This has been one of the coldest winters I’ve lived through in my 50 years. And snowy.  My brother the scientist explains the snow and global warming in that where the temperature has increased worldwide, more water evaporates.  That water absorbed in the atmosphere must have a place to eventually go … therefore more snow and more rain.

Of course, it’s still cold but of course that’s because our Earth still turns and when one part is further from the sun, it’ll be colder.  So… how cold is it where you are?  DJD of In Our Backyard shows how cold it is there,

If you take a good look toward the back of the bird bath you’ll see something interesting. The ice, which is usually just a flat sheet, has what looks like ripples in it and it’s actually flowing up over the back edge.  The only explanation I can come up with is this. As the ice was forming, the wind was constantly blowing water toward the back of the bird bath which then froze in place.

Brrrrr….

My parents always have a cage of suet that hangs in the tree outside their window.  We see all kinds of wood peckers – from downy to red breasted to every kind in between – chowing down on the suet feeder.  It also attracts nuthatches and tufted titmouse.  When my Dad has sunflower seeds out, however, we’ll see tons of gold and purple finches and cardinals.  He’s backed away from using a lot of sunflower seeds, though, because the squirrels hit it pretty hard, too, and he has no desire to feed squirrels.

I think watching the various birds through the years has given me a real love of these winged creatures.  That’s why when I went outside today to take some photos of the “dusting” of snow we received, I found I took mostly bird pictures.

Okay, so I’m not the best wildlife photographer you can find, but I like the picture!  If you’re interested in setting up a feeder to help wild birds during the winter months, here’s a link that you might find helpful.

One of my favorite writers and comedians again tickled my funny bone with his diatribe about building a birdhouse – a birdhouse that’s been in a box for three years.

The birdhouse has been sitting in its birdhouse box for over three years. Waiting. Waiting patiently to be hung from the branches like a horse thief. What has taken me so long? Any task that involves me going outside takes longer for me to accomplish than inside tasks. That’s because nature wants me dead, so I am reluctant to go outside where I could be killed. Yes, nature wants me dead. I know this because of lightning, hurricanes and meteors; if nature didn’t want me dead, objects entering our atmosphere from outer space would include teddy bears and rainbow sprinkles.

Go on over and read the rest of Michael Ian Black’s post.  And I think I eat wheat thins the same way.

Photo by Pati Deuxmont via Flickr Creative Commons.

Another winter storm is heading this way, the sky is grey and the wind howling. I am thinking about birds. If you enjoy watching birds in your yard but find the squirrels usually get the food then this feeder from Canadian Tire is a good choice.

Squirrel-proof Feeder

$34.99

Product #42-5804-8

Features

• Squirrel resistant feeder
• Weight activated system closes access to seed when squirrel or heavy bird lands on perches
• 4-settings to allow the feeder to be bird specific
• Large capacity
• Holds any type of wild bird seed
• Attracts most birds

As the holdiay season approaches the search for that perfect gift gets underway, If there is a bird watcher on your list then this may be the ideal present.

The spy-cam birdhouse is perfect for discovering the secret nesting life of birds, this unique
birdhouse comes with a built-in infrared camera that works day or night
without disturbing avian occupants.

View the action in real time on a
television monitor, or record for later viewing. The birdhouse comes
with the camera installed and focused; simply unroll the 100′ cable
(included) and attach to your computer or television screen and you’re
set to unveil the mysteries of avian behavior.

12-1/2″x8-1/2″x6″
natural pine with slate predator guard.
Additional cables available.

Lately my house has had a whole lot of wildlife visitors. I watched some deer wander through my backyard last night and I saw about 50 million birds landing on my roof this morning. Seems my house is a popular stop for the animals this time of year.

I always make sure to put out some tasty treats for the birds who migrate south in the winter. We’re south, but not that far south, so we’re merely a pit stop on the way to where it will be actually warm.

Because we’re a pit stop, I like to leave out some special treats for the migratory birds. I make sure there is always some fresh, shallow water (I like to use one of those plastic saucer thingies you set underneath pots to keep them from leaking everywhere) and I keep my bird feeders especially full during the autumn months.

And to keep the squirrels away from the bird food? I am totally going to try this squirrel feeder!

Oh, Uncommon Goods, how I love you. Your garden section is filled with so many items I want to buy. Let’s start with the Red Roof Motel birdhouse. It has that classic feel, without being stodgy.

If you want to attract hummingbirds, go with the Red Ferris Wheel Hummingbird Feeder. It’s a really cute way to feed the hummingbirds, and it is safe- the ferris wheel doesn’t spin.

For a more kitschy look, go with the 5th Wheel Birdhouse. It’s got that cute old school vibe, making it perfect for those with a more whimsical garden.

Seriously, go check out Uncommon Goods, they have a ton of great stuff!

These lovely Ray Dunn ceramic birdhouses are almost too pretty to put outside. But this San Francisco artist knew what she was doing when she decided to combine a set of three, white clay, birdhouses to be placed in different areas around the home or given as individual gifts……

"Each birdhouse has
a different phrase and artwork; "Home", "Nest" and "Chirp" with
natural, simple illustrations on the front and back of each house."

A gorgeous set of Artistry, this threesome definitely ads a unique form of art to any garden and is only $75 from Delight.com.

Mothers Day approaches. if you haven’t yet bought your mother a gift then stop by Bird Central. Bird Central carries great gifts for the bird lover, for example, the Songbird Loft Folding Tray Bird Feeder.

This
unique large capacity tray bird feeder folds flat for shipping. These
bird feeders open to become a substantial tray feeder featuring an
overhanging roof that keeps the seed dry and clean for our wild bird
friends. A beautiful accessory with the grace and style reminiscent of
Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture.

These bird feeders are made of
durable recycled wood and solid brass components. Separate tray
compartments allow placement of up to three types of seed. So if your mother or mother-in-law loves birds  consider giving her a gift that allows her to enjoy their presence all year round.

photo courtesy Bird central

Mother’s Day will be celebrated this year on Sunday May 13, 2007. This is just three weeks away but there is still time to get a gift for the Mother who loves Nature or is an avid gardener.

Bothered by mosquitoes in the backyard? Is it diifcult to sit outside at night, then consider giving Mom a bat house.

Bat House
   
    Place our Bat Houses near your home to attract hungry pest-eating bats. Bats consume mosquitoes, grasshoppers, moths  flies, crickets, gnats and even fruit flies.

Does Mom love butterflies, then how about giving her a butterfly house.  Or is she a bird lover? Does she like to watch the seasonal songbirds come and go as they drop by for a snack after their long flight. Or does she enjoy watching the year round residents devouring a much needed meal on a cold winter day? 

Whether Mom loves butterflies, birds, bats or even bees, for that matter, The Butterfly and Nature Gift Store will have what she wants.

photo courtesy of the Butterfly and Nature Gift Store.