Category: birds

Lunch at the Tree Cookie Cafe

Tree Cookies are cross section slices of tree trunks, like these at Mass Audubon Wachusett Meadow. They are used to learn about a tree’s age, growth and history by studying its growth rings. (Video clip at end.)

Recently, tree stumps and cookies were used in the design of a new bird feeding area.

It’s a popular feeding stop for birds and other creatures, such as…

the eastern gray squirrel,

the white-breasted nuthatch,

and the downy woodpecker.

Bon appetit!

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Ramping Up

Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, Princeton, MA

Signs of spring abound at the Audubon.
A Black-capped Chickadee rests on a grape vine.
The All Persons Ramp to the raft will make the view accessible to all.
In the wetland area, a Red-winged Blackbird pauses among the cattails.
The ground near the bird feeder provides unending treats for the Red Squirrel.

Big Birds

Lilac Hedge Farm, Rutland, MA

In New England, emus and ostriches are rare and exotic. A recent visit to Lilac Hedge Farm provided an extraordinary opportunity to see them close up. This stately emu strutted casually through its enclosure.
Oftentimes, emus display graceful ballerina moves.
These birds are easily identified by patches of blue on their heads.
Nearby, ostriches were protected in their own enclosure. Their feathers look soft and fluffy when seen close-up.
This imposing male ostrich had a a thin coating of white feathers on its head.
Two delightful juvenile ostriches regarded visitors with quiet intensity and great curiosity.
Lilac Hedge Farm is the former site of a Heifer International Educational Center. Its many acres provide ample space for both local and exotic creatures to roam.

Stopover

Whether these birds perched on bird feeders, fence posts, tree branches, or telephone wires, I’m glad they paused long enough for me to snap a photo during the past two weeks.

Baltimore Oriole
Eastern Bluebird
Eastern Phoebe
European Starling
Gray Catbird
American Goldfinch
Cedar Waxwing
House Sparrow
American Robin
Off to the open skies once more.