Bird Basics: Finches

If you love birds but don’t have much time for a pet, or prefer to watch birds over handling them, then finches are the perfect bird for you.  They’re not too affectionate and don’t like being handled very much, so they’re the perfect pet for an observer. First a note: as with all birds, it’s best to purchase your bird from a reputable breeder.  Before bringing one home, make sure you’ve located a vet in your area that can treat your bird. It’s important that you get more than one finch, as they are social birds and will need the … Continue reading

It’s Time for the Birds

While the season of spring is generally the time that most of us think about birds (after all of the mostly silent winter, it is pleasant to wake up to bird call) I generally get ready for the birds in the fall. Here is why. One of the charming bits of the house we live in is the build in bird feeder that sits attached to our home outside of the dining room window. It is a large flat platform that spoils the efforts of all critters other than birds. Across from the window and feeder is a large pine … Continue reading

Home Month in Review: November 2008

Is your home ready for the holidays and winter? Now that November is over, it is time to gear up for the December ahead. Take a look at last months articles and see if there is anything you missed! November 1st Home Blog Month in Review: October As I sit here looking out my window at the backyard, the birds are hovering in the pine tree against a strong wind and steady rain. The temperature is chilly today, and the calendar reminds me that we have left October behind. November 2nd Fall and Holiday Decorating with Nature 2 Isn’t it … Continue reading

Home Week in Review: November 24th Through November 30th

After last week’s running around for the holiday, I am looking forward to a quiet week at home. How was your week? If you missed any posts, check them out here. November 24th Graves are a Solar Energy Source Here is a news story about being green even after you have passed on from this world. The generations before that contributed to global warming can now contribute to saving the planet through solar energy. Home Week in Review: November 17th Through November 23rd Home sweet home! What would you love to see in the Home Blog? November 25th Free Thanksgiving … Continue reading

10 Fall Plants that Attract the Birds: Part 4

This morning, the kids and I hunted around the yard for pine cones. We wanted to slather them with peanut butter and roll them in birdseed as a Thanksgiving feast for the birds that visit us. Unfortunately, it looks like the squirrels might have gotten to them all, because there was not a single pine cone to be found, including the one that served outside of one of our fairy houses. Still, there are other ways of attracting the birds. I have been mentioning different fall plants that will work. We are now at the end of this list. Here … Continue reading

Home Week in Review: November 17th Through November 23rd

Home sweet home! What would you love to see in the Home Blog? November 17th How to Build a Fire Pit Welcome the fall and the cooler weather with a cozy fire pit. Dreams of roasting marshmallows and gathering with friends and family to enjoy the show of the fall leaves isn’t far away. And while this project may be in the advanced category when done because of fire safety issues, with careful planning it isn’t that hard to do. If you want a tamer project, you can consider purchasing a ready-made fire pit and still enjoy the ambiance. Home … Continue reading

10 Fall Plants that Attract the Birds: Part 3

Thanks to some of our fall plants and trees, and the inclusion of a large window bird feeder, our view out of our window is not lacking for the number of birds. The little things are always pleasant to watch, and their antics are enjoyable. Did you know that the plants that you add to your landscaping can greatly impact the number and type of birds that visit? If you missed the earlier posts on this topic click here: 10 Fall Plants that Attract the Birds and 10 Fall Plants that Attract the Birds: Part 2. 5. Perennial Sunflowers This … Continue reading

Home Week in Review: November 10th Through November 16th

After a warm two days, the weather suddenly turned colder here, and it is time to settle in for the winter, I think. Winter is a great time to focus on your plans for your home. Check out this past week’s articles and feel free to suggest future topics! November 10th Home Week in Review: November 3rd Through November 9th On Sunday evening, we decided to have an early night. We finished our errands for the day, enjoyed a crock pot meal and then cozied up to a roaring fire. These are the best days to appreciate being home. How … Continue reading

10 Fall Plants that Attract the Birds: Part 2

In my household, the kids are just as excited to watch the birds outside of our dining room window as they are to watch television. I kid you not. Fall is when they put on the very best show. We have a large bird feeder, as well as some plants that tend to attract a colorful array of birdie personalities. In this series, I’ll be sharing some of the best plants (and trees) that attract birds in the fall. If you missed the first post, just click here. 3. Elderberry When I first spotted the elderberry on our property, I … Continue reading

10 Fall Plants that Attract the Birds

Now that fall is here, we have been enjoying the cardinals for whom the pine tree outside of our dining room window appears to be particularly comforting. These bright red birds with the black masks are always a treat to enjoy, especially when they show off their colors against the green pine needles or the white winter snow that is sure to fall sometime in the next month or so. If you want to attract cardinals and other birds that may be visiting in the fall, consider providing them with a birdie buffet of all of their favorite plants. These … Continue reading