Winter Water Sports

"Won't you let me take you on a sea cruise?"

Or, how about a refreshing dip in York Harbor?

Perhaps a walk along the sun-drenched sands?

Just a secluded little bay, where the ocean caresses the shore?

Where the Atlantic lies strewn in architectural slabs,
grinding against the sand,
with the rising tide.

Maybe a little sight-seeing in a secluded Ipswich cove?

"Frozen in Time."

Our gardens and seashores, held firmly within winter's grasp, wait patiently for the sweet release of spring... as do the gardeners and stewards of these glorious areas of natural beauty. May we make wise use of our dormant season, laying the foundations for another successful season.

Photos: ©2004-2008 CBI

©2008 Deb Lambert

"Water, Please!"

Our backyard birds are largely silent during the winter, saving their voices for the courtship of spring. However, could they manage "human-speak," I feel quite certain they'd be looking to you for that most basic element... saying, "Water, please!" As the creator, manager and wait-staff of your backyard bird café, it's up to you to anticipate the needs of your patrons.

True, you agonize over the menu, providing hardy, high-fat foods to insulate those birds against the rigors of winter. Black oil sunflower seed, premium blends, extra peanuts, baskets of suet, even dried ears of corn to keep the squirrels busy are all presented in a variety of feeders, tailored to meet the specific needs of your clientele.

Would you sit down to a large, satisfying meal, without a beverage at hand? Pretty thirsty work, getting through that club sandwich, without at least a glass of water to wash it down. Have you been in a restaurant, trying to flag down your server, just for a water refill? Well, maybe that's how the birds feel as they watch you filling feeders, and not a drop of water in sight! Yes, they depend on rain, snow (they have to eat quite a bit to satisfy thirst) and bodies of water for moisture. But when the ponds are frozen, we experience open and snow-less periods and existing snow cover shrinks away to nothing, it's incumbent upon us to assist our invited backyard guests.

Heated birdbaths and birdbath heaters are the most logical answer to the dilemma of providing water during the winter months. Thermostatically-controlled, these devices are programmed to shut off, when the water attains the proper temperature... ensuring the birds an open source of drinking water. As at any time of year, keeping these vessels cleaned and filled is a daily task. The above photo highlights a widely-available heating unit. The bonus with these? You don't have to empty and wrap or store your birdbath - leave it in place all year, since the heater prevents potential winter damage.

Non-electric alternative? A black, broad, shallow, rubberized feed pan (farm supply stores), set up on several cinder blocks in a sunny spot still serves the purpose in one of my gardens. The black pan attracts and holds solar heat. Remaining flexible on the coldest days, it's easy enough to thump out the block of ice and refill with fresh water. I used to try for more consistency in the time of day I changed the water, than of late. I've found those little backyard spies are watching my every move and no sooner have I left the garden, there's a flurry of activity around the water. I also have a heavy-duty resin birdbath that I change daily. It, too, is in the sun and remains open for quite some time. I have used a heated birdbath, with embedded cable, but found it too shallow to hold enough water for a day's worth of imbibing by my greedy little birds.

So, the birds will make use of any source of open water, for as long as it stays open. In the long run, the easiest, most consistent way for you to offer your patrons water is by employing a birdbath heater. I've gotta run out now, with 2 gallons of fresh water, before the backyard birds rise up in protest about the poor service at their favorite café. In fact, I hear a very faint "Water, please!" coming from the backyard. Go water your birds!

Lastly, a "Shout-Out" to Shady Gardener, who recently invested in a birdbath heater, which purchase reminded me to write this post.


©2008 Deb Lambert

"Backyard Squirrels Everywhere - Unite!"... An Editorial by Simon P. Squirrel

"Backyard Squirrels Everywhere - Unite!"
By Simon P. Squirrel
Editorial Page of the Sunflower Times, Northeast Edition

Fellow members of the Gray Squirrel Union "Sciurus carolinensis" - Local 589... it is time to unite against the shabby treatment of gray squirrels everywhere! I, for one, am mad as heck and I'm not going to take it any longer. These humans must be stopped, before irreparable harm is done to our dignity and, dare I say, to life as we know it.

Whereof do I speak? I refer, of course, to the ever-increasing array of clever devices and twisted bird feeder designs, meant to keep us from enjoying the bounty that humans spread before all winged creatures, great and small. It's all about the birds. You know what I mean. Those humans will go to any means to get close to the birds, evidently finding birds so fascinating that they'll go for "bird walks" in frigid weather, just to spot a white-breasted, pigeon-toed dune runner. Binoculars and field guides line the windowsill, in readiness for identification of some rare backyard bird.

And what have birds got, that we haven't? Basically, they're all bones and feathers, with a little color and a few markings. OK, I can see that cardinals might elicit rapt attention, but crows? Really! And what about warm and fuzzy? These humans display affection for all sorts of 4-legged critters, including that scourge of squirrels everywhere... dogs. I'm led to understand that some members of the Rodentia family have even found favor and are actually kept as pets. Hamsters, chinchillas, gerbils, rabbits, mice and rats (ugh!) enjoy the warmth and protection of hearth and home, while we are left to fend for ourselves.

It seems patently unfair that we, with all we have to offer, are spurned - nay, abhorred by the majority of humans. They regale the old friends and neighbors with accounts of our persistence, with a grudging nod to our innate cleverness. Flipped off by motorized perches, weighted seed port openings slamming shut in our faces, baffles atop the feeders, baffles below the feeders, greased poles and short lengths of PVC pipe (they spin in different directions, unceremoniously dumping us off) encasing the wire that supports a feeder. Every year, we see new, more devious attempts by humans to keep us from their precious bird food.

It's obvious to me, that we are not held in high esteem... anywhere from a pesky nuisance, to be endured, to public enemy, number one. Gales of laughter greet our valiant attempts at breaching backyard feeder security, which quickly turn to groans when we succeed. Oh sure, a few kind souls provide "special treats" for squirrels - usually that jaw-breaking corn-on-a-cob. The worst? When they hang that dried corn on a 4-armed whirly-gig. And oh, how they laugh as we try to salvage a meal, along with our dignity. Face it. They're turning us into a bunch of clowning acrobats.

In my next column, I'll issue a call to arms for self-respecting gray squirrels, everywhere. We'll delve into the specifics of successful raids, how to spot the most lucrative backyards and the

best ways to evade those murderous backyard hounds. Meanwhile, do what you must to survive... do as I say, as well as what I do. The above photo shows what I think of wire-sided peanut dispensers. Without a beak, it's pretty hard to extract the tasty treats - but I manage, by bending the wires with my incisors. Until next time... Simon P. Squirrel (and yes, the "P" stands for "Persistent")

Photos: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

©2008 Deb Lambert

Give Me a Break!

"Give Me a Break!"

Just a few minutes, not very long
A pause, if you will, in winter's song
As I uncurl my fingers from 'round this broom
And head indoors, to rest in my room

"Like a postcard" they say, as the sky they view
I'll admit it's an incredible, wondrous hue
This winter is robust, though not a month old
I've shoveled a mountain... no medal of gold?

I stand by the roadside, knee-deep in the banks
Words spring to mind, but none of them is "thanks"
The relentless plow keeps walling me in
And wet, sticky snow soaks to the skin

At least I hope to hear no neighbor declare,
"Come shovel me out, when you get through there"
Please just say Hi and let go of the "humor"
My penchant for laughter is only a rumor

My boots fill with snow, as I unburden a tree
Some falls to the ground, but mostly on me
One must take care, use a delicate touch
For twigs may snap, if we remove too much

The birds are fed, the steps are clear
My car clean and ready to slip into gear
Yes, I took that shovel and I let it rip
Opened up the yard, for the dog's next trip

And so, in I come, plop next to said dog
Post pretty pink roses at the top of my blog
Lost in last summer, as a breather I take
What about winter? Give me a break!

©2008 Deb Lambert

Squirrels: If You Can't Beat 'Em...

You might as well enjoy them! They're evidently not going anywhere else, anytime soon. I mean, really, why would they? Three separate feeding stations, offering black oil sunflower and premium birdseed blends and a huge suet feeder, stocked with raw suet. It's a veritable banquet out there! Draping themselves around "squirrel-proof" feeders, hanging by their back toes to foil the "squirrel-foiling" baffles and discouraging the visits of of my "preferred customers" - it's almost more than a backyard naturalist can bear.

And so, this Sunday morning, finds me headed out, armed with tools and the squirrel feeder pictured above, to mount said feeder on the side of my garden shed. I'll skewer dried corncobs to the arms, position myself in a convenient window and wait for the show to begin. I had one of these contraptions, years ago and throughly enjoyed (as did my indoor cats) the antics, as the squirrels went 'round and 'round in pursuit of the corn. At least it keeps them busy for a portion of each day, allowing birds to reclaim the bird feeders. Bluejays are also attracted to the corn, which just adds to the "show." We'll see how it goes on this go-'round. I'll keep you apprised of any success in this endeavor.

Photo: Courtesy 'Doctors Foster & Smith' Pet Supplies - click on this for many more options, as you make peace with those clever, gray bandits.

©2008 Deb Lambert

Seed Catalog Reverie

Photos: National Garden Bureau

Ah... the annual migration of seed catalogs
Winging their way to my door
Coming to nest in my rural mailbox, until evening
Cold and slightly curled, within the postman's rubber bands,
These lovely portents of an embryonic growing season
Warm, unbend and release their precious promises
Here, on my kitchen counter

My supper cools to an uncomfortable level
As I contemplate this visual feast, spread before me
Each seed catalog more tempting than the last
Every variety a must-have
A lush depiction of my backyard Eden's potential
Certainly, no garden could be considered complete without
This tantalizing array of all things edible and ornamental

But, cooler heads should prevail...
I ought to immediately don my garden writer's hat,
Lose the hatless, creative attitude
And make sound, logical plant choices
Based on a lifetime of research, gardening
And the actual size of this suburban paradise
Memo to self - my "back-forty" is measured in feet, not acres

When one considers limiting factors, such as available sunlight,
One must be honest in assessment of this requirement
Realizing that three hours of late afternoon sun
Will not satisfy the needs of a specimen needing full sun
One would certainly think that a "professional" would not fall prey
To a cultural "pushing of the envelope"... a rationalization
Well, one would be wrong - I, too, succumb to the glossy promise!

After all, are we not mortal stewards of the garden?
Do we not wish for bumper crops of tomatoes
And the subsequent bragging rights, as we share our bounty?
Pineapple-flavored, smoky overtones, balanced acidity, sugary-sweet,
Small as a currant, big as your head,
Pear, heart, plum, egg, strawberry or cherry-shaped,
Ivory, yellow, green, streaked, purple, orange and, of course, red

Who knew?
It's just a tomato!
And you thought you were just growing tomatoes?
A tomato is a tomato is a tomato
Who knew these decisions could get so complicated?
And, called by any other name, would it be as sweet?
Methinks 'twould!

Not to wax philosophical,
But apply all these tomato truisms and variables to the whole garden
Mix in logic, honesty, frugality and a large pinch of common-sense
Trust your instincts
Try not to be lured into over-consumerism
And, for goodness sake, leave some seeds for the rest of us!

I bid you adieu
And with nose firmly pressed into catalog interiors,
I'll envision a growing season filled with delights for eye and palate
A culmination of my season-long efforts
As I lounge beneath an arbor and "peel me a grape"
Wake me when the seeds arrive
Rouse me when it's time to plant

But for now, tiptoe away
Tend to your own fantasy-gardens
And I'll tend to mine
Leave me to drift
Suspended on the wings of eternal hope
Leave me cocooned in the depths
Of my seed catalog reverie!

Deb Lambert ©2008

Anti-desiccant Time!

No, this is not a Wilt-Pruf® ad, but since a picture is worth a thousand words, it serves as a reminder that this January thaw is the right time to apply, or perhaps reapply, an anti-desiccant, or anti-transpirant. Plants can experience debilitating moisture loss during extremes of heat, cold, high winds and in the transplanting process.

It makes sense that the plants most affected by the cold and harsh winds of winter, are broadleaf evergreens... rhododendron, azalea, andromeda, holly, etc. As the ground freezes, our plants are unable to draw up essential moisture, so the leaves begin to sacrifice stored moisture from their upper and lower stomata, under the winds of winter. Yes, the early and prolonged snow cover this season, does help, but the wise gardener applied an anti-dessicant to broadleaf evergreens and new plantings, last fall. Young trees with thin bark, rose canes and hydrangea stems will also benefit from this preventative measure.

When temperatures are around 40-50º, with no rain in the immediate forecast (foliage needs to dry thoroughly, before any precipitation), we have the ideal application time. Normally, an anti-desiccant is applied in late fall and again during the January thaw. Although Wilt-Pruf® lasts for 3-4 months, the second application is "insurance" well worth the effort, should we experience a harsh, prolonged winter. I particularly like this product, since it is all organic (derived from pine oil) and biodegradable. Read the advice pertaining to juniper, arborvitae, cedar and cypress (they are slow to harden-off and can be damaged by premature application/ I skip these altogether)... and don't spray blue spruce or other "blue" evergreens, whose color is a surface coating - your plants will be green for a while.

So, if you didn't protect those tender landscape specimens last fall, consider this your January reminder. If you did, why not apply a little more insurance?

©2008 Deb Lambert
Photo: Courtesy the Wilt-Pruf® website. For more product information, cultural tips and recommendations, click on Wilt-Pruf Protection

Eastern, or Rufous-Sided, Towhee

The male Rufous-Sided Towhee

The female Rufous-Sided Towhee

Photo: Johnny N. Dell, Retired, Bugwood.org

In the midst of a lull during a recent snowstorm, I wandered out to the 'back forty' to top off the feeders and scatter seed for the ground feeders. Imagine my surprise, when I found myself face to face with a Rufous-Sided Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus), perched in the kerria. On the ground, nearby, his mate was picking through the seeds. I stood, frozen to the spot, until they both flew up to the linden branch. This was one of those special moments. It's been years since I spotted this bird and that was during a summer hike through Lynn Woods.

I went on to finish 'setting the table' for my backyard birds, then hurried in with my snow-covered dog. During the next hour, I spotted that unusual couple several times, from the kitchen window. Later, browsing through my wild bird books, my suspicion was confirmed. This Eastern Towhee may breed in our area, as far north as southern Maine, but it winters to the south and west of New Jersey. I'll treasure this accidental Towhee siting and hope that hardy pair finds their way back, come nesting time this spring.

©2008 Deb Lambert