Spotted Sandpiper
Author: LAH
Raccoon
Hummingbird Trumpet Mint
Changes
Back in 2020, the COVID lockdowns put a major damper on everything. I found that while I was still gardening, and birding locally, the lack of social interaction put my brain to sleep. No inspiration. No new discoveries. Nothing to write about. And not wishing to fill pages with meaningless drivel, I stopped blogging.
However, I still have a desire to share my awe and love of God’s creation. Instead of writing more articles, I simply began sharing one photograph every day on Instagram (look for LeslieHolzmann) and on the Mountain Plover Facebook page. I haven’t been posting them here, but perhaps it’s time to start.
There is no social commentary. No political opinions. No contention. We have plenty of that already. I just identify the subject and note where I took the picture. Consider it a one-minute break from current events.
In addition to the Gambel’s Quail photo, I’m adding a couple of previous pictures as well:
And finally, the answer to February’s bird quiz is Little Blue Heron (immature).
February Bird Quiz
African Daisies
Lighting Your Seedlings
Finally! In spite of the foot of snow we received this past weekend, spring is just around the corner. For those with late frost-free dates, it’s finally time to start our seeds. Back in 2009 I posted a series of articles about seed starting. (You can find them in the category drop box at right.) However, years have passed and things have changed.
(more…)Fact-checking
As I’ve been recovering from back surgery—a recovery that is taking a bit longer than I was led to expect—I’ve had plenty of time to check my phone, and more specifically, my news feed. I had to laugh when this item popped up. Seems that USA Today needs to check with an actual birder before choosing photos to accompany their articles!
Note that this is not a yellow bird, rare or otherwise. Even more significantly, this lovely photo is of a House Finch, not a Northern Cardinal.
That would be bad enough, but there’s more:
Here we finally get to see the yellow cardinal (which happens to be male). However, this is a male House Sparrow, definitely not a younger cardinal—or its mate!
These are rather significant mistakes in an article on I topic I know a bit about. It makes me wonder how many mistakes (intentional or otherwise) appear in their articles on other topics!
Start with Ducks
Congratulations, you’ve decided to take up birdwatching. You’ve got the binoculars, the latest field guide or phone app, and the dorky hat. The extras can come later—the spotting scope, the camera with a long telephoto lens, the airplane tickets for that exotic birding destination. For now, you’re excited to begin, so you head to the nearest nature center or other birding hotspot.
(more…)Beyond Roses
What do you bring your flower-loving Valentine? Do you opt for the traditional dozen long-stemmed roses? If the recipient loves roses, that may well be your best option, even though it may set you back $50 or more. But if your sweetheart loves all kinds of flowers, you can do better than tradition.
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Mountain Plover 