Blog Profile / Appalachian Journal
| URL : | http://joansnaturejournal.blogspot.com/ | |
|---|---|---|
| Filed Under: | Hobbies / Nature | |
| Posts on Regator: | 174 | |
| Posts / Week: | 0.6 | |
| Archived Since: | March 5, 2008 | |
Blog Post Archive
Early Spring?
Cardinal and Purple Finches I know most of the country is experiencing some crazy winter weather. Snow in Dallas!! And, my relatives near St. Louis were snowed in a couple of days ago with Interstate 70 closed across Missouri. Unthinkable.The winter has been fairly mild in our hollow. Show More Summary
The Birds, Bees and Honey
Tufted Titmouse and Junco January 11, 2011
Snow has covered the ground for the past three weeks. But we have been lucky that the severe storms have missed us, going east, south and west. I guess that makes up for the past winter when our area was targeted with heavy snows.
The birds have flocked to the feeders so we have already bought 100 lbs. Show More Summary
Tweeters Needed!
I'm writing a short script about use of Twitter for nature discovery, interaction with other birders, etc. Right now, I'm writing a story based on true events---actual tweets. But, I needed some input from fellow tweeters. What are your...Show More Summary
Costa Rica Trip: Beach and Volcano
We spent Christmas week in Costa Rica. We had made a similar trip in 1994, renting a 4WD and driving from the capital, San Jose, to the beach and then to Arenal Volcano. I was struck by how much has changed since then. On the plus side, the roads were much better with a toll highway to the beach that cut the driving time by at least an hour. Show More Summary
Snow and Cold
Last Saturday, the first snow covered the hollow on the same day as last year--December 5. But, it was not quite as much so I hope we will not have to endure the same record snowfalls.
Unlike last year, the weather turned very cold after the snow so the birds flocked to the feeders. Show More Summary
I'm thankful....
Thanksgiving traditionally has been a time for football and eating the traditional meal. I wanted to think a little about what I'm thankful for this year.
I'm thankful I live where the cows and horses outnumber the people...
...and thankful...Show More Summary
Witch-Hazel and Honey Bees
I awoke to the sounds of gunshots because today is the first day of deer firearms season which lasts for two weeks (except Sunday--hurray for the religious). I am afraid to go out in the woods to take photos even with wearing a blaze orange vest and hat. Show More Summary
Fall Color Fading Fast
Red Maple with Yellow Poplars Oct. 28, 1020
The weather has turned chilly enough that we fired up our woodstove. Most of the leaves have fallen from the trees although a few red maples still retain their color.
Red Maple with Christmas...Show More Summary
Fall Progression and Last of the Butterflies
Sassafras leaves September 16, 2010
Leaves of the dogwood, sassafras and sourwood trees turn red and orange in mid-September. These are followed in early October by the poplars
Yellow Poplar (left) and Hickory (middle). October 11, 2010
The poplar and hickory trees are brilliant yellow for a day or two in early October. Show More Summary
New Banner and Hokie High
I made a new banner for the top of my blog--it's a photo taken at the top of the road we live on down the valley to Walker Mountain. The photo reflects the countryside, pasture land surrounded by forests and mountains.
This was another banner I considered--a view of New River.
Hokie High!
Most people know I am a big Virginia Tech football fan. Show More Summary
Migrating Birds: Black Throated Green Warbler
For a couple weeks, we have had large flocks of black birds migrating through. The other day a flock of grackles were in the yard, sounding like a flock of chickens. It's bird migration time. The following photos were taken on September 26.
This Black-Throated Green Warbler was on our mimosa tree. Show More Summary
Black Swallowtail Butterflies
Butterflies have been flying everywhere this summer. In the last two weeks, I have seen them on the butterfly bush--counting a dozen or more every day.
Here a fritillary and Pipevine Swallowtail are on the butterfly bush. The pipevine...Show More Summary
Screech Owl of Late Summer
I finally figured out to edit the video from my camera. I taped the sounds of a screech owl the other night and wanted to share with you. The Hope you can hear it over the cicadas.
Foggy Bottoms and Sunny Pastures: Buckeyes and Mist Flowers
This morning I walked down our 1/3 mile driveway to get the newspaper. I was in such a funk I didn't even notice that it was foggy until I got down to the bottom.
After the fog burned off, I decided I should take our UTV up on the back part of our land to plant peach and plum pits. Show More Summary
California Trip: Coast
The last half of our California trip was spent along the coast where we made a visit to The Monterey Bay Aquarium. It's my favorite aquarium since we first visited it in the 90s.
I was mesmerized by the jellyfish...
... and the babyShow More Summary
California Trip: Yosemite Meadows and Waterfalls
We spent the last week in July in California, first to camp in Yosemite National Park and then touring along the California coast below San Francisco.
We bought a new tent (Big Agnes) last year and wanted to try it out. It has two doors so I do not have to climb over Steve to get up for my nightly bathroom break. Show More Summary
Bald Knob Hike at Mountain Lake
On Thursday, I led a hike to Bald Knob for the Elderhostel being held that week at Mountain Lake Hotel.
On the way up to the look out, I pointed out a dark-eyed junco nest which was just on the side of the road (but flagged by researchers). Show More Summary
Chiluly and Pitcher Plant
While visiting relatives recently in St. Louis, we toured the Missouri Botanical Garden. I hadn't been there since the early 90s and was pleased to see many improvements. The major one for me is the addition of sculptures by Dale Chihuly, a glass sculptor. Show More Summary
Downies Feeding and Cheap Solar
Downy Woodpeckers
I've been seeing lots of birds feeding their young at the birdfeeder--cardinals, downies, and red-bellied woodpeckers. This photo is of a downy father who had cracked the sunflower seed in the hole of the tree and then fed the baby. Show More Summary
Butterfly Weed
Great Spangled and Spicebush Swallowtail Butterflies