Janine's Blog

Owl graduation 2023

Jul 31, 2023 by Janine |
This year's screech owl box season was a huge success. Three chicks fledged and this year I was able to keep track of them as they dispersed around the yard. It was a delight watching them grow up.

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Mom keeping an eye on the babies

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Dad never far away

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Fledglings growing up fast!

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They typically stay close to the parents for 8-10 weeks or so after fledging. I have suspected that they've spent this time in the yard, but I have never been able to keep up with them. I am so grateful that I got the chance to see them leave the nest as little fluff balls, and gradually become lean and mean owlets.

Summer Begins

May 28, 2023 by Janine |
The garden has switched over from being ruled by hummingbirds and goldfinches. Now the reptiles, amphibians, and insects reign.

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A late migrant worm eating warbler

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Early morning views

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And one last painted bunting until fall!

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Springtime birds

Apr 16, 2023 by Janine |
Springtime is winding down as the heat ramps up. In addition to the usual visitors, we've enjoyed a large flock of goldfinches this season and several appearances by waxwings.

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Invasion of the Catbirds

Dec 17, 2022 by Janine |
This has been a good year for catbirds. In the evening the garden rings with their silly calls.

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Sunsets have also been good lately.

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Misty morning

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Sundews are popping up as the water goes down for the dry season. Or they were, until we had 6 inches of unseasonable rain this week.

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Sulfur caterpillar

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Catasetum orchid

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A first for the garden, fluted bird's nest fungus!

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Signs of fall

Oct 29, 2022 by Janine |
Slightly cooler temperatures at night trigger many orchids to flower.

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Birds moving through.

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Barred owl at moonrise.

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Owls return, migration begins!

Sep 05, 2022 by Janine |
The mother screech owl and baby paid a visit to our patio. It was nice to see them both doing well.

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The cardinals have also had a good year with several chicks fledged.

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Many of the orchids love the summer heat and humidity.

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We've had a few warbler and painted bunting sightings and are looking forward to the return of the hummingbirds and nicer weather for going out and taking pictures in :)

Screech Owl Graduation

May 30, 2022 by Janine |
One owlet left the box this month! Two eggs were laid but only one hatched. Here are some highlights:

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Other sightings from around town and in the garden:

Ground dove pair

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Zebra swallowtail on pawpaw

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Snail kites flying overhead, a new yard bird!

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Giant swallowtail

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Unknown fly

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Orchids in bloom

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Migration

May 01, 2022 by Janine |
Most of the winter migrants have gone for the season, to return in a few months time.

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The barred owls are year round residents

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So are the butterflies

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The cardinals also stay year round, and have started nesting

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As have the local sandhill cranes

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Looking forward to seeing more babies soon!

Birds in the Garden

Feb 13, 2022 by Janine |
It has been a good year for painted buntings and hummingbirds. Numbers seem to be picking up since the cold spell a couple of weeks ago.

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Interesting coloring on this green bird, possibly switching to male plumage. The teal color is unusual.

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As always, the birdbaths are popular.

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Bark anole. Noticing these becoming more common.

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Atalas

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Other local wildlife of interest includes bobcat sightings last month.

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Sunrise

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Assassin bug

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Sundew

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Giving Thanks

Nov 27, 2021 by Janine |
Having a restful Thanksgiving weekend enjoying the garden and local nature.

It has been another good year for hummingbirds.

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A regal toad

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Sunrises.

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