Bird Watching: Daily Bird Pictures Vol. 461, 1 by Chillybean

Chillybean wrote:
Thank you for your kind words. To be honest I have not seen other birds at the Maximilians, but most are away from the house, so I have no idea who the other eaters may be. I know I had fewer birds at the feeders last winter, but knew they were around. My husband planted another prairie patch for me, but across from the driveway where I can see it through the window. It's that first year, so needs to be kept mowed... drives me nuts, but it will be worth it.

I planted several Queen of the Prairie this spring. Most are doing ok, but like a lot of water. A someone mowed down one of my patches with Queen of the Prairie, Joe Pye Weed and Sweet Indian Plantain. I put it there to get the field run off. I've been using rain water every day and there is already new growth. I have others that look pretty good.

I don't know if this is true or it's just me trying to be logical. With regard to soil pH, if a plant historically grew in your area, it should be fine regardless of soil type. Some things may change the soil, but I've had success with plants that are supposed to be acid. We are neutral to alkaline from the soil tests we had done in different spots. We've not added any acid, except to a child's raspberry bush.

That is so neat about the Pileated. This is the only Iowa woodpecker that has not come to our yard. We're too far from their favored habitat.

One of my favorite summer singers, a Dickcissel.