That’s me, several weeks ago, when I could still walk through what is commonly known as Penny’s Arbor House; hours before another foot or so of snow barged in on the tails of winds and sub-zero temperatures. I’m wearing my decade’s old wool coat. It gives neighbors and passers-by the ominous impression of a hooded crone wandering the Cutoff woods scavenging eyes of newt sorts of things. My old coat keeps me warm, however, and serves as padded protection should I slip and land on my sit-upon – all of which is not why I posted the picture of yours truly.
What I really wanted to talk to you about is establishing a Wildlife Habitat, which I’ve written about many times throughout the past year, especially in a July post HERE, if you should want more information, or, just need to see the Cutoff when the sun was out and the flowers were blooming.
A Wildlife Habitat is just as important an element in February as it is in July, no matter how big or small, no matter if winter where you live is in January or June. While the gardens and trees and all vegetation sleep here come winter, many animals and birds that winter over do not. They are adapted for cold climates, but, winters such as this one, can be hard on them, with food scarce and shelter harder to find. Established wildlife areas help them to fend through the hard, dark months of winter.
The birdbaths we leave out for winter have sported muffin tops of snow most of this season. We often see scattered on top of the mounds little lace snow prints of wintering birds who have come for a sip. Just as often, we’ve seen big chunks bitten out of them, most likely deer or squirrels, getting water from nature’s snowcones.
Smaller animals nestle under the pile of brush and twigs we leave in our designated habitat, which gives them shelter from the storms. It also, often dramatically, provides a spot for hawks to keep a keen eye on. The other day, Tom saw a hawk swoop out right in front of the second story windows where his office is above the barn, grabbing some lunch from below on his way to a barren tree.
Most recently, as the sun is coming up, I’ve noticed several deer resting on the edge of the grassy knoll/prairie/native garden, where our Wildlife Habitat sign is stationed. Just beyond this is a large composting area. It as a haphazard affair, with undefined boundaries. On it go the leaves of autumn, holiday garlands and wreaths, wilted bouquets, food items and coffee grounds we compost from the kitchen as well as plant material from the gardens. We dig and turn the piles, of course, but often, especially in winter, scraps and peels and such are just tossed on top of the near frozen mass. We know they will eventually decompose . . .
. . . and that some hungry sojourners may nosh through the piles during lean months of winter. When the deer dig down deep, one can see the steam rising from below, where Mother Nature is brewing some leaf mold stew, nourishment for our herd, many of which are heavy with child.
How about it, my friend? Have you given any more thought to establishing a Wildlife Habitat?
Dear Penny, there’s not much wildlife where Iive–on a city block with relatively small lots all fenced in. But I surely could feed birds and I haven’t done that this year. And so I’ll get some feed this week and fill the feeders. Thank you for the reminder. Peace.
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This is just the thing to do, Dee; feeding the birds! It is especially important at this time of year as their migrations start. Thank you for that, dear friend, for it is a very peaceable thing to do.
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You are so thoughtful to provide for the birds and other visitors to your yard in the cold weather. The habitat is such a generous way to give back to nature. We are already seeing robins, cardinals, blue jays and my happy, industrious wood peckers. The squirrels have been retrieving their hidden cache of nuts. Best of all, my daffodils bloomed and there is a vase of them on the mantle. Spring is March 20 so the wait is almost over!
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Daffodils! Just seeing that word brings a cheery smile to my lips, Marilyn. If they are blooming down by you, we surely know that in time they will come our way. A very good thought, indeed. We took a ride through the Morton Arboretum yesterday, and went by the Daffodil Glade, still blanketed with snow, but, I could imagine the swathe of yellow blooms in my mind.
Rose really livens things up on Downton Abbey, doesn’t she, and Bates! Loved it. How about you?
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Wow!! Kim and I have been thinking about ways to diminish our grassy, flat parcel (no knolls in this yard) come warmer weather. The house we bought last fall is on a .44- acre lot, and we have NO desire to mow so much, nor pay someone else to do it. Neither of us is much of a gardener, but having read here for awhile (and checking your link to the July post), I’m beginning to envision possibilities. I doubt we could ever lure deer into the yard, but there are at least three squirrels who’ve romped nearby throughout this winter of my discontent, and I saw a rabbit one evening many weeks ago, so small critters might visit if we offer a haven. Thanks for the hints and the how-tos.
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You are very welcome, Karen. My mind is racing with all you could do, starting with a simple bird bath. I’ve really come to love the ease of native grasses and the winter interest, and a simple pile of twigs are building material for birds. I hope you and Kim have fun experimenting with things to do other grass. Have fun in the process. It really doesn’t take much.
Back to cold here.
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I always used to feed the tuis when I lived close to the bush. Then I found out that they can catch a disease from honey, so it’s best to use sugar. Now I’ve found out that when they are nesting they need lots of protein to feed their young, and it’s best not to feed them sugar water during this time. There is so much to learn! I like your idea of haphazard composting, for the wildlife to pick and choose from nature’s cool store.
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I love to hear about the tuis, Juliet, and how often you mention them in the trees delights me, knowing they are so indigenous to New Zealand. It can be confusing trying to figure out how to feed birds. I’ve used hummingbird feeders, but, a well placed fuschia plant seems to attract them more here. Such a game of trial and error, isn’t it? We are lucky that we have enough room here to do haphazard composting. You would not believe how much rich, organic matter we get from this – or how much the deer get.
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I can’t but our daughter does!
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Oh, but you already do, Sallie; your blog is a virtual wildlife habitat, introducing us to many birds and other wildlife we might not otherwise see or even know of. From your blog, I am often pottering off to one of my bird books or the internet to learn more,especially about the birds you post, and by your visiting the reserves and posting about them, you bring about
awareness.
I saw you comment on Brittle. What a meaningful project, amassing heroes, who also have Type I diabetes, for your great grandson. We both smiled at the endeavor, remembering how learning about Ron Santo lifted Tom up when he was young. I’m trying to remember, but, I believe there was an Olympic swimmer, in the last round, who had Type i. Sallie, anything we can do to help encourage your young man, let us know. I mean that.
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Downton never grabbed me this season and I tried to get with it but couldn’t. The finale was disappointing as well especially as there is no cliff hanger. The only characters who grew were Daisy, Tom and Mr. Mosley. Cora seemed to be in a fog, Bates is not the man we hoped he was, poor Edith is beyond help and can’t make up her mind from one minute to the next, and Rose is a flibbertygibbit! That being said, I will be tuned in come January when the saga returns. Speaking of sagas, there is a doozie on History, The Vikings, returning Thursday night. Enough of my fractured English and complaints!
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You brought a big laugh out of me tonight, Marilyn, and I agree with you on these points, which won’t stop me one whit, either, come next January. I do like how Tom is turning out, though. What a delightful soap opera it is to me. Okay. I’m also wondering what little secret Aunt Rosamund is hiding.
Now, about the Vikings; haven’t seen this and will try to remember it on Thursday night.
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I think the wilderness that surrounds our Welsh house at the moment is a wildlife habitat in itself, Penny. Certainly we get birds and foxes and probably badgers and hares at different times and we put food out for the birds if we get snow. The shelter they get from our trees and bushes is also important and we know they nest and make burrows there.
PS Yes, there’s a touch of the Witch of the Wild Woods about your photo. 🙂
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Indeed, Perpetua, you live in a wildlife habitat (who can forget those charming photos of the hare out your window). You have all the elements at your Welsh house (and your others as well, I’m sure). You and DH have such a respect for nature already, you needn’t do a thing, and yet, you do but feeding the birds. Love it.
Ha! Maybe I should frame the picture with a caption of “Witch of the Wild Woods”.
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From your senile friend:
The Vikings are on TONIGHT at 9pm Central. I got swept up in Viking lore last season and learned a lot! It was violent but then Vikings weren’t tame!!!
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I’ll try to catch it, Marilyn. Book group is tonight, so, if I’m not out too late, I will. It sounds like an interesting series. Thank you for letting me know.
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Well, the program is THURSDAY ….. I’ve been watching too much of the kittens methinks and it has turned my head.
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Thanks Marilyn, Just got home, see the date is tomorrow and hope to tune in.
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It was because of your encouragement that I did go forward and verify our backyard as a wildlife refuge. Of course, that was before we had a dog that I think scares off some of the critters! But we do our best. And to be honest, and possibly no surprise to you, our winter habitat isn’t very different from the rest of the year! I love your big overcoat, Penny…maybe that’s what I need to wear to pad my own falls! 🙂
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So thrilled to hear that you have, Debra. I knew you were contemplating becoming certified, and, tada, you have. While your winter habitat isn’t very different, I know you still have all manner of wildlife, and, importantly right now, those “passers-by” that are beginning their migration north. That coat has been a very good friend to me, padded my pitfalls and camouflaging my figure. hehe Every woman should have one. tee hee
Hope you are finally getting the much needed rain – but, not so much that it causes other problems. Ah, that balance of nature.
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[…] honor of my long suffering black wool winter coat with a crone’s hood, and in deference to the brittle cold still with us, here’s a little fun from the Cutoff. […]
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Standing in your Arbor House under the Christmas wreath wearing your long black wool coat, you look like you’ve been transported back to Victorian times!
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Welcome to Arbor Manor! Just call me Lady Penny. That coat is so old.
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