Tar Beach Officially Opened Yesterday

The sighting of a Mourning dove using my rooof extension garden as his "tar beach" took place in my garden yesterday on the first day of spring. He can be seen in the two images atop this entry.

It felt a little cold to me but then I don't have feathers to keep me warm. However for this avian variety, the moment temperatures start to warm up a bit they lie with their tummy down upon the soil of a garden bed or in this case, being a New Yorker, they are familiar with tar beaches so they improvise. 

They fluff out their feathers, relax their wings, draping them outward to expose fully their "back and rump to the morning sun. A great many birds sun themselves, often in postures that give maximum sun exposure to the head, neck, and upper surfaces of the body and wings. Sunning may drive out parasites from hard-to-reach places or release vitamin D and boost energy reserves with solar radiation. And it may just feel good, too." (To read more re this quoted text, please click here).

This place is the setting for my three volume hardcover book series, Words In Our Beak.

MY BOOK SERIES

The books make a perfect gift for someone who may be in quarantine or lockdown due to consequences of the coronavirus because the stories in them can bring the outdoors into the homes of those who cannot go out and about.

Robins: A harbinger of spring?

Spring 2021 sprung in the area where I live a  few hours ago (5:37 A.M. EDT.).

In many areas, the bird type known as a robin is thought to be a harbinger of spring as the one in pictures atop this entry might indicate (they were taken in my garden a few days ago). But I don't see robins being a sign of spring in my place, for they spend time here year round.

Friday's Fact: Mockingbirds can recognize a human's face.

In a recent post here on Blogger, I mentioned that birds are quite the watchers. As a follow up to that entry, I'd like to add this fact: 

According to a study about mockingbirds, "As they build nests, raise young and feed on insects, they keenly observe and remember everything that comes near their territory... 'Mockingbirds can recognize a human after only 60 seconds of contact,' Levey said. 'I would challenge most humans to do the same.'"

The photo-ops atop this entry of a Northern mockingbird (taken in my garden) do seem to suggest that this bird type does recognize me.

I am always intrigued when this avian variety visits my place and I've included a number of photo-ops and facts about them within my book series, Words In Our Beak.

 

This bird type is referenced in all the books and have their own chapter in volume three.

MY BOOK SERIES

The goal of these books is to open readers to a simple understanding of the winged world and their environment. Set in a rooftop urban garden (mine) in New York City, my story is told in the voice of Cam, a female cardinal, who visits it. Words In Our Beak is directed to children and adults who are curious about birds, and want to learn about them from a unique perspective. 

The books make a perfect gift for someone who may be in quarantine or lockdown due to consequences of the coronavirus because the stories in them can bring the outdoors into the homes of those who cannot go out and about.

When "Irish Eyes Are Smiling," they are probably reading "Words In Our Beak"

Happy Saint Patrick's Day, dear reader.  Mine has been made more so by my annual Irish visitors (an array of figurines). I'm happy to say they still enjoy reading my three volume hardcover book series, Words In Our Beak — as evidenced in the image atop this entry.

MY BOOK SERIES

The goal of these books is to open readers to a simple understanding of the winged world and their environment. Set in a rooftop urban garden (mine) in New York City, my story is told in the voice of Cam, a female cardinal, who visits it. Words In Our Beak is directed to children and adults who are curious about birds, and want to learn about them from a unique perspective. 

They make a perfect gift for someone who may be in quarantine or lockdown due to consequences of the coronavirus because the stories in them can bring the outdoors into the homes of those who cannot go out and about.

Bird watching: It's a legitimate hobby!

 

Mark Parisi's birds (featured in the carton atop this entry) got this! Birds watching their neighbors (and vice versa) is a legitimate hobby. I love the park and natural areas but I am truly grateful to be able to watch birds from my window as sometimes when I come upon them when outdoors, I feel as if I'm intruding on their territory.

Santa Fe is Back in Business!

My article covers the re-opening of Santa Fe, a restaurant on NYC's UWS which like many had to close due to consequences of the coronavirus pandemic, they are now back in the bussiness of "cooking and cocktailing."