Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Backyard, Countryside and City

     The Backyard

     Our backyard is always a tiny oasis of calm, comfort and delight for us, and I suspect that its role in that regard has been even greater than usual during the pandemic.



     It was here that Miriam "broke" the isolation curse by inviting three good friends over for lunch last week.
     A Giant Swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes) was there to welcome everyone.



     Grey Squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) are a part of urban life in Canada and for people who feed birds they can be a cause of substantial irritation, and a challenge too. They are in fact charming little creatures and as long as they stay off my bird feeders we get along well together.



     The black morph of this animal is only found in the northern part of its range, principally in Canada, leading to speculation that the black colour gene carries some unknown adaptation. 



     It is equally welcome, however, free of discrimination, and with no knee on the throat, figurative or otherwise.
     An Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) could easily be the poster child for the oft used expression "cute as a bunny." 


     Miriam might be reluctant to agree with that assessment, however! It is the bane of her garden and seems to chew off whatever plant looks best. It is not only a catholic diner, it seems to enjoy sampling flowers not to its taste, nibbling them down to the ground and leaving them uneaten.


     It does well to hide from her wrath!


     This squirrel was seen chewing on the stump of a branch that was broken off, for what purpose we are not quite sure. Perhaps sweet sap oozes into the wound on the tree; whatever the inducement it attracted the attention of the squirrel for several minutes.


     Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilocus colubris) has been a visitor to the garden this year, but nowhere near as frequently as in previous years. Miriam was lucky to photograph this female perched on a branch.


     One of our most predictable visitors, flashy, gaudy in the best possible way, bold and determined, and a sonorous musician is Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis). One was singing this morning to enliven first light, a maestro of sostenuto.



     And this is the object of his ardour.



The City

     Peregrine Falcons (Falco peregrinus) have become permanent residents in the City of Kitchener, and this year again four young have been fledged from their urban nest.
     When I visited them recently the male had just delivered food and you can see the female tearing it apart in the picture below, with one of the fledged young perched out on a spar of the tower where the nest is located.



The Countryside
     
     England has long been identified as a "green and pleasant land" and I tried to find a source for the expression, without success. It seems to have been used as far back as antiquity, and justifiably so.
    I would contend, however, that the Great Lakes country of southern Ontario could lay equal claim to such an appellation. The area close to our home is evidence of this.


     

     Surely you must agree! 
     A female Mallard (Anas platyrynchos) ambled along the side of a country road, seemingly without a care in the world.


     Perhaps she too contemplated her green and pleasant home, where cows rested contentedly.


     I have introduced you before to the Western Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) that nests alongside the Conestogo River on the way to Hawkesville, and I have no doubt that I will be featuring more pictures of this accessible nest. Here the female is feeding on a fish delivered earlier by the male.



     Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) is a familiar grassland species from spring through fall and an ardent male may often be seen singing from atop a fence post.


     And, just another example of our green and pleasant land!


     At SpruceHaven our success continues apace, and of the six next boxes that I check weekly on behalf of WRN Teens, five are occupied, and having cleaned out the sixth a couple of days ago, who knows what surprises might be in store next week?
     Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) young are growing strong, due to the diligence of devoted parents who spend most of their waking hours feeding them.




         A pair of Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) has claimed possession of another box and if you look carefully you can see the female staring out at me from inside the nest box.


     A quick check inside revealed six eggs.


     On the way home I saw three different male Indigo Buntings (Passerina cyanea) all in full voice.


     The first cut of hay is exceptionally early in recent years and this portends the end of any possibility of a successful breeding season for ground-nesting species.




     I do not have statistics on the impact on species such as Northern Harrier (Circus hudsonius), Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus), Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna), and others, but it must be substantial.
     Classic products of our area are Maple Syrup and Apple Butter, and signs are frequently posted at the end of the driveway to a farm - in this case rendered as one word in each instance!


     I can attest that both products are delicious!
     Quite frequently one sees signs extolling the virtues of Canadian milk, which is purer and contains less chemical additives than imported milk.


     And I can't resist one more shot of the Osprey on the nest.


Back at home

     We started off in the backyard so let's finish off there. 
     This young American Robin (Turdus migratorius), recently out of the nest and quite capable of taking care of itself, nevertheless continued to beg from its parents. 


     A free meal is always a good thing I suppose.
     And finally, this morning we found eggs of Giant Swallowtail on our Common Rue (Ruta graveolens). We located two eggs but I suspect there are more.


  

     We will keep an eye out for the first caterpillars and perhaps bring them inside to raise them indoors free from the threat of predation.
     We will see!
David M. Gascoigne,
David M. Gascoigne,

I'm a life long birder. My interests are birds, nature, reading, books, outdoors, travel, food and wine.

89 comments:

  1. Your backyard is indeed a little paradise. I don't know where the phrase 'green and pleasant land' originated, but it is part of Blake's wonderful hymn 'Jerusalem', which we often sang at school. I don't know where he got the phrase from, though! Lovely to see you visiting birds, rabbits and squirrels, and good to hear that you respect all colours! Here in Germany we only have cheeky red squirrels, in England there were only big, grey ones who were very bold and sometimes tried to steal our sandwiches from our hands when we were outside in the school yard. I hope all the young birds continue to grow big and strong, and I'm sure you will be showing us more progress shots of the happy families. Have a great day, hugs to you and Miriam, Valerie

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    1. I must have had a bit of a mental block, Valerie, because I did know that William Blake had used the expression. I suspect now that it may have originated with him.

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  2. Love this post, it covers so much. I like that black squirrel, a new one on me, as is the apple butter, never heard of it before. I love the osprey, but the highlight for me is the Peregrine falcons, a bird that I am extremely fond of. I have always said if I come back to this world that is what I want to be but living away from the human race. Keep well, stay safe and enjoy the rest of the week. Diane

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  3. Another interesting post David. You live in a beautiful landscape.
    I'd love to taste that applebutter!

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  4. I feel for Miriam. Her bunny blight is strongly reminiscent of the efforts of the sulphur crested vandals. I think I mind more when they destroy plants and don't eat them.
    I think that William Blake first used the phrase 'a green and pleasant land' to describe England.
    Your back yard looks like a haven of peace and beauty for you, your visitors and the wildlife.
    I hope you can find more eggs of the Giant Swallowtail and that you bring them inside.
    Many thanks for your usual fascinating post.

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  5. I think you've just confirmed something I thought that black and gray squirrels are the same species. Is that right? Do they get together to do the deed?

    Now, why do I like chipmunks so much more than squirrels? We have at least one that roams around our backyard, and I think it is so cute.

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    1. It is the same species, Anvilcloud, with two colour phases, and yes they do "get together." I have not the slightest doubt that almost everyone would have the same reaction as you to chipmunks, which are cute beyond belief! We have three regulars in the yard.

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  6. Hi David.

    You have shown a lot of beautiful things.
    Beautiful in your garden and the rides you have taken.
    Nice birds.
    I like the Black Squirrel very much.

    Greetings from Patricia.

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  7. Il est joli l'écureuil noir, et le lapin trop mignon <3
    Encore de belles observations d'oiseaux, il y'en a beaucoup.
    Jolie coin bien vert chez vous, je connais le sirop d'érable mais pas le beurre de pommes!
    Bonne journée

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  8. Hello, David,

    Wonderful collection of bird, butterflies and critters. I love the cute bunny, it is a shame they do so much damage to the plants. Great sighting of the Peregrine Falcons and the Osprey nest. Happy Birding, enjoy your day!

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  9. An area near to where I used to live in Hertfordshire, Letchworth Garden City, also has black squirrels. They have been a bit of a mystery to everyone for over 100 years. However, a recent study carried out at Anglia Ruskin University shows that a molecular switch in DNA is the reason some ‘greys’ have black fur instead. Apparently grey squirrels inherit a normal pigment gene from both parents (genotype E+E+), while black squirrels inherit a gene with a missing piece from both parents (EB EB).
    You led me to believe that your garden was not very interesting, but I think that it looks charming. How is your Solitary Bee Hotel? Does it have residents yet?

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    1. Thanks for this information, Rosemary. As of yesterday, not a single occupant at the Bee Hotel. Upscale accommodation is ready and waiting so perhaps occupancy will begin soon!

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  10. The grass is so green there at the moment, the scenes are nice of the country side, the farmers are busy getting the hay in before it rains.
    The birds are lovely as usual along with the other creatures and those rabbits do cause a problem for the gardener in every way, as it seem the squirrel does too.
    Wonderful large tree in your yard there, and a nice place to sit and enjoy oneself on a beautiful day.

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  11. The garden is enviable by its animation.

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  12. Hi David - once again Miriam surpasses with her photos - gorgeous. Green and Pleasant Land reminds me of Jerusalem - our school hymn ... and the WI's anthem ... the WI having originated in Canada. Apple Butter reminds me of the time my father and I made damson butter - but now I think more ... it could have been damson cheese!

    You really do have an oasis in your garden ... with an encouraging amount of wild-life around ... the only frustrating one - must be said 'bunny' - still lovely photo. While the black squirrel is quite delightful to see ... they really are dark aren't they. Beautiful birds ... and yes the Kitchener area - does look to be extraordinarily like the green and pleasant land over here.

    So pleased you both keep such a timely eye out for us - all the best - Hilary

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  13. Hari OM
    Your yard is so inviting to the eye - and to have so many delightful visitors - well - an oasis indeed!!! YAM xx

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  14. We used to have a pet rabbit. I remember when it escaped our yard and went to a neighbour’s garden for lunch. Haha … I like bunnies but they do munch on all gardens as if they were their own. I never thought of raising caterpillars but that would be a unique experience!

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  15. Oh poor begonia that became munching place of bunny. I wonder if shaking a bit of cayenne pepper might dissuade Ms. Bunny. I loved seeing all your photos, especially the garden!

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  16. Buenas tardes amigo David, hoy nos presentas otro bello reportaje incluido tu bello jardín patio trasero donde cuidas y alimentas a esos bellos visitantes. El paisaje todo tan verde y lleno de vida es precioso. La cantidad de nieve caída en invierno evidencia ese esplendor de verdor. Me encantan las ardillas, aunque por mi zona se ven muy poco, me gustaría verles más a menudo. Mucha paciencia tiene la buena de Miriam con sus plantas destrozadas, las begonias a los conejos no les gusta.
    Gracias como siempre por mostrar y compartir tanta belleza.
    Un fuerte abrazo querido compadre y amigo David.

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  17. such an interesting post. Loved every bit of it. Several kinds of squirrels and bunnies as well as nesting Osprey and other birds. Thanks for sharing your backyard and surroundings :)

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  18. Your yard is a perfect summer refuges in any year at all but especially in this one. ... I am glad you two are now able to safely invite friends to share it. Happy too that you are able to continue your nesting “work” (joy? ) and needless to say I much enjoyed the bird life in both yard and town. I’ve seen birds recently (lovely hummingbirds at our daughter’s especially) but have been unable to get photographs.

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  19. Hi David
    The garden courtyard is very pretty and it is an intimate place to listen to nature in peace. You have to deal with all visitors Miriam ;-)
    The countryside is very beautiful and green. In France too at the moment it is raining a lot.
    All these little birds, and the big ones, are beautiful.
    Thank you
    Be well.

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  20. The city is nice -- but what grabs my heart here is the ones of your yard. Oh, that bunny. He can come munch on my garden anytime he wants! Love your cardinals and that gray squirrel is a beauty. All ours are black or reddish. I don't know if it's a good year for butterflies or if I'm just noticing more but I've seen many more. That's a handsome specimen.

    And of course, your country pix. The eggs are my favorites here. But there is so much to love. Very glad Miriam got to see some friends.

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  21. What a wonderful blogpost, David! The grey squirrel are very different than the red one ( Sciurus vulgaris) who lives here. I have tried all kind of translations, but I still don't know what black morph is? Very cute animal.
    I had been furious if it was my flowers who was destroyed. Poor Miriam!

    I have been working in my garden for 9 hours, and it's 28 degrees here right now :)

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    1. Hi Marit: Morph simply means variant or phase. In other words a different colour. Nine hours in the garden in that heat? Crazy!!!

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    2. Thank you David, and now I understand it. Yes, I'm crazy! :)

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  22. What a nice yard! Great pics Mirium. Lots of critters to amuse (or annoy) you too. Terrific osprey photos!

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  23. Vying with us Brits eh David? I suspect we didn't even know about Canada when that phrase was first coined. I do agree with you though, the pictures you showed, could certainly give England a run for its money.

    As usual, love the pictures. I have always loved squirrels and particularly like the black ones. But they can be a damned nuisance at the bird feeders as the rabbits can with the garden. Your'e lucky you don't have deer to add to the mix. I'm told they love Hostas.

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    1. You can practice your Spanish by reading Juan's comment above, Jo, where he comments that all out winter snow is responsible for this lush greenness.

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  24. Beautiful landscape and birds. Your backyard looks so peaceful, it must be a pleasure to sit out there and listen to the birds.

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  25. My goodness, a maestro of sostenuto! That cardinal must be something special.
    Your countryside is indeed very beautiful and I could happily share a wine with you sitting in your lovely back yard :)

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    1. Come and stay for a while. Your bed is made, the white wine chilled and the red at room temperature!

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    2. What a tempting invite - and what a pity that we live some 8000 miles apart :) xx

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  26. Your backyard and it's visitors makes our own efforts to attract wildlife to our back garden seem quite insignificant. You also seem to have an overload of the 'cute' factor! By the way, I understand that we have a population of the black strain of Sciurus carolinensis in the Greater London area.

    I agree - your neck of the woods could take the title away from England. I understood the phrase to come from William Blake's 'Jerusalem' from 1804, turned into a beautiful hymn (although I'm not a religious person).

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    1. I remember your backyard as being prolific, Richard, and Miriam will never forget the hedgehog.

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  27. You have a lovely backyard oasis. I have trouble with rabbits, too. They love a garden.

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    1. We just came indoors following dinner on the patio, and there were three youngsters in addition to the adult.

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  28. Travel with more than birds in this post!

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  29. Your area is lush and green, as is the back yard too. I love having an outdoor space it's nice to sit out and hear the birds and watch the other critters who call yard home..
    We have a black squirrel it is called a fox squirrel here and there is a lager grey colored one as well...they are pretty rare to see.
    Good job with the nest boxes.

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  30. I forgot to say, I was stunned to see the Indigo Bunting which I thought was only in the south. Do we have the Painted Bunting up here as well? that is a bird I never saw although Matt was lucky enough to do so.

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    1. Indigo Bunting is fairly common here, Jo, but Painted Bunting which I have only ever seen in Texas, does not venture this far north.

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  31. More than enough to keep me engrossed. Thank you.I like the ruby throat a lot, and the Indigo even more.

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  32. You do live in a wonderful area and I love your back yard - looks so cool for your hot days. I had to google apple butter - it sounds delicious.

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  33. How beautiful to see your natural environment in fullness with the last weeks of spring, with all those beings growing and reproducing at the right time. Your region is green, its greenery and plants could be similar to what England would be, surely greener than my region in summer, today yellow and ocher tones predominate here. I really liked the photos of rabbits and squirrels, especially the black one. I like mammals very much and when in my childhood I started to watch documentaries the big animals grabbed my attention more than birds and deep down it still strongly persists inside me the love to all of them.
    Saludos desde las Pampas

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  34. Good evening dear friends, i really like your backyard, it is an orchard, a place where you can think, enjoy and renew after a long day. Surely it attracts butterflies and many more animals, bunnies, birds, but today i am inclined to squirrels. I love "carolinensis" because it is my namesake and we are friends because of it, jajaja! They are so daring ... i love to see them happily enjoying themselves, eating and playing in the spring sun with so much energy 🐿🐿🐿🐿🐿🐿🐿🐿❤❤❤ Enchanting post as always! Have a happy night dear friends of mine

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  35. Hoi David, wat een leuke en mooie natuurblog laat je ook deze keer weer zien, echt genieten hoor. ik kom graag bij je kijken.
    Groet Kees.

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  36. Thanks for the tour of the wildlife at your home and nearby. That was cool! You have a gorgeously green world. The butterfly egg, wowza!

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  37. Lovely pictures as always. What a gorgeous and peaceful countryside. I've seen some quite dark squirrels but never one that was actually black. It has a striking appearance.

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  38. I love Myriam's photos of your backyard visitors, David, but the black squirrel looks like a rat - it's my opinion only. The young American Robin is pretty, he does not know the danger.
    The landscapes around your place are awesome, it's really green and pleasant land, I agree.
    Never known about Apple butter. What is it?

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    1. Apple butter is made from apples, sugar, vinegar and a few other ingredients, and boiled down to make a spread. It is identified with Mennonites and is often found on the table with a stack of bread at the start of every meal. Every local farm seems to have its own family recipe, so the product obtained from different sources has its own flavour. I can tell you, it is universally delicious!

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  39. So much in just one post. Further to earlier comments, the black squirrels around here are becoming ever more numerous while the population overall remains much the same - does the dark colouration give them some kind of slight evolutionary edge over their grey counterparts? Wm Blake's "green and pleasant land" quote seems to be an echo of the "England's mountains green" which comes at the start of the poem. It seems therefore to suggest a return to the pristine landscapes of pre-"dark-satanic mills" landscape of the industrial revolution - a sentiment which many would agree with. I often wonder if the Green political movement got the idea for their name, either directly or indirectly, from Blake's vision.

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    1. I am assuming that the black fur does confer some form of advantage, John, and since it is only found in northern populations, I am assuming it relates to cold, but I have not found anything that empirically confirms this.

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  40. Hello David, indeed a wonderful place to have lunch with friends, your garden is and for people and animals a true haven. Nice you also show us the country site wich is so green. Wonderful. And yes the problem with early mowing of the grass and devistation that occurs to ground breading birds is also a great problem in the Netherlands and Belgium as Spring is warmer and warmer and so the grass is growing faster than usual and cut. Birds have their nest cuts in little peaces and do not get a change to see their young grow up. The same for young Roedeer that get cut in peaces because they learn that with danger they have to lay still and do not run away. Hart breaking. The amount of birds that you have in your garden is amanzing and even a Humming bird. Nice to see you went also to vissit the Peregines Falcons :) and the Ospreys. Your bookreview of the birds of England is also very interesting reading. Thank you so much.
    Regards,
    Roos

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    1. Maybe one day you will visit Ontario, Roos and sit in that very backyard!

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  41. This was really a very "comfortable" post, David. From the ambience of the back yard, to the bucolic countryside - punctuated with superb photographs and descriptions of Nature's inhabitants. Outstanding!

    We have been fortunate to have lived in several different states within the U.S. and three different locations within Europe. One striking similarity of residents in each of these spots has been a resounding pride in their home. Whether desert, city, forest, coast, rolling fields - we each have our own "green and pleasant land" to enjoy and share with others.

    Thank you for continuing to share yours!

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  42. Vaya reportaje guapo amigo y que buenos vsitantes tenéis. Lindas las ardillas y el cardenal es una belleza David.
    A seguir disfrutando de ese precioso rincón que tenéis en el jardín.
    Cuídaros. Un abrazo

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  43. I did know about the Green and Pleasant Land - though not black squirrels.

    I used to think a lot of Blake's poem when I arrived in West Yorkshire. It is lovely now but it must have been a hell hole in the nineteenth century with its 'dark, Satanic mills'. Many of them are still here, though falling now into ruins. Though I think most round here were built a bit later than the poem they certainly fit with his theme.

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  44. Wow, love the Canada backyard David, and the countryside, beauty.

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  45. What a delightful journey from your backyard to your 'green and pleasant land' and back.
    How wonderful then to sit and enjoy the 'green' and the fauna of your backyard. It seems perfect, except your winter is so long.

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  46. Precioso tu patio trasero David, es una maravilla con tantos visitantes que tienes. Yo sufriría mucho con los conejos destrozando mis plantas. Un abrazo querido amigo.

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  47. David - I feel I have been on a tour through hill and dale, and how glorious it has been! I recently returned from my trip to Ohio to see my mother, and it was a respite indeed to walk my garden, resplendent in new growth and birdsong that is so different than my home state. I suspect I also have a "cute bunny" at work in my flower beds since I find plant fronds lying about … Thanks for the lovely photos, and have a good weekend!

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  48. Thank you for the wonderful post, David!
    What cheerful green colours and fascinating creatures! Your header photo is a piece of art.
    Happy Midsummer!

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  49. Hi David,
    When I see that garden of yours it is not surprising that it attracts all kinds of wildlife. Many people will be a bit jealous, because probably they won't see this much when they go out for a walk.
    The countryside is an attractive area to live in or to relax and enjoy the nature. About Sprucehaven I don't have to say a lot. It has already been clear for a long time that it is an attractive place for everybody who is interested in nature. Besides that, you seem to cope with covid-19 quite well.
    Greeting, Kees

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  50. Hi David,
    it's marvelous to see how diverse wildlife is in your "calm tiny oasis".
    Yhank you for sharing that feeling with us.

    Best regards, Corrie

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  51. Your garden is lovely, I can imagine the rabbit can be a little frustrating! The young Robin looks a little like our winter visiting Redwings!

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  52. Hello David! Such an interesting post!
    You have a lovely backyard and cute visitors!
    Wonderful landscape and beautiful birds!
    Thank you for sharing! Have a relaxing weekend!
    Dimi...

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  53. I did enjoy all of your photographs, a wonderful selection showing much beauty in your backyard, the countryside and the city.

    All the best Jan

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  54. Hello David, it's amazing how much animals get used to living around humans. Your backyard seems like a wonderful place!

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  55. Hello, Did you recently change your header photo, the Kori Bustard is a cool looking bird.
    I enjoyed your post, seeing your pretty garden and all the bird photos. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Enjoy your day, have a happy weekend! PS, thanks for the comment and visit.

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  56. Your patio is certainly a beautiful oasis. I enjoyed seeing the birds, furry critters, and plants. It doesn't bother me that the squirrels sometimes get at the bird feeder. I suppose it comes from being of Italian descent. Abbondanza! Everybody eats! Besides, it's rather fun to watch them figure out how to get around the squirrel baffle and weight perch. Thanks for visiting my blog. Happy Summer Solstice!

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  57. What a beautiful post, David,and thank you for sharing. I agree that the views here in Ontario are quite beautiful this time of year. They really captured my eye when I first moved here from Newfoundland...there it is all about the sea so these pastoral views with the farms and lushness were novel. We have a bonanza of critters and birds, etc. to enjoy these days too. I am especially happy to see many many bees around my flowers this year. I did not know rabbits would eat begonias...the rabbits here have not eaten the garden growth but the deer enjoy eating one kind of the hostas down to the ground regularly. That is a lovely spot you two have for a little outdoor munching/sipping.

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  58. Lovely patio David. I had never seen a black squirrel before. Love the bunny but I can understand Miriam's frustration of having her plants eaten and destroyed by bunnies.

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  59. I love seeing that black squirrel! It is gorgeous! And your new banner is neat too! Enjoy your weekend! Would love to join you in your backyard...how inviting!

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  60. Enjoyed reading your post and seeing such a great variety of birds and other critters. I've never seen a black squirrel! What a pretty patio, it looks very welcoming. Hope you have a great weekend.

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  61. Hello. An interesting and beautiful post. Wonderful photos. Thank you for sharing. Stay safe.

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  62. I am in total awe! Seriously. All your photos & your narration ...well, like a chamber of commerce brochure today.


    I want to send along my thanks for your participation this week at IRBB.

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  63. I thoroughly enjoyed this tour of your backyard and the "wildlife" you encounter there. We are fond of cottontails and often see several when we sit riverside. Unfortunately, a neighbor dislikes them as much as Miriam as they do nibble in the flower garden she claims. (We've only seen them in the grass.) We have never seen a black squirrel, but did glimpse a red one one time and lots of gray ones here. Glad you and Miriam could break isolation and socialize with friends for a while.

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    1. I think we will try for another bout if socialization again later this week with one of Miriam's sisters and her husband.

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  64. Es una delicia ese patio trasero, un lugar tranquilo y acogedor lleno de vida a su alrededor como son los conejos y las ardillas. Precioso el paseo por el espacio verde del campo cercano y me ha encantado ver esos huevos de carboneros.
    Un abrazo grande!

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  65. Hi David,
    Sorry for the late reply! I had to catch up!
    Great garden and how lovely to have a great butterfly, squirrels and lovely colorful birds in the garden. All the photos are beautiful!
    regards, Maria

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  66. It's very interesting what you write and show. We do not boast about nest photos in Poland, because approaching nests is prohibited by law. If we have a nest in the garden, we also avoid it. It's a bit of a code of honor.
    You have nice guests in the garden!
    You wrote to me that you are going to Europe (Poland?). Can you bring me your plans?

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    1. You must have someone else in mind, Ludmila. I have no plans to visit Europe, much as I would love to.

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    2. This is a misunderstanding. I read your comment too quickly. :-))))))

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  67. Hello David!
    Your yard is very beautiful and rich in flora and fauna.
    You are visited by a lot of birds and cute squirrels.
    Greetings.

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  68. Hello friend David,
    lovely to have such a backyard. A backyard in which several squirrels come to neighborhood :-))) Beautiful butterflies. lots of miscellaneous birds (jealous of the beautiful cardinals) and meanwhile sitting nice and quiet :-)
    also looked at the osprey with wonder (also in your other blog). Beautiful photos and really enjoy all the beauty.
    A big hug.

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Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge that the land on which we are situated are the lands traditionally used by the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe, and Neutral People. We also acknowledge the enduring presence and deep traditional knowledge, laws, and philosophies of the Indigenous Peoples with whom we share this land today. We are all treaty people with a responsibility to honour all our relations.

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