The Backyard Science group regularly features the Daily Bucket. Buckets and the accompanying comments describe the natural mysteries unfolding in our own backyards and favorite places. What was that pretty bird at the feeder? Will the hollyhocks bloom from under all this snow? What kind of moth ate a hole in the Mexican rug I've lugged around for 35 years?
Please provide a comment about your own area, whether it is your backyard or a favorite spot. Include, as close as you are comfortable, your general location. If you also post pretty pictures, you may be eligible for rebirth as a seal, or another joyous creature of your choosing, or eternal life, if you prefer.
During a sultry July last year, I cleaned out the invasive pickerels from my backyard pond, planted a a couple of native rushes, and consolidated my irises. I was real happy with the open waters.
Now, in the depths of a uncommonly frigid February, with over a foot of snow on the ground, and more on the way, the pond looks different.
I busted up the ice so the birds and critters could get a swig of water. The rush plants valiantly provide a popular perch for birds to stage their approach. You can see some bird footprints in the snow near the hole in the ice.
Only a week or two ago, I could hear frogs chirping in that pond. The water lilies were trying to bud in the 45 degree weather. I was trying to garden, heh. Fools rush in, etc.
Speaking of fools, here's a fool's favored critter, Doug the Douglas squirrel:
I know these Daily Buckets are supposed to provide at least a little profound narrative, so let me say this is the most snow I've seen in February during my 30 years here, and while climate is what we expect, weather is what we get. Now it's your turn, and if everyone but Lenny posts their own snow pics, that's OK.
"Green Diary Rescue" is Back!
After a hiatus of over 1 1/2 years, Meteor Blades has revived his excellent series. As MB explained, this weekly diary is a "round-up with excerpts and links... of the hard work so many Kossacks put into bringing matters of environmental concern to the community... I'll be starting out with some commentary of my own on an issue related to the environment, a word I take in its broadest meaning."
"Green Diary Rescue" will be posted every Saturday at 1:00 pm Pacific Time on the Daily Kos front page. Be sure to recommend and comment in the diary.
1:51 PM PT: 1:49 PST
There's a hawk on the fence! No other birds to be seen ,even the crows are staying distant. Where's those invasive squirrels when I need them? Keep your head down, Doug. Pics to follow tomorrow.