I haven’t posted for ages. I have at least two journal posts tucked up my sleeve about a little reservoir near here, but I haven’t taken the time to finish some of the art. But it occurs to me I’ve been filling my journal with pages right from my front yard. The positive part of being home so much, is I have an added appreciation of what goes on right here.
Sept 21: The insect sign on the oak leaves is a confession about how easily I can get distracted while doing yard work. We were doing some extensive pruning in our yard and I kept noticing interesting insect sign on the oak branches I was cutting.
Sept 30: After most flowers have dried up and withered away, our ivy starts to blossom. Years ago I sat on a stool and drew insects attracted to the ivy. I did it again this year – far fewer insects. I think that is wildfire smoke related.
Oct 9. – I posted a blog about crows and squirrels. I'm putting the link here because it is very much a part of what goes on outside my house.
https://elvafieldnotes.blogspot.com/2020/10/nature-comes-to-me.html
After not having any wild turkeys in the yard, two toms have started coming through every day. I’ve been making a point of sketching them ... practicing my sketching skills and getting to know them better. Dale puts out grain on the ground for the sparrows and along come the toms to clean it up. After they leave, Dale puts out more grain. Here come the toms again! We’ve named them ‘Thanksgiving’ and ‘Christmas’ ... but have given them the obligatory pardon.
Nov 23: The Stellar’s jays are a treat. They are still coming. I just spotted one while working on this blog.
Dec 19: Usually Dale and I participate in the annual Audubon Christmas count. I helped on my first count about 65 years ago! And during the past 40 years I only missed one. This year, for the first time. All we did was a ‘feeder count’ – we happen to live within the count circle, so I got to count the birds we can see in our yard.
Dec 25: Christmas morning was rainy and dark ... but right away I spotted an Anna’s hummingbird taking a shower on our hawthorn snag. It was 41 degrees outside! It was a lovely way to start our quiet Christmas day at home.
Yes, there is a lot that goes on in my own small turf.
