in other words
july3
2014
Living on a Lake in the Country: Birds
By Gayle Rich-Boxman
One of the best benefits of living
on a lake in the country is the chance to
view many different bird species. Spring
is a great time to get your camera out,
jump in your canoe or kayak or even
sit outside near your bird feeder and
watch the wildlife enjoy the warmer
temperatures and whatever goodies you
can provide for them.
The early morning birdcalls are
so inviting when you leave your window
open and get greeted by their musings
at sunrise. I recall taking a brisk walk
one morning around Fishhawk Lake and
counted nine different birdcalls in less
than a mile!
After learning what types of bird
food and suet to buy or make, I’ve gotten
some beautiful visitors. You will find
that certain birds can be food hogs, like
stellar jays, starlings and crows. You
may have to ward them off with a wave
so that some of the local smaller birds
like Dark-eyed Juncos and Chickadees
get the chance to partake as well.
Hummingbirds are plentiful and
once they know that you will provide a
sugary/water mix in red feeders (they
are attracted to the color), they will find
you and you can enjoy evening visits
from them—but they can get aggressive
with one another as they zing past
your head! We see the Rufus variety of
hummingbirds up here. And if they are
used to you, they will not be offended
if you are nearby having dinner on your
deck. But, be prepared to fill up your
containers OFTEN once the word gets
out!
On the lake and in the trees we
see Bald Eagles, blue and
green Herons, Fishhawks
(otherwise known as
Ospreys) and I even saw
a huge white owl in the
high tree limbs across from
my lake home earlier this
spring. This year about 20
Canada Geese have been
staying put on Fishhawk
Lake and recently, I saw
new additions to the clan…
something I’ve not seen
before—seven large babies.
The Mallard Ducks
are breeding and many ducklings are
birdseed and dried fruit. I use cranberries
or dried apricot, but it needs to be small.
Stir until completely blended.
3. Put in a low rectangular container and
spread it out like bar cookies and then
refrigerate. Use a container that
you can cut with a knife and not
scratch it. Once solidified, you’re
good to go! (I use recycled
plastic containers that roasted
chicken comes in).
Enjoy our feathered friends,
keep them warm and satiated
and you will have hours of
entertainment right out your back
door!
Gayle Rich-Boxman
REALTOR® Vernonia Realty
2014 SUMMER READING PROGRAM!
The July WOEC Board
Meeting date has been
changed to Tuesday,
Tues. July 8th 10:30 a.m.
Learn and read about carnivorous plants.
Wed. July 9th 3:00 p.m.
Snack and educational dvd about carnivorous plants.
Tues. July 15th 10:30 a.m.
Award winning storyteller Christopher Leebrick will
share his multicultural repertoire including world folk
tales, original stories, narrative poetry, whoppers and
jump tales.
Wed. July 16th 3:00 p.m.
Snack and science dvd.
Tues. July 22nd 10:30 a.m.
Mad Science! Learn about and build a volcano.
Wed. July 23rd 3:00 p.m.
Snack and dvd about volcanos.
July 22nd at 7:00 PM
West Oregon
Electric Co-op
652 Rose Avenue
Vernonia, OR 97064
503-429-3021
Find us on Facebook
Vernonia’s
Voice
BLUE HERON HOLLOW
prevalent around the lake.
You can even engage
them near the shoreline or
at your dock with food. I
have used torn up bread
and old tortilla chips—
they loved both!
A suet recipe that
is good for many bird
species and an excellent
source of energy and fat
for them is this:
1. Mix 2 cups peanut
butter with 1 cup lard and
melt in a saucepan over
low heat.
2. Mix in 5 cups of cornmeal and you
can substitute some uncooked oatmeal.
Add small nuts, like sunflower seeds or
7
* There will be programming for youth K-6th and for youth age 1-PreK**.
All programs are free. 701 Weed Avenue, Vernonia (503) 429-1818
** Parent/guardian/adult caregiver is required to stay with child during program.
600 California Avenue
Vernonia, OR 97064
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