Feb 06
2010

They’re Calling it the Storm of the Century

I’m not even sure how much snow we have, but we have a lot of snow. So far the power is on. But I don’t think the 100 lbs. of birdseed I bought in preparation for the snow is going to hold out long. The birds are arriving in droves.

See for yourself.

The birds are practically knocking on the back door asking for more bird seed.

The birds are practically knocking on the back door asking for more bird seed.

Harry ventured out to do a bit of damage control to the chicken coop. The chickens are nestled inside where it is heated and I have given them treats of kale and dried corn on the cob.

Harry ventured out to do a bit of damage control to the chicken coop. The chickens are nestled inside where it is heated and I have given them treats of kale and dried corn on the cob.

At one point there were about 25 cardinals outside in addition to all the other birds.

At one point there were about 25 cardinals outside in addition to all the other birds.

The goldfinches have lost their color for the winter.

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Robin
There are 13 comments
Filed in: Chickens, Weather, Wildlife

13 Responses to “They’re Calling it the Storm of the Century”

  1. Mr. McGregor's Daughter Says:
    February 6th, 2010 at 2:46 pm

    Well, that’s one upside of the storm. Great shot of the cardinal.
    Mr. McGregor’s Daughter´s last blog ..I’m Lichen It My ComLuv Profile

  2. Carol Says:
    February 6th, 2010 at 2:50 pm

    Great pictures. You’ll have to look at them when it is really hot this summer. Good luck, stay warm and hope for an early spring.
    Carol´s last blog ..Hortothesis: Seeds and Snow My ComLuv Profile

  3. Rick Says:
    February 6th, 2010 at 5:44 pm

    Spring, when it does come, will be a great welcomed event. And by June, all the cold and wet will be a distant memory.
    Rick´s last blog ..Friday funnies… My ComLuv Profile

  4. Claire, Plantpassion Says:
    February 6th, 2010 at 5:48 pm

    wow i’m hoping our snow is over for this year, – but last yr 1st week of feb we had major (for UK) storm, so I feel for you, – keep baking, I love hearing you have the tins stocked. – That Cardinal is Red, – don’t have birds that colour here.

  5. Diana Says:
    February 6th, 2010 at 6:21 pm

    Here in North Central Washington we have weather like that too, but the last two years have bee a bit to mild, so there is always a threat of forest fires, we need what you are getting. Love to read your blog, and your stories about your chickens.

  6. Dee/reddirtramblings Says:
    February 6th, 2010 at 6:28 pm

    So over the snow I am. I think we’re getting more on Monday. Yes, I noticed the birds were simply crazy in our snow storm of the decade (at Christmas). Stay warm, Robin.
    Dee/reddirtramblings´s last blog ..Snowbound thoughts: Part I, terrariums My ComLuv Profile

  7. Helen Yoest @ Gardening With Confidence Says:
    February 6th, 2010 at 7:54 pm

    Love seeing the birds. The snow is so beautiful. H

  8. Susan Says:
    February 6th, 2010 at 8:04 pm

    Hey, your birds look like mine, except you even have more!

    Love your pics!

  9. Cindy, MCOK Says:
    February 6th, 2010 at 10:43 pm

    It looks very peaceful and VERY very cold. I hope you and Harry and the little dogs stay snug and warm.
    Cindy, MCOK´s last blog ..Friday’s Fine Feathered Friend My ComLuv Profile

  10. Cindy, MCOK Says:
    February 6th, 2010 at 10:43 pm

    Oh, and Miss P, too! And the chickens!
    Cindy, MCOK´s last blog ..Friday’s Fine Feathered Friend My ComLuv Profile

  11. Gail Says:
    February 6th, 2010 at 11:05 pm

    You are good hearted~~100 pounds of bird feed! No wonder the chickens love you. Be safe and keep warm. gail
    Gail´s last blog ..When Trouble Comes Knocking On The Door! My ComLuv Profile

  12. Blossom Says:
    February 7th, 2010 at 3:42 am

    Please keep warm and safe.
    Blossom´s last blog ..It Takes my Breath Away My ComLuv Profile

  13. Jan (Thanks For Today) Says:
    February 7th, 2010 at 2:02 pm

    I get so many birds during the winter, and they are plentiful here, too. My goldfinches are just beginning to get their color. I think the bird you showed is a white throated sparrow;-) I’m somewhat bird obsessed. I could be wrong on the ID but I’m sure it’s not a goldfinch.

    Thanks, Jan. I did some more looking, and you’re right, those are white throated sparrows. Thanks for the catch!

    Robin

    Jan (Thanks For Today)´s last blog ..Two Feet of the White Stuff…AGAIN! My ComLuv Profile

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Right Now at Bumblebee

March 7th, 2010

It’s official. Dawn over at Owl Hollow News won the Grocery Gardening drawing.  Congratulations, Dawn. I hope you enjoy the book.

What’s on your plate today? The weather here is sunny and at least not frigid. I’ll continue my early spring garden cleanup and also clean and repair bird houses. The bluebirds have made their return and are already checking out the real estate. What a joy to watch over my Sunday morning coffee.

Robin

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March 6th, 2010

I find this one of the most anxiety-producing times of the year in the garden.

As I head outside and begin the winter cleanup, the whole summer garden thing just seems incredibly overwhelming. There’s so much to do. And I’m just one person out there. Honestly, I felt like sitting down to have a good cry about mid-afternoon. But I managed to put one foot in front of the other and actually got a good amount of tidy-up work done. Tomorrow will be more of the same.

Thank you everyone who left a comment explaining how you approach reading and leaving comments on blog posts. The cumulative input has been extremely helpful. The overall consensus is that you’ll read comments if it’s an interesting discussion. You don’t usually subscribe to comments because it clogs up your email box. And you’ll only check back to see if the author has responded if you’ve left a question. That about sums it up.

On another note, I have selected by random number generator the winner of Grocery Gardening. She’s been notified. When she responds back, I’ll announce who she is.

Thank you everyone!

Robin Ripley

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February 22nd, 2010

My lawn is a wreck.

I went outside to re-fill the bird feeders—AGAIN. The parts of my lawn that don’t look like the frozen tundra resemble a swamp. With every step I take my foot sinks down at least an inch. Walking to the feeders I can see my path in the mud.

I also see that we lost one small ornamental tree by the driveway as well as one of my rose trellises, which succumbed to the weight of the snow.

Spring better hurry up and get here. I have a lot of work to do.

Robin

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February 17th, 2010

Are you sick of everyone talking about the weather? I am too, but here goes…

There is so much snow on the ground, I don’t know when it’ll all melt. On top of that, much of it has iced to the extent that moving it from one place to another requires a pick ax. Walking in the back yard to fill the bird feeders is like walking on a bumpy ice rink. There are trees and bushes that need a bit of first aid to remove partially broken branches, but I don’t dare risk skating across the ice with my pruners. Not yet anyway.

Still, there is hope. Although we’re expecting snow flurries today, the weather should warm up into the forties in the next few days, providing some melting relief.

But really, all this unrelieved WHITE is getting to me!

Robin

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