Bird Day Reflections

Yesterday, May 4th, was a National Holiday in the USA. It's a holiday known as Bird Day.  However, while Bird Day is officially recognized on May 4th, it is an occasion I celebrate every day, as I truly appreciate the avian community. However, yesterday, I did spend part of the official Bird Day with Juan V, who was here to work with me in my rooftop urban (NYC) garden, where I'm working out the details re the placement of bird feeders.

Wednesday's Wisdom: Robert Burns nailed it! ("The best laid schemes of mice and men...")

The picture atop this blog entry is a screenshot of an image that was included in my newsfeed for my Facebook Page for The Last Leaf Gardener.

It came from the FB Page for Gowanus Nursery in Brooklyn; a place where I have gotten a number of the trees (as well as other flora varieties) that grow in my rooftop garden, which is still in a state of winter-to-spring-limbo, as evidenced by the following image.

This photograph was taken by Kreshnik Vushaj. It is a picture which I included in yesterday's entry here on Blogger.

Like the folks at Gowanus nursery, who had scheduled a re-opening (after their winter hiatus) for March 18th 2017; I've been anticipating de-winterizing my rooftop garden; and I had planned to do so with Juan V, a few days before Gowanus's intended date.

However STELLA (the "bombogenesis" nor'easter), decided to visit our area causing all of us to rethink our gardening plans! Juan V and I have rescheduled the date to de-winterize, and Gowanus has rescheduled their season opener, which I saw in my newsfeed; and have posted below.

As you can see, they now hope to open one week later than planed. Juan V and I have also opted to reschedule one week later than planed! We hope to de-winterize a week from today, but from the looks of my garden, as seen in Kreshnik Vushaj's photo, I'm not sure if the weather will be in line with our plans. And last I heard, we are ruled by weather, it is not ruled by us!

So, while I'm hunkered down as far as gardening is concerned, let me take the opportunity to show you some aspects of my garden. I am thankful to Kreshnik Vushaj for my being able to do this, for he surprised me by emailing me a few more views of my wonderful garden.

Here are the copies of Kreshnik Vushaj's photographs, which I've marked up with arrows and numbers in order to tell you what's what.

The arrow marked with numeral one is referring to my Canadian Palm Tree, seen in a solo photo-op below.

The picture of my Canadian Palm Tree is an image I've included in a number of entries here on Blogger, but thanks to Vusha, you can now have a sense of where it stands in relation to the flora and objects which I have here. But getting back to the aforementioned image taken by Kreshnik Vushaj, the arrow indicated with the numeral two, is my bird bath. I have to really monitor the conditions of the water in that bath, for as you can surmise, frozen temps might crack the bird bath; as it is a ceramic piece.

Numbers three-five indicate where I have some of my bird-feeders, while number six indicates the location of much of my flora, huddled together near the building's wall, where they are somewhat protected from the high winds. The next  picture by Kreshnik Vushaj,

shows my place from a different angle. Once again, numeral one indicates the Canadian Palm Tree, the number two indicates my bird bath, and the number three indicates one of my bird feeders (the one which accommodates whole peanuts). However in this image, the number four indicates a small bowl holding water for my visiting birds. The water in both the bird bath and this bowl can easily freeze over in these conditions, so I have to monitor it carefully, which I do, as water is very important to a bird's survival. The number five in this image, as well as in Vushaj's other image, indicates my bird feeder that I call a Monopoly Feeder. I gave it that name because it looks like one of the trinkets from the infamous board game. And, again, as it did in Vushaj's previous image, the number six indicates the location of much of my flora, huddled together near the building's wall.

In Vushaj's next photo,

the ceramic bird bath is noted by the number one; and one of my whole peanut feeders is referenced by the number two. Number three is referencing the birds' water bowl; number four points to the Monopoly feeder; number five indicates my huddled plants; and, the number six is  pointing at my Canadian Palm Tree.

And with that, I'll leave you with an unmarked photograph by Kreshnik Vusha,

and a recommendation that should you ever need any painting done or interior construction contract related services, contact Kreshnik Vushaj's company Tani & Nick Painting Corp.

I live in a rental apartment, so I have not personally seen Kreshnik Vushaj's work close-up, but I've seen it from the distance of my rooftop to the building he has been working on. Moreover, if Kreshnik Vushaj can take such detailed photos, as evidenced in his pictures here, I imagine his attention to detail in assignments is unsurpassed.

Upon reflection, had Juan V and I  been able to do our de-winterizing when we had planned, I might not have had the opportunity to ask Kreshnik Vushaj to take some images for me. I did on a chance encounter, knowing he has access to interesting vantage points of my garden; as evidenced here.

Therefore I cannot be too disappointed re postponements for as Robert Burns knew, “The best laid schemes o' mice an' men / Gang aft a-gley.”

Yesterday's "bomb cyclone."

MALE CARDINALS ARE FEATURED IN MY BOOKS

At one point it was so windy during yesterday's "bomb cyclone" (a winter storm that hit NYC with a vengeance), that the "mohawk" of a male cardinal who was visiting my rooftop garden was blowing back and forth. Not even the stiffest hairspray could've helped his situation, as evidenced by the image atop this entry, where he is alighting upon the branches of my kiwi vines, while a lone male house sparrow tries to hold his own in the background.

Visiting Birds & the "CB" Feeder (FOLLOW-UP)

Two weeks ago, May 29th 2013, here on Blogger, I posted an entry about a bird feeder (which I call a CB feeder and is pictured above) that I had procured to allow my smaller visiting birds like house finches, as well as Cam and Mac (the cardinal couple who visit my garden on occasion) to be able to nosh in peace, as the mourning doves that frequent my rooftop garden often eat all the food!

"God gives every bird its food, but he does not throw it into the nest."

The quote, "God gives every bird its food, but he does not throw it into the nest," which is attributed to Josiah Gilbert Holland (an American novelist and poet), is layered with meaning; but since this is not a dissertation, but rather it is a blog post (albeit a belated one as it was scheduled for yesterday) I am only focusing on one aspect of the quotation, and that is the literal translation.

Since God does not throw food into the birds' nests and since I can't see their nests, I provide food for birds that visit my rooftop garden in a variety of ways; and this blog entry is a pictorial account of some of the ways I do this as well as some of the ways my visiting birds respond to my efforts, and one of my visiting mourning doves is sitting atop my one of my urban hedges and staring at me through my window as I write this because he wants to make sure his brood is included in the photo-ops within this entry. Due to the fact this posting is about birds that eat in my garden it would be hard not to include him, as the mourning doves nosh here more than any other visiting bird and often I'm concerned that their overwhelming presence will deter other feathered creatures from enjoying a bite to eat on my roof extension garden!

N'tl Bird Day 2021 has come and gone! However, one can continue to celebrate! (Tuesday's Truths WK 201)

MALE HOUSE FINCHES ARE FEATURED IN WIOB

This two hundred and one segement of Tuesday's Truths is to alert you to the fact that National Bird Day has come and gone for the year 2021. It was celebrated three weeks ago on 1-5. Information re this holiday can be found in a number of places on the web including a page for National Day. 

In bygone years, I've published posts about this occasion as I certainly appreciate any occasion that aims to raise awareness about members of the animal kingdom and I don’t think it needs to be limited to one day.

But this segement is also designed to let you know that if you missed this year’s National Bird Day, just make it a point to do something that will benefit our feathered friends, such as making sure any bird feeder you have is clean as well as replenished. 

They will truly appreciate your efforts as evidenced by this male house finch (in the photograph directly above) who is enjoying a snack from a feeder in my garden.

Another thing you can do is to make sure your bird bath is clean and if winter temperatures are prevailing, make sure the water isn't frozen.

MONDAY'S MEMO: BRING THE SHOVEL INSIDE!

In answer to the question your posing in the comic strip (atop this entry), Snoopy, it helps that you have a shovel! I forgot to bring mine in the night before the snow (from the winter storm known as a "bomb cyclone") fell on to the surface of my rooftop garden.

My shovel was almost completely buried in snow, as evidenced in the photos directly below.

I'll be making a memo to bring it inside the next time a snowstorm is predicted.

Reflections on a Jane Goodall Clip ETC

I have looked at the video clip posted above on a number of occasions. One of my take-aways upon viewing it was to confirm my belief that animals have deep feelings. Another take-away that I learned from this clip is the importance of my letting go of avian creatures, whom I've helped, by creating a safe environment for them in my rooftop urban (NYC) garden (pictured below in an image taken by Juan V this summer).

But before I discuss the birds who visit my place, let me backtrack a bit. When I first started speaking out in cyber-land in 2009, my intent was to give voice to the flora growing in my garden.

February First

I confess that I feel that I don't have much to offer re the onset of February in this year of 2019 except to reiterate what Snoopy has to say re the date of 2-1 (in the comic strip that I've posted atop this blog entry). What I can do, dear reader, is to remind you that February is National Bird-Feeding Month.

Saturday's Story The Bird Feeding Area (Within Central Park & My Rooftop Garden)

There is a portion of The Ramble in Central Park called The Bird Feeder Area and the name does not refer to people who feed birds, rather it refers to an area which has numerous bird feeders hanging from trees. A partial view of it can be seen in the picture (which I took yesterday) atop entry.

During the time I was there numerous American Goldfinches were congregating (and noshing from) a feeder which can be seen is at the extreme right of this photograph. The following set of  images feature both male and female varieties engaging in activities at or near to the aforementioned feeder.

Today's also Feed the Birds Day.

I posted something earlier today (here on Blogger) in honor of one of the February 3rd holidays known as The Day the Music Died Day. And at the conclusion of that post, I stated, "I will be back later today to discuss another holiday happening on this day, which is up lifting, and is one that's for the birds, so stay tuned."

As promised, here I am, with information re the additional holiday for today that I was referring to in the aforementioned post. It's the holiday known as Feed the Birds Day! According to Holiday Insights (HI), this "celebration" always occurs on February  3rd; and in honor of the day folks should "help the wild birds in (their) backyard to survive the long, cold winter by feeding them. (And HI claims) that's exactly why this special day was created. Mid and late winter are especially hard on all outdoor animals. By mid winter, food sources become scarcer and scarcer for the wild birds that over-winter in your backyard. What little food that is available, can get buried under deep snow. (And they also proclaim that) the bird feeder that (one places) in (their) backyard, in view of (their) picture window, may be entertaining to (them) as a bird watcher. (But) it is also vital to the survival of birds in harsh winters."

My day started out with my hearing a cardinal singing in my urban garden, which as you may know, is on a rooftop in NYC.  I have not seen a cardinal spending time in my place for quite sometime, due to major building construction that has been taking place near to where I live. And I was thrilled to hear the cardinal's voice, but alas, by the time I got my camera adjusted, he was gone. I know the bird was a he; because I was able to get a glimpse of his vibrant red coloring, before he made a complete exit.

I certainly hope cardinals return to my place, especially since I helped a female cardinal, Cam, publish her book, Words In Our Beak Volume One, which details her experiences re being a bird in NYC!

And I've also helped her with sequels awaiting publication (stay tuned for updates re this matter).

Although the nearby construction has deterred a number of bird types from coming here, I have seen cardinals (both male and female) in nearby Central Park, where I took the photos that are atop this blog entry.

Be that as it may, for even though I missed getting a photo-op of the brilliant red of my cardinal who came by this morning, I did get a chance to see birds with red coloring in my garden today, including male house finches (who as you may know are red) who were dining with their mates at one of my bird feeders!

Moreover, a red-breasted American Robin,  stopped by to nosh on the seeds, as well as the suet cakes and grapes that I was "serving" in my bird-bistro!

A Few ANTICS of LONG ISLAND SEAGULLS

I have been away from Blogger to focus on my sister's annual visit, and now I'm focusing on a behavior of the mourning doves that visit my garden, a behavior in which they alight on one of my bird feeders in such a manner (as indicated in the image posted above) that it causes seeds to fall to the ground, "inviting" mice and pigeons into my garden, a problem I am continuing to have, and a problem that I will now be aggressive about finding a solution to resolve it now that my sister has left.

Prior to her arrival, I did procure a mini vacuum cleaner (the hand-held variety) to collect the fallen seeds, which will help to some extent, but some of the creatures that are ground feeders are ones that I want to have around, such as Cam and Mac, my visiting cardinal couple, seen in the image below.

My cardinal couple does not like to perch on any of the feeders that I have, so I am thinking of installing a pole system to secure my feeders, which may encourage Cam — as well as Mac — to perch on feeders that will have trays to collect falling seeds. By eliminating falling seeds I hope to deter the pigeons and mice who now visit far too often!

Meanwhile it is the behaviors and antics of the array of wild birds which visit my garden, that caused me to observe the seagulls I saw at two different beaches on the Atlantic Ocean (during my sister's visit) from another perspective than I had when I'd seen them in bygone years. 

THINKING OF STARR SAPHIR

CAM, A FEMALE CARDINAL

If you follow TLLG here on Blogger or Facebook, dear reader, then you know that recently much of my content has dealt with the escapades of Cam (the cardinal pictured in the image above), as well as the tales of her unnamed (as of this posting) beau, pictured in the image below...

MAC, A MALE CARDINAL

...and of their romantic interlude (indicated in the following image).

MAC AND CAM: A CARDINAL COUPLE

I'm thrilled with the aforementioned couple, and could continue to write about them for some time to come, but I am dedicating today's post (through the "escapades" of the array of all the birds which visit my garden) to Starr Saphir, a dearly departed birder, who you may read about by clicking here.

Ms. Saphir was known to many for the bird walks that she led in Central Park. Even though I live very near to this park, I've never been on one of her bird walks; or any other bird "event," for that matter, as my interest in birds as well as their antics, is fairly new: I have the feathered creatures to thank for it because they showed up in my garden without an invitation or lure of food other than the vegetation in my garden!

Following Up (On a 8-2-13 Blogger Post)

LONG BEACH NEW YORK

LONG BEACH NEW YORK

ROBERT MOSES BEACH NEW YORK

ROBERT MOSES BEACH NEW YORK

The last time that I posted here on Blogger I mentioned that it was my fascination with the array of wild birds which visit my rooftop garden, that prompted me to be more observant than I had been in bygone years of the seagulls that I saw when I visited a couple of beaches last week with my sister. (A few photo-ops of these seagulls can be seen atop this entry.)

I am home now, and at the moment my "fascination with the array of wild birds which visit my garden," has turned into a mission: a mission as to what I can do to deter mourning doves and pigeons from interfering with my bird-feeders!

I understand these birds need to eat too, and I am happy to provide nourishment for them, but no matter what I do, the mourning doves as well as pigeons gravitate towards the feeders which are not intended for them!

My Winter Storm Follow-UP is for the birds!

Yesterday was the day after the snow storm in NYC. I got up very early with the intention of making sure the bird feeders, as well as the bird saucers, that I have placed in my rooftop garden, were not covered with snow, and, that they had food in them.

I was especially on the look out to see if the American Robin, as well as the Northern mockingbird, who had dined here during the blizzard, returned. I was fairly sure that the European starlings, sparrows, house finches, blue jays, dark-eyed juncoes, and mourning doves, who had also visited my place during the storm, made it through the night; but I was not as confident about the robin's or the mockingbird's ability to survive the cold temperatures. Yet I was hopeful that they were able to do so. I replenished their saucers, and made sure that there were still suet cakes in the bird feeders. I also had my camera ready to take their pictures.

I was concentrating on my anticipation of their arrival, when I felt as if someone was watching me. I went to the window, and did not see anyone, or any creature; including European starlings, sparrows, house finches, blue jays, dark-eyed juncoes, or mourning doves; nor did I see the robin or the mockingbird; but I felt an intense stare upon me.

It was at that point when I noticed an unmistakable splash of vibrant red within the Ailanthus Trees (which are in the courtyard of the building where I live). Instantly I knew that the red had to belong to a cardinal! My camera's long lens confirmed my guess, and I took the photograph that is atop this blog entry, and as you can see, he did appear to be staring my way.

Thankfully I was able to take a few photos of him, besides the image atop this entry, a couple more can be seen directly below, and, as you can see he is very puffed up in an effort to withstand the bitter cold.

It has been quite some time since I've seen a cardinal in my immediate vicinity, although I have seen them in Central Park. As I mentioned in a recent post here on Blogger, the nearby construction has deterred cardinals from coming here, but I had gotten a quick glimpse of one in my garden, a little over a week ago. Unfortunately his stay was for such a brief moment that I missed a chance to get a photo-op of the brilliant red fellow!

In any event, when a chaplain that I am well aquatinted with, heard about that quick visit from the cardinal which I just spoke of, he told me that the presence of a cardinal at this time could be a sign.

He felt this way because the soft cover version of the digital book, Words In Our Beak Volume One,

that I wrote with Cam, is on the brink of being reproduced. I've hit a few snags with each of the production companies, but they are ones that can be remedied, in a relatively short amount of time — HOPEFULLY.

Meanwhile, I'm very grateful to report that the robin and the mocking bird weathered the bitter cold night after the storm, and came to nosh from a suet-basket in my garden during the afternoon hours (as seen below),

on the day I saw the cardinal in the tree tops!

ADDENDUM FALL 2018: 

The non-hardcover version (or versions)  of Volume One within the Words In Our Beak book series that are mentioned in this entry may only remain available for a limited time, but hardcover versions of Volume One, Two and Three can now be found wherever books are sold. Please click here to go to my blog post that provides details as to where you can get these books.

MY BOOK SERIES

Additionally, I have rendered some images from these books into other formats and they are available via Fine Art America (FAA). Some of my other photographs (Black & White Collection, Kaleidoscopic Images and the famous Mandarin duck who visited NYC) can also be found on my FAA pages.

Let them eat unshelled peanuts.

The photographs atop this entry features a blue jay alighting on the twisting branches of one of the shrubs growing in my urban garden which is a Avellana corylus (Contorted Hazelnut). In the image he/she is eyeing a ball-style bird feeder that is nearly empty of the black-oil sunflower seeds which it holds. Blue Jays are known to eat these seeds as evidenced in the photo below, where a blue jay is availing him/herself of black-oil sunflowers seeds which I had placed on a a saucer.

This bird-type also enjoys eating berries, especially blueberries, as evidenced by the next set of images.

And blue jays eat suet, as you can see in the photos directly below.

However (according to WBU-MICH), "if you offered a buffet, their first choice would be peanuts in the shell."

I certainly agree with them on this, for I have offered un-shellled peanuts in a variety of ways, and my efforts have not been lost on this bird type!