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just some Tuesday things
Sep. 24th, 2024 09:29 am*I saw the turkey flock out the front windows this morning, and some geese on the river out the back windows; a good day indeed
*I've had the MacGyver* theme song playing intermittently in my head for over a week now (*the original MacGyver); allow me to share this joy
*Work sure is something, isn't it?
*I've had the MacGyver* theme song playing intermittently in my head for over a week now (*the original MacGyver); allow me to share this joy
*Work sure is something, isn't it?
bird feeder update
Aug. 11th, 2024 08:22 amI decided to try adding some of the hot pepper suet nuggets to the feeder, because I thought 1) they might be neater than the hulled sunflower seeds, and 2) even though squirrels can't technically get to to the seeds, they spend a significant amount of time leaping on the feeder cage and clinging to the sides/bottom of it, scrounging for bits of food and chewing on the bars. And maybe the hot pepper flavor would deter some of that?
It's not the worst thing they could be doing (they're also spending time right now chewing through the plastic storage trunk, which sure is a hobby). But why not try the suet nuggets? The package suggested they could be used in any feeder as long as they were mixed with other seeds, which I did in a somewhat haphazard way.
I did NOT anticipate the birds preferentially eating all the sunflower seeds and leaving the nuggets behind. LOL so much for blending. Anyway, the adventure continues!
It's not the worst thing they could be doing (they're also spending time right now chewing through the plastic storage trunk, which sure is a hobby). But why not try the suet nuggets? The package suggested they could be used in any feeder as long as they were mixed with other seeds, which I did in a somewhat haphazard way.
I did NOT anticipate the birds preferentially eating all the sunflower seeds and leaving the nuggets behind. LOL so much for blending. Anyway, the adventure continues!
surprise!chipmunk
Jul. 21st, 2024 07:45 amA new contender has entered the squirrel enrichment zone / bird feeder battle: SURPRISE!CHIPMUNK!
The original three goals:
*feed the birds
*keep the food from making a huge mess
*prevent squirrels from eating all the food
I was not expecting a chipmunk to enter the fray, but since one has, indeed, entered, I have learned the following:
*chipmunks are small enough to fit through those bars!
*chipmunks are good jumpers!
*chipmunks are so cute I cannot resist that little furry beastie!
The problem was not (really) that the chipmunk was eating seeds out of the tray, since presumably back when all the seeds just fell on the ground, the chipmunk was also eating them. Cleaning them up in the tray could be claimed as an improvement, actually!
BUT the chipmunk was also cleaning out the tube of the feeder, so now we have YET ANOTHER new style of feeder to try out. I like this one better because it's light enough to hang on the easier-to-see-from-inside (I WISH TO SEE THE BIRDS), and it's easier to fill. I also have 'look into suet pellets and other varieties of food' on my to-do list. I guess it's good to have hobbies?
The original three goals:
*feed the birds
*keep the food from making a huge mess
*prevent squirrels from eating all the food
I was not expecting a chipmunk to enter the fray, but since one has, indeed, entered, I have learned the following:
*chipmunks are small enough to fit through those bars!
*chipmunks are good jumpers!
*chipmunks are so cute I cannot resist that little furry beastie!
The problem was not (really) that the chipmunk was eating seeds out of the tray, since presumably back when all the seeds just fell on the ground, the chipmunk was also eating them. Cleaning them up in the tray could be claimed as an improvement, actually!
BUT the chipmunk was also cleaning out the tube of the feeder, so now we have YET ANOTHER new style of feeder to try out. I like this one better because it's light enough to hang on the easier-to-see-from-inside (I WISH TO SEE THE BIRDS), and it's easier to fill. I also have 'look into suet pellets and other varieties of food' on my to-do list. I guess it's good to have hobbies?
squirrel enrichment update
Jun. 8th, 2024 07:37 am*We now have two birdfeeders enclosed in cages -- one for sunflower seeds, one for mealworms. They're quite pretty! It's kind of a lengthy process to refill them, but I guess making the food hard to get to is the point.
*Squirrels are currently attempting to chew through the metal bars of the cage to access the feeder. In the first few days, they seem to have only managed to strip the paint off, but they are Quite Determined.
*Of the three goals (feed birds, prevent squirrels from eating all the food, keep seed from getting everywhere), all of the attempted solutions so far have only managed to meet a maximum of two. We'll see how these new feeders work, but right now they seem to be deterring everything, including birds. I'm hoping that once the birds have a chance to observe them for a bit, they'll feel comfortable returning.
*Squirrels are currently attempting to chew through the metal bars of the cage to access the feeder. In the first few days, they seem to have only managed to strip the paint off, but they are Quite Determined.
*Of the three goals (feed birds, prevent squirrels from eating all the food, keep seed from getting everywhere), all of the attempted solutions so far have only managed to meet a maximum of two. We'll see how these new feeders work, but right now they seem to be deterring everything, including birds. I'm hoping that once the birds have a chance to observe them for a bit, they'll feel comfortable returning.
I suggest a new strategy
May. 12th, 2024 07:05 amSometimes I have a lot of thoughts and there doesn't seem to be any way to write them out that would bring any net positive to the world, but I'd still like to acknowledge them. So hey there, thoughts. I see you.
In daily news, the squirrel battle continues. The newest strategy involves, uh, letting them win on purpose? I moved one of the feeders to a place I'm fairly sure they'll be able to stand on the balcony railing and reach the seed catching tray. (The feeder itself is one of those 'squirrel-proof' ones that works great, but there's a new tray underneath in an attempt to stop so much seed debris from falling in the garden below.)
Without the tray, the squirrels scrounged all that debris out of the garden. With the tray, maybe they'll just eat it out of the tray? Which might be better??? IDK, the whole arrangement is still a work in progress. I'm pretty sure the squirrels wake up each day and are just like 'AWW YEAH, SQUIRREL ENRICHMENT INTENSIFIES'
In daily news, the squirrel battle continues. The newest strategy involves, uh, letting them win on purpose? I moved one of the feeders to a place I'm fairly sure they'll be able to stand on the balcony railing and reach the seed catching tray. (The feeder itself is one of those 'squirrel-proof' ones that works great, but there's a new tray underneath in an attempt to stop so much seed debris from falling in the garden below.)
Without the tray, the squirrels scrounged all that debris out of the garden. With the tray, maybe they'll just eat it out of the tray? Which might be better??? IDK, the whole arrangement is still a work in progress. I'm pretty sure the squirrels wake up each day and are just like 'AWW YEAH, SQUIRREL ENRICHMENT INTENSIFIES'
squirrel enrichment zone
May. 6th, 2024 07:55 amGoals:
*attract birds and see them up close-ish
*not make a huge mess
*discourage squirrels from eating all the food
So far, we've mostly got a 'pick two' situation, with none of the attempts so far actually achieving all three of those goals. But good news: the squirrels are having a GREAT time!
*attract birds and see them up close-ish
*not make a huge mess
*discourage squirrels from eating all the food
So far, we've mostly got a 'pick two' situation, with none of the attempts so far actually achieving all three of those goals. But good news: the squirrels are having a GREAT time!
squirrels win again
Apr. 16th, 2024 07:05 amFor a little over a year now, we've had a mealworm feeder. It's one of those 'suction cup to window' feeders, but we have some big windows and it's worked relatively well.
Until yesterday, when an enterprising squirrel decided to (I can only guess) climb up the vinyl siding next to the window to leap into the feeder. When I startled it, the squirrel leapt out again -- which had the side effect of knocking the feeder down and scattering mealworms everywhere. Me: 0, Squirrels: A Lot.
Anyway, the hunt is on for some improvements to our balcony bird feeding situation.
Until yesterday, when an enterprising squirrel decided to (I can only guess) climb up the vinyl siding next to the window to leap into the feeder. When I startled it, the squirrel leapt out again -- which had the side effect of knocking the feeder down and scattering mealworms everywhere. Me: 0, Squirrels: A Lot.
Anyway, the hunt is on for some improvements to our balcony bird feeding situation.
It's snowing, and the dark-eyed juncos are back! (Of course I am happy that they had plenty of food elsewhere up until now, but I am also delighted to see them back on our balcony.)
Also featuring on the balcony this morning: our beautiful local bluebirds! Really living up to the blueborb image today; they are so good at floofing. Very impressive; 11/10.
I think the birds have the right idea -- I'm also planning to spend the day eating plenty of delicious food.
Also featuring on the balcony this morning: our beautiful local bluebirds! Really living up to the blueborb image today; they are so good at floofing. Very impressive; 11/10.
I think the birds have the right idea -- I'm also planning to spend the day eating plenty of delicious food.
Happy Labor Day!
Sep. 4th, 2023 07:10 amPlans for the day:
*Go to the grocery store. Kinda hoping the holiday will mean less traffic? (I know that is historically unlikely, but a lot of the local traffic is school commuting, so maybe?)
*COFFEE. I didn't make coffee before the family meet-up yesterday, and then by the time we got back it was nearly 2, and in the interests of being able to sleep last night, I decided to skip it. Which means I am EXTRA looking forward to it today!
*Yoga!
*Cleaning and refilling the hummingbird feeder. If I am feeling INCREDIBLY motivated (something which currently feels INCREDIBLY unlikely), I'd like to sweep the balcony also, but who knows??? The birds don't care what it looks like.
*You know, lying on the floor and staring at the ceiling sounds super appealing. I think I could fit some of that into the day, for sure.
*Go to the grocery store. Kinda hoping the holiday will mean less traffic? (I know that is historically unlikely, but a lot of the local traffic is school commuting, so maybe?)
*COFFEE. I didn't make coffee before the family meet-up yesterday, and then by the time we got back it was nearly 2, and in the interests of being able to sleep last night, I decided to skip it. Which means I am EXTRA looking forward to it today!
*Yoga!
*Cleaning and refilling the hummingbird feeder. If I am feeling INCREDIBLY motivated (something which currently feels INCREDIBLY unlikely), I'd like to sweep the balcony also, but who knows??? The birds don't care what it looks like.
*You know, lying on the floor and staring at the ceiling sounds super appealing. I think I could fit some of that into the day, for sure.
a very majestic duck
May. 11th, 2023 06:35 amOut and about around town, and what should I see but this very majestic duck!
mission accomplished
Apr. 16th, 2023 07:28 amBeen up for a few hours and I've already seen a heron, a goose, a turkey vulture, a crow carrying some nest materials, and a multitude of songbirds. I really feel like I can just call this day a success right now and go back to bed. I've done enough! Another good day in the books!
make one thing better
Mar. 23rd, 2023 07:35 amNot gonna lie, today has not been optimal so far. My fitbit stopped working, and the cat is angry at me because I put her flea treatment on, and my cramps are bad, and it's cloudy, and I only had enough birdseed for half the feeder and was too grumpy to open a new bag, so now I feel grumpy *and* guilty.
ANYWAY.
So I figure this day is pretty much a zero in terms of expectations, and the usual plan can just be tossed. No thank you! I'm taking this loop off. Which means I can do whatever, and any small improvement will have a big impact on the day. (I guess? I'm pretty sure that's how it should work.)
(PS: Also the cat just came back upstairs and let me pat her, so I am crying happy tears now. Yay!)
ANYWAY.
So I figure this day is pretty much a zero in terms of expectations, and the usual plan can just be tossed. No thank you! I'm taking this loop off. Which means I can do whatever, and any small improvement will have a big impact on the day. (I guess? I'm pretty sure that's how it should work.)
(PS: Also the cat just came back upstairs and let me pat her, so I am crying happy tears now. Yay!)
things I'm happy about right now
Jul. 17th, 2022 07:12 am*I can hear a robin chirping in the trees outside
*The cat slept on top of me for part of the night, which was approximately 10,000x more comforting than I'd expected
*Might take the day off from everything
*Might not
*It is currently not too hot outside (or inside)
*The cat slept on top of me for part of the night, which was approximately 10,000x more comforting than I'd expected
*Might take the day off from everything
*Might not
*It is currently not too hot outside (or inside)
Me: 'hm, what's next on the list?'
[next on the list is the June plank challenge, which sounded like a great idea when it was still May, and like less of a great idea when I'm suddenly supposed to do plank jump-ins -- only ten, but still -- it's the principle of the thing]
Me: 'you know what, I think I *will* go out and fill the bird feeder in the rain after all; that's definitely more important'
[and I did, so my planks remain un-jumped-in, but the birds are happy, so that's something]
[next on the list is the June plank challenge, which sounded like a great idea when it was still May, and like less of a great idea when I'm suddenly supposed to do plank jump-ins -- only ten, but still -- it's the principle of the thing]
Me: 'you know what, I think I *will* go out and fill the bird feeder in the rain after all; that's definitely more important'
[and I did, so my planks remain un-jumped-in, but the birds are happy, so that's something]
herons don't mind the rain
Apr. 19th, 2022 06:04 amSometimes a day begins with a series of minor crises, and I have to remind myself that this, too, is living.
*It's colder than I'd like, and I've blocked the heater with my furniture moving, but that's what space heaters are for.
*Water is dripping in the back sliding door, but the rain will be stopping later today, and that's what towels are for.
*The wind blew the bird feeder right off the hook, but it's probably right in front of the patio, and even if it's broken, that's what savings are for.
The sun's up now, and the heron is in the river, unbothered by rain and wind and emotional breakdowns. Thanks, heron!
*It's colder than I'd like, and I've blocked the heater with my furniture moving, but that's what space heaters are for.
*Water is dripping in the back sliding door, but the rain will be stopping later today, and that's what towels are for.
*The wind blew the bird feeder right off the hook, but it's probably right in front of the patio, and even if it's broken, that's what savings are for.
The sun's up now, and the heron is in the river, unbothered by rain and wind and emotional breakdowns. Thanks, heron!
untitled goose (in the backyard)
Mar. 26th, 2022 06:59 amMe: ahhh, listen to that calming and uplifting birdsong, what a wonderful experience! here I am in nature, enjoying the spring and pretending it's not cold, because at least that means there are no bugs right now.
Songbirds (eager for me to go inside so they can eat the food): chirp chirp chirp
Heron: [totally silent, in full 'no comment, no autographs' mode, pretending not to be there at all]
Goose (easily three times as loud as everything else): HEY. HEY. HEY. HEEEEEEY. HEY. GOOSE HERE. HEY. HEY.
Me (sighing and laughing at the same time): yes, good morning to you too, goose.
Songbirds (eager for me to go inside so they can eat the food): chirp chirp chirp
Heron: [totally silent, in full 'no comment, no autographs' mode, pretending not to be there at all]
Goose (easily three times as loud as everything else): HEY. HEY. HEY. HEEEEEEY. HEY. GOOSE HERE. HEY. HEY.
Me (sighing and laughing at the same time): yes, good morning to you too, goose.
gone to the birds
Feb. 21st, 2022 06:06 am*Aw yeah, it's Monday!
*I just got up to look out the window at the bird feeder, because it was making noise like a squirrel was trying to get at it. But no, it was just five or six little birds flitting around, and it's swinging more than usual because it's almost empty. Time to fill it up again!
*Gonna try to finish my taxes today. ::thinks calming thoughts::
*Pajama day? Could be a pajama day.
*If meal services really wanted to appeal to me as a customer, the marketing campaigns would be much less 'endless variety!' and much more 'basically the same five meals in mildly different presentations.'
*I just got up to look out the window at the bird feeder, because it was making noise like a squirrel was trying to get at it. But no, it was just five or six little birds flitting around, and it's swinging more than usual because it's almost empty. Time to fill it up again!
*Gonna try to finish my taxes today. ::thinks calming thoughts::
*Pajama day? Could be a pajama day.
*If meal services really wanted to appeal to me as a customer, the marketing campaigns would be much less 'endless variety!' and much more 'basically the same five meals in mildly different presentations.'
We have successfully stormed the barricades of our own home! Okay, that's an exaggeration. After strategy #1 (maybe the ice will melt on its own before the birds empty the feeder) failed, strategy #2 was developed: use the ladder to climb up to the balcony and over the railing. (It's not that high up -- too high to jump for it and scramble over, but not like 'I'm questioning my life choices' high.)
The bad news was that the ice was, if anything, even more impressive from the outside. Definitely did not get the door open still. The good news was that it was super fun! Also that we were able to refill the bird feeder, so now the birds can have their snacks again!
(I think it would be nice to have access to the ground from the balcony, and have considered whether we could get away with a permanent ladder. What if it was one of those fire escape ladders? Inquiring minds want to know!)
The bad news was that the ice was, if anything, even more impressive from the outside. Definitely did not get the door open still. The good news was that it was super fun! Also that we were able to refill the bird feeder, so now the birds can have their snacks again!
(I think it would be nice to have access to the ground from the balcony, and have considered whether we could get away with a permanent ladder. What if it was one of those fire escape ladders? Inquiring minds want to know!)
caturday ramblings
Feb. 5th, 2022 07:08 amBad news of the day: I had A Great Plan -- I was going to go shovel the snow off the balcony, and fill up the bird feeder. Exercise and fresh air, plus making the birds happy! What a win! Sadly, I was foiled by the sliding screen and unable to even get to the balcony. (There's too much ice in the track for it to be able to slide back.) This was, not gonna lie, extremely upsetting, but possibly partly because I just need to eat some breakfast, which I am doing now!
NOTE TO SELF: Next time there's going to be an ice storm, just leave the screen open! It's not doing anything anyway!
ANYWAY, there has also been Good News this morning!
Good news of the day: When I picked out my lil' desk humidifier, my number one requirement was that it be easy to clean. And it is! And each time I cleaned it, I thought to myself, 'it would be EVEN EASIER to clean if these two plastic pieces in the top came apart, but ALAS they do not.' Haha joke's on me, because THEY DO! On purpose, even! I'm pretty sure it's one of those things I was supposed to intuit from the design, but I did not, which at least led to this pleasant surprise.
In conclusion: the balcony is still snow-covered, but the humidifier is extra clean!
NOTE TO SELF: Next time there's going to be an ice storm, just leave the screen open! It's not doing anything anyway!
ANYWAY, there has also been Good News this morning!
Good news of the day: When I picked out my lil' desk humidifier, my number one requirement was that it be easy to clean. And it is! And each time I cleaned it, I thought to myself, 'it would be EVEN EASIER to clean if these two plastic pieces in the top came apart, but ALAS they do not.' Haha joke's on me, because THEY DO! On purpose, even! I'm pretty sure it's one of those things I was supposed to intuit from the design, but I did not, which at least led to this pleasant surprise.
In conclusion: the balcony is still snow-covered, but the humidifier is extra clean!
