High on Caroline's wish list when she comes to spend time with us is a visit to SpruceHaven. Normally she would look forward to chatting with Dave, Sandy and Jamie, but the dreaded Coronavirus put an end to such pleasantries. She was very keen, nevertheless, to see the successional progress of the restored grassland, check the status of the nest boxes, visit the Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica), and so on!
Here is a view of a few of the nest boxes we installed last fall, in preparation for this year's breeding season.
The box you see in the foreground held six Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) ready to fledge, and a conscientious adult was bringing food.
The grassland has contributed in a significant way to the abundance of insects, and many species were foraging over and in it. While we were there on Sunday with Caroline, Barn Swallows from nearby Blaze Farm were taking full advantage of the flush of insect prey available for the taking.
Here is a first look at some of the new growth this year.
I was teaching Caroline Nestbox 101, enabling her to identify different species by the architecture of their nests, even without the benefit of distinctively patterned eggs. Here she is peering into a box from which a clutch of five Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia sialis) fledged a couple of weeks ago.
You will all be pleased to know that she passed the course with high grades!
Another couple of grassland views.
Eastern Kingbirds (Tyrannus tyrannus) have wasted no time in exploiting the insects that form their diet, now present in copious numbers.
This post is going to be top-heavy with images of our newly emerging prairie landscape, but the splendour of it all is not to be missed.
And a few more pictures.
Miriam and Caroline standing together in the grasses will give you an idea of the height of the plant structure which is the foundation of this restoration.
Okay, maybe a lot more pictures!
Are you not gobsmacked by the splendour of it all?
This fledgling Barn Swallow was no doubt convinced that the living is easy!
There were many butterflies nectaring on the plants, principally Clouded Sulphur (Colias philodice), Cabbage White (Pieris rapae), Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis astyanax) and Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus). There were a few Mourning Cloaks (Nympahlis antiopa) and this Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos) even stopped for a picture.
There were several small diurnal moths too, but we were unable to get a good look at them, and their identity remains unknown.
Miriam had bread baking at home, due out of the bread machine by 13h:30, so we did not have much time to visit the barn.
If you look carefully at the left in the picture above you can see me checking a Barn Swallow nest.
The pond is a sight for sore eyes, and a Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) daintily picked its way across the lily pads.
Yellow Pond-lily (Nuphar variegata) is very attractive.
And so is White Water-lily (Nymphaea adorata).
In addition to beautifying the pond, these plants serve to keep the temperature of the water cool enough to permit prolific occupancy by minnows and amphibians.
It was time to head for home to the odour of fresh bread as we opened the door.
Caroline could barely stop talking about her morning's adventure, especially extolling the magnificence of the grassland ecosystem maturing before her eyes.
Now if only I can convince Dave to add a couple of bison!
Saturday, July 18, 2020
David M. Gascoigne,
I'm a life long birder. My interests are birds, nature, reading, books, outdoors, travel, food and wine.
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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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My name is David. I'm a lifelong birder, fiercely committed to all of nature, however. Married to Miriam Bauman. I love to travel. I Enjoy a good book and a good glass of wine. To read more about me, click my ABOUT page.
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The flora is in a favorable environment. The bird boxes are unique.
ReplyDeleteIt must be wonderful to share your interest in nature with your family! Beautiful photos!
ReplyDeleteSo wonderful that your daughter are so interested in birds too, David! I'm sure she passed the course with high grades of course!
ReplyDeleteThe bird boxes looks very smart.
I'm so happy about all the lovely flower photos! Beautiful coneflowers, and a lot of them looks like my Rudbeckia hirta who is flowering here rigbt now. Have a nice weekend!
When you come to visit, Marit, we will appoint you Head Gardener for a day!
DeleteHi David, that's a beautiful piece of nature you visited, and I am sure you enjoyed being there with your gorgeous girls. Of course Caroline got it all right, she's your daughter. The plants and flowers are beautiful, too. You're doing good work there caring for the birds. Bison wouldn't be bad either! Have a great weekend, enjoy Miriam's good cooking. Hugs, Valerie
ReplyDeleteWhat a variety and richness of plants welcoming the two very lovely ladies!
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteDavid, you can show as many of these grassland pics as you wish, for the magnificence is beyond words!!! Nothing, I repeat nothing, beats Ma Nature's summer dress... YAM xx
It's a great feeling when you can spend time with your family sharing the interests you all love and enjoy. Beautiful photos, David and have a fantastic weekend.
ReplyDeleteWonderful times, wonderful days, wonderful nestboxes, wonderful graslands and the overwelming amount of flowers. You, Miriam and Caroline will remember these days for a long time. That is what life is all about!
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Roos
I love seeing all of the summer wildflowers, grasses and plants! And yes, the bugs are plentiful here right now for the birds! We just had an Ibis walk though the yard pecking away.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos of your friend and Miriam! I'm glad you are able to get out and enjoy nature. I hiked in the heat this morning...it was worth it! Happy weekend!
She is my friend, of course, but equally (more?) importantly, she is my daughter.
DeleteHello,
ReplyDeletewow, the flowers are all gorgeous. It is great to have the grassland, the birds must love it there. The Swallow looks a little mad. It is great to see the photos of your daughter and Miriam. Fun times and memories with the family. Have a great day!
Many of the plants are familiar, but there were several very attractive and interesting ones that I've never seen -- or, at least, never have seen in the stages in which you showed them. I must say, the fledging on the curved branch is a fabulous photo. You should show it to some of your wood-carving friends and see if it appeals to them as a subject. I can already see it done in a fine wood.
ReplyDeleteOooh. And ahhh.
ReplyDeleteTotally gobsmacked and flabberghasted at the beauty on display. All the beauty on display.
Thank you.
What an educational fun day! The front facing barn swallow sitting nimbly on a branch is a photo suitable for framing.
ReplyDeleteThat is a lot of photos, but I tell you the truth, I enjoyed each and every one of them!
ReplyDeleteSplendid photos Dacid. I love the coneflowers.
ReplyDeleteWonderful pictures. Thank you for sharing them and for sharing Caroline's visit with us. I have no doubt that you all enjoyed it to the fullest!
ReplyDeleteFeel like I walked through the grassland with you. Enjoyed every single photo! Especially liked seeing the barn swallows. Only time I see them around here is at airplane level in the sky. Hope you are enjoying your weekend!
ReplyDeleteThat prairie looks like a great success!
ReplyDeleteTo say that you live in a beautiful place is an understatement! The wildflowers were exquisite.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, beautiful photos. The return of prairie is wonderful. Well, prairie flowers. The prairie turn will be centuries in rebounding.
ReplyDeleteHi, dear friends, how are you!
ReplyDeleteThe swallows, the butterflies, the little red bird, the yellow flowers... it all seems like an artistic idea of God! nature is very well preserved, cared with a lot of love... of course i am amazed by so much beauty together! but what i like most of all is seeing Miriam and Caroline in the green meadow! They are the most beautiful in creation!
Have a happy saturday night, friend David and thanks for sharing!
Lovely photos. Apart from all that bird life you have such a wonderful array of plants.
ReplyDeleteYes, totally gobsmacked by the beauty and the manpower to enact this rehabilitation.
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely place to visit ! Beautiful nature and birds!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous flowers! So nice to see the photo of Miriam and your daughter !
Have a lovely day!
Dimi...
Grasses, birds, flowers, scenery - what more could be ask for to see!
ReplyDeleteLovely clear photos, enjoyed - thanks.
I've never seen TWO water lilies so close together like that...absolutely stunning! All your wildflowers,are spectacular as are the birds. That swallow fledgling is adorable!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for coming by I'd Rather B Birdin this week and linking in!
Il y'a de très belles fleurs dans cette prairies!
ReplyDeleteLes hirondelles doivent y trouver de nombreux insectes.
Chez moi cela fait plusieurs jours que je trouve des éclosions de chenilles processionnaires... Avec le réchauffement climatique elles migrent, heureusement les mésanges adorent les manger.
Bon dimanche
Hi David - I need you today ... I'm about to go and participate in the butterfly count! I've got my guide to take with me. What a delightful post ... beautiful photos ... and so pleased you obviously had the most wonderful time with Caroline - and I hope Sprucehaven and life in general give us some normality once again soon - still taking responsible care.
ReplyDeleteI bet Caroline stopped from extolling the delight of your locality's ecosystem - as Miriam's home-baked bread hit the table fairly soon and was very well enjoyed.
Loved the post - thank you ... Hilary
Beautiful Barn Swallow images, lovely.
ReplyDeleteBother - meant to add ... that they're going to add European bison to a Kent woodland by 2021 ... and apparently they're essential for Heath Fritillary butterflies. Enjoy today - Hilary
ReplyDeleteWere European bison native to Britain at one point, Hilary?
DeleteDavid, I saw that article and my recollection is that European Bison were never in Britain. However there was another Bison in Britain possibly as recently as 12,000 years ago. The thinking is that the European Bison is a good substitute.
DeleteThanks for this information, Graham.
DeleteIt is always nice to visit your blog!Iam amazed you have the knowledge of who the nests belongs to Wow!
ReplyDeleteWe also have alot of those boxes but this year I have not checked upon them.Lovely landscapes!It reminds e of the books I am reading about the life in Dakota and Alberta back in the old times.Seems it was much work in harvesting!Beautiful photo of your loved ones! they look very kindly
Ohh the smell of homemade baked bread!My mouth is watering!With good butter and strawberrie jam!Mmm
Ok have a nice day over there!
Greetings Anita
Hi David.
ReplyDeleteSuper nice series, nice pictures.
Beautiful the flowers. blackbird, butterflies and barn swallows.
Magnificent.
Greetings from Patricia.
Muy buena labor haces instalando esos nidos, para preservar las especies.
ReplyDeleteLa Naturaleza es prodigiosa y ahora por las flores que observo están en su mayor esplendor. Las mariposas en torno a las flores es otro aliciente más , que has encontrado en tu recorrido. Yo suelo dejar en mi patio, unas migas de pan y hasta ellas acuden unos gorriones y también algunas crías que ya comienzan a volar.
Que tengas un domingo feliz
Great post and it was good to see some of your wild flowers as well. The nest boxes appear to be very successful. We have only one box in the garden and although I have moved it to various place nobody is interested! I am well behind with blogs will catch up when I can. Have a good day Diane
ReplyDeleteHello David, this seems like a lovely walk with nature. Wonderful photos, thank you for sharing them!
ReplyDeleteGreetings, Janitha
I'm glad you said Caroline was peering into the box because when I first saw the photo I thought she might be banging her head in frustration to identify! What a fabulous place this is. I especially loved that gorgeous tree swallow and the fabulous wildflowers. The one of the sunflower-like bloom from the bottom is a fabulous and really interesting view. I must check out some of mine from that position when they come. It is lovely to see your family all adore this beautiful spot and what it does.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful post, David, made splendid by your wonderful photos capturing the essence of a grassy area in summer. I never tire of looking at flower photos and the birds and insects of course. So nice to see the lovely ladies too.
ReplyDeleteHola amigo David, ya de vuelta de esas pequeñas vacaciones, pues casi es preferible no salir de casa, el tema del COVID se sigue complicando por desgracia nuevamente.
ReplyDeleteMaravillosa entrada con esa gran belleza de pastizales donde a buen seguro las golondrinas y otras aves tienen asegurada su supervivencia. Como siempre, excelentes fotografías las de Miriam.
Un fuerte abrazo querido compadre y amigo David.
Thank you for sharing these incredible and wonderful photos.
ReplyDeleteI felt I was there, watching and enjoying all that charm and beauty of nature.
What a great visit! I really enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteAs much as the birds are always enjoyable to see, David, this time the flowers and grasses took center stage. Many of these reminded me of ones we used to see around on explorations around the VA eastern shore, our former home. It's always great touring around with others and so nice to see Caroline and Miriam together. yes, I did see you in the background checking the nest in the barn, but was hoping for a better one...maybe next time?
ReplyDeleteI had not realised, until I came to this blog post, David, just how magnificent a place SpruceHaven is. So much work must have gone into the creation of this paradise for flora and fauna. If only this impoverished world had more places like this! The diversity of wildflowers is utterly fabulous.
ReplyDeleteI see that you've now dropped the attribution for the images on your blog, but I suspect that Miriam has been busy here!
My best wishes to you both - - - Richard
I enjoyed the meander through the grasslands.
ReplyDeleteMe ha encantado el paseo de Miriam y Caroline. He disfrutado viendo tanta naturaleza. Preciosas flores. Un placer para la vista David.
ReplyDeleteOs deseo buena noche. Cuidaros.
Un abrazo.
a wonderful post. Glad to see you guys can still be outdoors checking out nature. Love the tree swallows and the Eastern Kingbird looks so proud. And then, all beautiful flowers. Candy for the eyes.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy your posts and the photos. Always a learning experience for me! Thank you for linking up and sharing!!
ReplyDeleteMe alegra que hayas disfrutado del paseo con tu hija y Miriam. Ellas se ven muy guapas y felices. Un abrazo para los tres.
ReplyDeleteLovely,
ReplyDeleteLovely,
Lovely,
Fabulous photographs and post, I did enjoy it, thank you.
All the best Jan
Young man, you have two beautiful ladies!
ReplyDeleteI think your daughter is very much like you, right? And now ... I miss my daughter very much! I can't see her this summer because of the coronavirus ... and I'm so sorry!
I'm so sorry that Saturday I couldn't write a comment on your blog.
Due to a technical problem ... I didn't have internet all weekend!
Hugs to all of you!
When I first popped over to look at your blog when you posted on mine I mistakenly from the header assumed that you were in Ethiopia. I should have read the post properly first time. As you now know, Canada interests me greatly.
ReplyDeleteVery nice. With the same passion for the outdoors and share it with your daughter. Beautiful flowers and birds.
ReplyDeleteStay save both of you!
Regards, Maria
Ha David, weer een prachtige natuur serie,het is altijd weer genieten.
ReplyDeleteGroet kees.
Hi David what beautiful pics of nature the new growth is fantastic,love that white fluffy flower it's so pretty,the birds must be amazing to watch and so many varieties Thankyou for sharing these with us .
ReplyDeleteHi David, it's nice I can see your Caroline too. Beautiful photos of the flowers and the swallows. Have a nice week, greetings Caroline
ReplyDeleteHi David,
ReplyDeleteIt must feel great to see your daughter being enthousiastic about this splendid nature. The abundancy of flowers is hugh, so I'm not surprised she liked it. It is also a paradise for all kinds of insects, very important these days. And finally the sheer joy of fresly baked bread.
Greetings, Kees
The grassland is gorgeous, it must have been wonderful to walk through it all!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful flower pictures. So nice that your daughter has the same interests as her Mom and Dad :)
ReplyDeleteSo glorious! Have you ever read Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer? She is Native American and also a trained botanist. She tells of the Native American way of preserving environments. It sounds like you are doing that! Here is my review: https://keepthewisdom.blogspot.com/2018/01/braiding-sweetgrass_13.html
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link, Judy.
Deletehello David
ReplyDeleteSomething is great, the family with the same interests, I think that's great, because the conversation never ends, great pictures it was 100% worth it for nature, it will thank you
Regards Frank
Thank you very much for a beautiful post. I love flowers, so I admire each photo on the enlargement.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos of two women: Mother and Daughter.
Have a nice day and a happy week :)
Hello David,
ReplyDeleteI read everywhere that the coronavirus is charging again. This is already the case in various countries of Europe, and in more and more countries lockdowns and mouth masks are starting again. I still think it's a very scary virus.
Your photos are very beautiful again. Wonderful to see a restored grassland. The barn swallows are also beautiful :-) Check flowers, plants, herbs and net boxes. I am also very happy with all those flowers that I see.
And how nice that Miriam and Caroline are in the picture together. now I see Miriam again :-))))))))))))))))) Again a wonderful blog.
A sweet greeting and a big kiss from your girlfriend from the Netherlands,
Helma
Great photos of flowers and landscapes. The Red-winged Blackbird looks so beautiful.
ReplyDelete