

I looked out the window of the bathroom this morning and was a little surprised to see that the salmonberry buds appeared to be breaking open. Thinking that those particular bushes were opening early due to being near the clothes dryer vent. Upon checking the bushes on the other side of the house, I saw … Read more

Varied Thrush

Somewhat similar in form and coloring to their relative the robin, the varied thrushes spend the winter quietly foraging in the forest. My observations so far are that they seem to travel mostly in small groups of 3-6, although on occasion I have seen larger flocks. I most commonly see them flying on or near … Read more

First Flowers

It was a sunny day that was fairly warm by February standards. I decided to check the flower beds along the south facing buildings around campus. I found many crocus blooming in front of NPH. I suspect they may have been in bloom before today, but I had not checked to see.

Riverside Raven

While taking a brief walk paralleling Indian River today, I observed a raven along the opposite shore walking along the edge of the water. It was headed downstream, periodically poking its beak into places, but I could not tell what it was getting. Another raven landed in a branch above the first and made some … Read more