Norbert

I found a baby bird on our front walk yesterday that I assumed was pushed out of his nest.  His eyes were closed and he was writhing a little by moving his feet and what are supposed to become wings.  I named him Norbert.  I checked online to see if I could find some answers regarding the best way to handle the situation.  Birds that are somewhat closer to being able to fly have their feathers.  Their first attempts at flight will sometimes result in failure.  These birds are called fledglings.  The bird's parents will continue to tend to the fledgling.  It's an old wives tale that human scent on a baby bird will drive the mother away.  It is okay to put the fledgling back in the nest if it can be determined where the nest is.  A naked baby bird or a baby bird with no or few feathers is called a nestling.  The parents don't have a way to get it to the nest so it's okay to place it back in the nest.  If the nest can't be accessed it's okay to use a small plastic container with drainage holes and a lining of paper towels. eHow says: "Understand that the baby bird may have been pushed out of the nest by its siblings and could get pushed out again.  This is a natural behavior that allows only the strongest to survive and procreate."  Sadly, Norbert died this afternoon.

June Full Moon

The moon was full today. The full moon in June is also known as the full strawberry moon. And this moon is being called a "supermoon." This means it  is the closest and largest full moon of the year. I hear the moon will not be as close again until August 2014. 

The Storm of the Century - So Far

I was on the front porch watching the storm when I saw this tree come down across the street.  It was then I decided it was time for me and Athena to go down to the basement.

Peonies

I'm seeing lots of peonies in the neighborhood starting to bloom.

Chives and Rhubard

The chives are starting to flower and the rhubarb is starting to seed.

Lily of the Valley

The Lily of the Valley are in bloom. The flowers would make great caps for garden fairies.  The top left illustration is by Mary Cicely Barker.

Bruno and Bosco

On our visit to Squire House yesterday I made sure to check in with Bruno and Bosco. Bruno (the brown one) was really in need of attention. Bosco was acting rather tired and groggy. While I was petting Bosco, one of the women who works there told me that I needed to be careful because giving Bosco attention has the potential to turn into a full time job. 

Squire House

Yesterday Noel and I took a drive out to Afton to visit Squire House. There were a few different signs for sale about not pissing off the fairies. I'm not sure what that all means and I hope I haven't done anything to torque the ones in our yard.  

Dandelions

The yard is running rampant with dandelions so I decided to put a few of them to good use.  How very Martha Stewart of me.  I always loved dandelions and feel bad they have such a bad reputation...