Nature Notes ~ Spring 2018

New Beginnings & Babies!

Our first rain shower of the season came a few days ago and during my walk, I could smell the soil. That moist, nurturing smell when the Earth is damp fills my heart with so much happiness. Spring is here! The robins, blackbirds, and great blue herons are back, and bird song brightens each day. The chickadees have one of my favorite tunes, a lively whistle-like song that sounds so cheerful!

Spring also marks the beginning of baby season! What is it about baby animals that's so darn cute? They're new, round and fluffy. Present and unassuming. Innocent and playful. Inquisitive. Unchiseled by time and open to experiencing life to the fullest. What's not to love about babies!

I remember one spring at my parents' house in Parker, we were lucky enough to see a doe give birth to not one, not two, but three fawns! Mom, Ed and I spoke in whispers while we peeked from the deck so as not to disturb the doe. We will never forget this beautiful experience. It was amazing!

In the spirit of new beginnings, I resolve to be more child-like this spring. I'm going to take it all in as if for the first time. I let nature fill me with beauty, wonder and joy! 

​May you enjoy fresh, new beginnings this spring!

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Home for Wolf

Image Spotlight

Can you spot the two wolf pups?

In this painting, I highlight the social hierarchy of the pack by placing wolves within and around the shadows of aspen leaves. If you click on the image above, you can view and enlarge the full painting on my portfolio page for the West. There are nine "hidden" wolves in all, including the two pups. The painting also brings awareness to the ever important predator/prey relationships in nature. Every species is connected to the circle of life. We're really all connected. How beautiful! 

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Conservation Corner

Ever had a bird family build a nest on your porch? Maybe on a light fixture or under a roof eve? I sure have! ​One year, a pair of house finches settled in to raise their young on top of my porch light which provided a nice, warm place for the chicks, especially during cooler nights. Once the nest was built and the eggs were hatched, I enjoyed watching the darling feathered family. 

​But every time I went out on the deck, I disturbed the birds. I also worried about the chicks falling out of the nest and getting hurt so I placed a pillow on the deck below them just in case. No kidding!

Now I try to discourage nest building on the deck before it starts. If this has ever happened to you, here's a nifty little trick you can try! 

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​Cut strips of newspaper about 1-2" wide and 12-16" long, depending on the size of your focus area. Then adhere the newspaper to the wall or ceiling with duct tape to obstruct the potential nest area. Voila! 

​The next step is to place a pretty bird house close-by so you can enjoy your sweet feathered family and watch them grow!

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What's the first sign of spring to you?

​Cardinals singing in the treetops? The sound of spring peepers? Desert flowers blooming?
​Please leave a comment below! I'd love to hear from you!