Big Year 2024 wrapup

[laridian]

I posted my 2024 wrapup for birdwatching/species counting in my journal, here. 203 species in 2024, which is pretty good.

Birdfeeding

[ysabetwordsmith]

Today is partly sunny and cold.  It drizzled and snowed a bit last night, but nothing stuck.

I haven't fed the birds yet. I've seen a flock of sparrows and two starlings.

I made the test labels to see which of my three pens will last longest on them, then put those out on the picnic table by the septic garden. I've taken pictures of the whole process.

EDIT 1/3/25 -- I fed the birds. I've seen a large flock of sparrows a flock of starlings, two male cardinals, at least two mourning doves, and a downy woodpecker.

I put out water for the birds.

EDIT 1/3/25 -- I hauled 3 trolleys of leaves to spread along the log garden facing the house yard.  Most of the leaves were frozen together but I got some loose.

EDIT 1/3/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.

A couple more seed catalogs have arrived.  :D

EDIT 1/3/25 -- I managed a last round of yardwork picking up sticks from the patio, which will make it easier to shovel snow if the promised load arrives on Sunday.

It's 4:50 PM and the sun is just setting. There's still a good deal of light outside.  :D  Quite a change from a couple weeks ago when it was quite dark at 4:30!

I am done for the night.

Photos: Testing Pens on Plant Labels

[ysabetwordsmith]

This set of photos begins documenting an experiment to see which type of pen will prove most durable for outdoor plant labels.  I also took a few pictures around the yard, as long as I was out there with the camera.

( Walk with me ... )