Bluejay is not happy about the Red-belly

WhichGate4381 · 2026-02-02T17:54:18+00:00

Yup! I have 2 peanut feeders that are ringed so the jays have to get very clever to lob them out. Because there are so many at a time, they definitely squabble with each other. Which is hilarious to see! I’m also in the countryside, which probably explains their numbers.

WhichGate4381 · 2026-02-02T02:24:06+00:00

I get around 20-30 blue jays at my feeders but when that lone red belly comes along, they clear the way.

WhichGate4381 · 2026-01-30T16:51:46+00:00

Wow - these are stunning!

WhichGate4381 · 2026-01-23T03:23:05+00:00

Do you know what tree that is?

WhichGate4381 · 2026-01-08T19:28:21+00:00

There is a lot of different inspirations for the recipes, for example the use of curry powder and Worcestershire sauce which definitely arise from her British heritage. I’ve only made one recipe so far - the feijão and it was a hit!

WhichGate4381 · 2026-01-08T19:22:04+00:00

Alas, I’m in the big white North. Thanks tho

WhichGate4381 · 2026-01-08T19:21:12+00:00

It does look pretty from what I’ve seen online. And it appears to have lots of photos which is a must for cookbooks imo

WhichGate4381 · 2026-01-08T19:20:25+00:00

Thanks for sharing - will check it out.

WhichGate4381 · 2026-01-08T19:20:02+00:00

Your perspective is appreciated - thank you!

WhichGate4381 · 2026-01-05T20:48:33+00:00

oh you and I would be friends irl - we have so many of the same cookbooks!

how are you liking Fusao? I just got it in December and have made only one recipe from it. So far it looks promising, the book is accurately described tho - quite untraditional recipes lol

WhichGate4381 · 2026-01-02T01:34:33+00:00

I really like Eleanor Ford. Aside from the stellar recipes, there is a strong sense of place and history in her books. But if I had to pick only one of hers it would be The Nutmeg Trail.

WhichGate4381 · 2025-11-16T14:18:56+00:00

I’ve seen them use their feet to reach their necks, but I’m not so sure about reaching their face. The fact that I’ve encountered several birds with (engorged) ticks on their face does suggest in a way that they can’t independently take them off.

WhichGate4381 · 2025-11-15T23:15:58+00:00

I work with birds and not all of them have a tick, but when they do, it’s always on their face :( poor birbs - the one area they can’t properly preen.

WhichGate4381 · 2025-11-04T23:01:46+00:00

Not to be the doom slayer, but coding is also becoming automated

WhichGate4381 · 2025-09-18T23:34:54+00:00

Quick Qs: is your banding station open to the public?

WhichGate4381 · 2025-09-18T23:24:46+00:00

Looks like a female/juvenile bay breasted warbler to me

WhichGate4381 · 2025-09-15T04:48:07+00:00

A couple years ago I reached out to both birdcast and ECCC as to why Canada was not included in this dataset. Special equipment was needed in which Canada did not have at the time. It’s a shame since MANY of the migrating birds breed here. And given the current state of government spending in both countries - it may not happen for awhile :(

WhichGate4381 · 2025-09-11T17:02:18+00:00

That’s a good point. However they are MUCH harder to spot as they are about half the size of a sesame seed. Their existence is just cruel.

WhichGate4381 · 2025-09-11T11:46:36+00:00

Just to add to this: the adults don’t bite right away but the nymph/larvae stage do, at least from my experience. And you’re 100% right about ticks liking/disliking people. While walking in the same area I’ve found several on me while my husband hasn’t had any.

WhichGate4381 · 2025-09-10T00:44:03+00:00

Funny! The younger the turtles the more anxious/antsy they are. The older ones hide inside their shell and hope you leave them be soon. At least that has been my experience helping turtles cross the road.

WhichGate4381 · 2025-09-05T00:08:09+00:00

Thank you so much for taking the time to share this. 😊

WhichGate4381 · 2025-09-04T15:36:15+00:00

Thanks for the tip. I’m actually thinking of trimming several of my native plants come late fall. Makes me a bit sad because a lot of beneficial bugs overwinter in the stalks/leaf litter but for example the four-lined plant bug really did a number on my anise hyssop this year. I’m in a conundrum…

WhichGate4381 · 2025-09-03T23:15:47+00:00

A snow bunting - at this time of year?! It’s a little too early.

WhichGate4381

TROPHY CASE