egads marvinemo! Good thing you have a heads up. My mom would just croak to see such a snake.
I'm taking apart a couple old outdated brass chandeliers that nobody on Craigslist wanted, and making a big bird feeder with glass roof. I'll hopefully have some spare parts to make another small feeder too. I like the one I made by taking the guts out of a front overhead hanging light.
Mid-Atlantic Bird Watching - Winter 2012-2013
There is no way on this God's earth I would live with a snake under my porch or anywhere for that matter. I am totally absolutely so afraid of them it is not funny. Just the thought of them as I am writing this makes me get goose bumps. I do not care if they are two inches long, I am gone until they are. You are so brave. That is why I like it here on the farm. I have never seen a snake here at all. At my other farm I saw one and killed it after my Jack Russell had it half dead. Then, I threw it over the fence in the yard and it landed on a bush. Next day it was gone and I was frantic that it was still alive and came back into the yard. Oh well, some of us just are old softies. ME!
My birds are still not eating..........what is wrong with my feeders? Or are the hawks here when I do not see them? I don't know but I am so frustrated trying to keep them fed and watered and then they do not come eat. You all sound like you have so many I could cry. Well, not really, but almost. Must go feed the indoor flock. Have a good evening. JB
JB--Could you move the feeders closer tot he house?
If the Hawks are around--they probably won't come around the house.
As far as snakes go--I have only ever seen one--on only one day.
I was in my back yard and saw a black "thing" on the grass. Thinking it was a branch
off of my Maple--I just walked over and was going to pick it up--and saw it was a Black Snake.
I freaked out for about 5 minutes--then grabbed my camera and followed it for about
an Hour. He/she was headed for the front Juniper shrubs--slithering along the back
of the long flower bed--taking its sweet time. Not too comfortable with me tracking it.
At one point--I leaned too close and it coiled up at me. THAT i did not like!!!!.....
However--it crawled into my old Juniper Bush--and I was now hunkering doen between the house and the bush
trying to see it--when, all of a sudden, I saw TWO heads! They had a date!!!! Those hussies....
I waited and waited--and then they slowly crawled out and headed for a hole under my
concrete front steps...still curled around each other.
Now I had visions of it getting into my house somehow--from the foundation. That scared me a bit.
I never saw them again. I understand snakes can come and go..
Kind of wish I had at least ONE snake back to take care of the critters...but it would frighten me a bit too.
Brace your self JB!!!! I will post pictures of my escapade........G.
Oh my God , Gita.........................shivers and shakes for this old broad. Oh. My! I would have that sucker in half with a shovel before I would take pictures.
I was thinking the feeders were too close to the house. They are just outside my kitchen window and my decks. The hawks sit on the fence of the dog yard, they are not afraid of anything. I just do not like them very much because I love my other birds and my bunnies and squirrels. My cats are not bird hunters either, so I am not sure what the problem it.
Today is not a day of rest again. The volunteers for the Horse Park got together up there today to remove the wood of 23 trees that went down on the grounds from Sandy. The other trees that were damaged need to have a professional take care of them, but these are already down and all they need is to be cut up and moved. They started this morning early when the sun was out. It is now cloudy and getting colder and I am here at the farm holding down the fort. Which means I have some chores to do, so off I go. Hugs to all. Have a great day watching those birds. Jb
JBerger Why do you want to kill the black snake? or snakes? Few years ago I would have sold my soul, to find couple of them and release them in my back yard. They were doing more construction around where I live and we had rat galore. The only organic way to kill rats are snakes , they kill them, eat them and when the supply run's out they leave what more do you want. No poison, no traps, no guilt. and it does not cost a penny....on the other side they like birds too but they still prefer rats and mice and rodents as a whole....I had to get poison and was not pleased at all , I do not like to pick up dead things specially not rats...
Totally agree with orchidfancy about the Freds and Ethels of our worlds....
The big thing is, a good old black snake is territorial, and will kill those horrible copperheads...so Fred and Ethel are just fine, in my book. Also, jeese Gita, just THINK if you had something humongous looming over YOU...I am sure that this was not fine in your own Fred and Ethel's book...LOL!
I have a huge maple tree that seasonally has a big long newly-shed snakeskin hanging from it. I really do NOT like snakes, but I like their prey even less. Guess that sums it up.
When I've run into either Fred or Ethel, we just eyeball each other and go in separate directions. My husband found one of them lying in wait underneath one of our squash plants last summer, and as the garden and squash plant is so near our shed (where I have found mice), I just had a talk with myself about being careful about reaching down without looking...and we are near some natural springs and streams and that is where copperheads live.
Last summer, my co-worker was doing some weeding in her suburban townhouse yard and a newly-hatched baby copperhead bit her (they are the most dangerous as they don't know how to control their venom) and it was a little while before she knew what had happened. Long story short, boy she wishes she had her very own Fred and Ethel!
orchidfancy-I'm with you - I cannot STAND rats an even less picking up dead varmints.
On a camping trip, I was told to watch out for the "pet" black snake. Well, I found him, and I must say those pictures reminded me me of how gigantic they can get. One friend of mine is a herpetologist. He PICKED UP this monster and played with him! I touched him, but that was all. Black snakes are huge, harmless to us, and kill rats.
Our snake likes to sun himself on the porch in the very early morning hours. We almost never see him. Our neighbor sees him when he leaves for work at some ungodly hour. I weed with some trepidation in that area, but otherwise the snake and I peacefully share the front porch.
LOVE THE PICTURES!!!
I know this isn't about birds, but I'm wondering if any of you have ever encountered a snake that looks like a giant night-crawler worm (10 inches long) ? I have seen three over the years. http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/eastern__worm_snake.htm
Still fascinates me that black snakes can climb trees!!!
Still scares me that black snakes do not climbdown from trees, but just drop down from above.
Can all snakes climb trees? but YES that would freak me out, seeing one drop down from above!!!!
My first encounter with a baby snake (black snake--i am sure--eben though it was brown)
was one summer, as I was sitting on my porch swing under one of my Maples, and I heard
a "thunk"...as if something fell down from the tree.
I looked at the ground and there was a brown "ball" with a bird half swallowed.
Stupid me! I wanted to save the bird and scared the little snake away. It was no more than, maybe,
14" long. It let go the bird and scooted off. Of course--the bird was already dead--
and I never saw the snake again.
Lesson learned? Let Nature be! Do not interfere....
Gita
Lesson learned? Let Nature be! Do not interfere...(Read more: http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1288659/#ixzz2Mbo4tItk)
and always have a roof/ awning/ umbrella over your head!?!
Only seen a worm snake once, the ranger spotted it on the trail during a birding walk. RIngneck snakes are darn cute little harmless things, that eat worms. I put on in a terrarium once when I was a kid, and it shed it's skin for me. I kept that perfect shed skin for a long time.
Please check your latest weather forecasts!
I just got an e-mail sent out by "patch" about a nasty storm coming later this week.
They said the one we are expecting this Tue. and Wed. is going to be "mild" in comparison.
Here is a c/p of this report: Enough, already!!!!
*********************************************
Dear Neighbors:
The following is a message from BGE regarding a significant winter storm in the forecast for later this week:
Baltimore Gas and Electric Company Prepares for Significant Winter Storm; Encourages Customers to Prepare Families and Homes In Advance
Customers reminded they may now report power outages from mobile phones and devices through company's new mobile website at bge.com or by calling 877.778.2222
BGE is initially requesting up to 500 out-of-state utility workers through the mutual assistance networks
BALTIMORE, March 4, 2013 – Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) today announced that it is closely monitoring an approaching weather front that will likely bring heavy, wet snow and wind gusts of up to 50 miles per hour across the majority of its central Maryland service area on Wednesday. Snow accumulations are forecasted to reach between six to 15 inches. Coupled with high wind gusts, heavy, wet snow can cover tree limbs, electric delivery equipment and power lines, and cause power outages. BGE is making an initial request for up to 500 out-of-state utility workers through the mutual assistance networks. Just as the company is preparing field crews and employees to respond to potential power outages resulting from the forecasted weather, the company reminds its customers to take the time now to make preparations.
It is important to note that customers may now report power outages from mobile phones and devices through the company's new mobile website at bge.com or by calling 877.778.2222. An enhanced power outage map is also available through the mobile and full websites, and provides the general location and status of current electric power outages in BGE's service area. Customers can view affected area(s), the number of customers affected by an outage, estimated time of restoration if available, and the status of the field crew assigned to repair the issue.
"While the forecast for Monday and Tuesday remains mild, we expect conditions to drastically change with the approaching winter storm that will likely impact BGE's service area on Wednesday and Thursday," said Jeannette M. Mills, vice president and chief customer officer for BGE. "Heavy, wet snow combined with high wind and wind gusts can weaken trees, bringing whole trees and tree limbs down onto power lines and other electric delivery equipment, and cause outages. The safety of our employees and customers is our top priority, and in periods of sustained high wind, it may be unsafe to operate bucket trucks. Customers should prepare for the possibility of extended power outages in the event that the snowfall causes treacherous road conditions, which may delay crew travel and restoration times. We appreciate our customers' efforts to prepare in advance for adverse weather and to assist BGE in identifying and reporting outages and downed wires through our recently introduced mobile website at bge.com or our automated phone system at 877.778.2222."
As a reminder, BGE customers who may be elderly, disabled or dependent on electricity for medical or life-sustaining equipment (Customers with Special Needs), should always have alternate arrangements in place should they experience an extended power outage.
BGE encourages its customers and employees to proactively prepare for severe weather and the possibility of power outages and to take steps to ensure the safety of their families and property during service interruptions by taking the following steps:
Stay informed – Be aware of changing weather conditions and plan ahead. Have a battery-powered radio with a weather band so you can hear emergency information when the power is out.
Make a plan – Discuss and document an emergency plan with those in your care. Develop a family emergency plan that includes alternative arrangements should the need arise to leave your home. Make provisions for special needs of any family member such as the elderly, disabled, medically affected or infants. If you are dependent on electric-powered medical equipment, you are encouraged to seek alternate arrangements in the event that your electric service is interrupted.
Make a list of emergency phone numbers (including 877.778.2222 to report an outage or a downed wire to BGE) and keep a personal telephone book and one corded phone or a cell phone on hand.
Build an emergency kit – Keep enough emergency supplies on hand for you and those in your care. Remember supplies for children, those with special needs and pets.
Keep the following items readily available:
Flashlights – not candles
Fresh batteries
Battery-operated clock radio
Corded telephone
Fully charged cell phone
Non-perishable foods
Water – one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days for drinking and sanitation
First aid kit
Local maps
Blankets
Customers also should consider filling the fuel tanks of their vehicles in the event a power outage affects service to neighborhood gas stations. For customers who rely on well water, filling a bathtub with water in advance of severe weather is strongly encouraged.
In addition to monitoring current and approaching weather conditions that could result in service interruptions, BGE regularly conducts emergency training drills during which all aspects of storm-related service restoration are tested. BGE's most recent drill occurred last October, and involved a detailed review of BGE's Electric Delivery Emergency Response Plan to ensure that storm response procedures are up-to-date and in line with industry standards.
Customers can find information on preparing for natural disasters and other emergency events at bge.com, as well as storm preparation information and restoration progress via BGE's social media sites on Twitter and Facebook.
I am heading out to make sure that the bird feeders are well filled. Only calling for 4-6 inches in our area. I think you guys are going to get more than us.
I am just on the edge so I am going to get a big fan and stand outside and start to fan like crazy to keep it from crossing over into my area. :)
I will fill my big one as well when I get home. Also--throw a bunch of seed on the patio floor,
so the doves and other ground feeders have something to eat.
The finches are already making their way through the third re-fill of the tube feeder.
Hope we don't het more snow than a few inches. I DO NOT feel likeshoveling it....G.
The big old hawk is just hovering around my house for the past several days. Just circling and there is not a bird in sight. Robins have gone someplace. I did see a female cardinal early this morning before he began his circling. I was praying he would not see her. There were two little sparrows over by the barn in a bush where he could not get them. That is it. No squirrels, no birds, no nothing but a big on red tail hawk. GRRRRRRR. Hope he gets snowed on.
Well, I'm in Warrenton, VA. IT I BEAUTIFUL! OH! I am staying home from work today! And my dear husband filled our feeders yesterday and there are a bunch of those little sooty-colored birds on the ground...I think someone called them Juncoes. I got my Christmas gift from my best friend, a pile of fireplace ash, and it is sandwiched between the deep snow (we have around 6" so far) and the newly-dug soil.
So now it is time to sit back and admire God's glory. Ah March! My favorite month! What spirit!
I'm with you Grace, I know a snow storm can be both a danger and a hardship for some but I truly love the beauty of it. There is only an inch or so out there this morning but it is coming down fast.
Gracye and Holly, I'm with you on snow. It just brings the kid out in me. I started a snow chat thread just so we could play a bit!
It's over here
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1301301/
I had to make my little friends a food and water station with makeshift cover....
I love Tufted Titmouse, they are so cute!
Somebody on Northeast called them Disney birds, for their unusually big dark eyes. They are sweet looking!
The wind is just too strong for these little darlings and they are trying so hard to find something on the ground. Hawk is gone for now. I think the wind blew him away. I hope. My little birds are here, no finches, just the junco, sparrows and could I have chickadees? I get them confused with the juncos but I think I have both. They have a black cap and the junco is darker I thought with no cap. Am I correct? JB
The cardinals are hiding.
Junco Carolina Chickadee
Yes, Flow, I found pictures but I wondered if chickadees are here in NJ. I am sure I have something here with a black cap. In fact lots of them.
We have the Carolina Chickadee here, north Jersey is Black Capped Chickadee
Thanks.
great pics Jen!
thanks Sally, they are borrowed pics from Bing
Need your help please. We have a large area we used to farm but due to the weather, different work schedules, etc we have decided to make it into a place to attract birds. We are only going to do bushes so if we change our minds in the future we can move them without too much trouble. It is full sun and good drainage and we would like to attract birds and butterflies if possible. I have no hummers and would love to have some but we have nothing here but fir and spruce (since we are a Christmas Tree Farm). I am looking for flowering shrubs, fast growers and bird friendly. Any suggestions. Thanks in advance.
JB---
There is NO secret to all these links I have posted below-
All i did was Google "Shrubs that attract Butterflies and Hummingbirds"
And also--- "Shrubs that attract Birds. " Then all this comes up!
ALL the blow is there for your reading and looking at.
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Links to Hummingbirds and Butterflies.
http://www.njaudubon.org/sectionbackyardhabitat/createagarden.aspx
http://www.birds-n-garden.com/birdgarden.html
http://www.glasshouseworks.com/hummingbirdbutterfly.html
http://www.finegardening.com/PlantGuide/PlantFinder.aspx?274=8192&272=12
Links to shrubs and trees for Birds:
http://www.waysidegardens.com/category.aspx?c=WG_G_1001_64&gclid=CJ_nxuGo8LUCFRCf4AodQUMAqw
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/factsheets/birds/text/bird_shrubs.html
http://www.provenwinners.com/learn/shrubs-attract-birds
http://www.finegardening.com/PlantGuide/PlantFinder.aspx?274=8192&272=2
http://www.desertusa.com/mag08/jun08/how-to-attract-hummingbirds.html
http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/habitat/landscaping-for-the-birds.asp
Butterfly Bushes are for Butterflies....they do not cost an arm and a leg either.
HD will have them.
Oh Gita, I am sorry you went to all that trouble. Sweetie, I really wanted to hear from individuals which bushes are attracting the song birds and hummers. I am sorry I misled you.
My SIL was the VP of Princeton Nurseries for years and we have some ideas but we are limited to Full Sun and I wanted to hear what some of the others are using to attract them. Am I forgiven? I will keep the list and check them out so you can be sure your work was not in vain. Love you. JB
JB, Look to the Native Plants. I have very few native plants. Most of mine were chosen before I was at several lectures on Native Plants. I was at one today on Caterpillars and I have gotten some lists of Native plants that would probably good for your area as well as mine. Several things I have learned is that purple plants are not good for Caterpillars, you need to encourage them as part of a bird diet. Anything Japanese is probably not right either. Kousa Dogwoods have a larger berry than native. Most birds can't eat them. So the Kousa can seem prettier because it keeps its berries longer and they are bigger. Not to mention that they don't get some of the native Dogwoods do. But they won't feed your birds. The big native Elderberry in my pasture is a good thing the new and much desired Elderberry Sambucu nigra may not be more than ornamental.
JB--
It was NO trouble at all--just a lot of copy/pasting the links.
You know--when you Google--up come a lot of sites that suit what you are looking for.
I just opened them, copied the URL, and pasted it in my Post...
Anything for you, dear lady!!! XOX Gita
ahhhhhhh I am going to be getting some cuttings from my friend at the Botanical Garden next week and if they grow you will be the first one I share them with. A little bird must have told you that and that is why you are being so nice to me. HUH!!!!! I know better sweet lady. You are the bestest of the best. Next to my friend in the botanical garden. LOL JB
JB,
I do not want these for myself. I would NEVER have room for a shrub of that size.
So, don't put yourself out! Don't do anything special--they are not for me.
I wanted to give the black Pussy Willows to a couple people at work.
They have BIG properties--and one lives in VA (on weekends) near water.
Thanks, Gita
Gita, I am not talking about black pussy willows, my friend has some very hard to find CC and I thought you had a collection. I did not realize you raise them to give away. No problem, I have a few other people who actually have collections and are always looking for a new hard to find one to add to it.
As far as the black PW goes, they are so easy to start, when and if you ever want any just yell.
JB--
I was talking about tha Pussy Willows! I would NEVER give away a CC you wanted to send me.
Sorry about the misunderstanding.....
I would be honored to get some special CC's from you--like i already have...
Hugs, Gita
I thought so.......hmmmmmm.....did you get my dmail about the AV saga?
Birds were singing like mad. One cardinal sang so long, I kept waiting for him to stop and take a breath! Or pass out and fall from the tree.. They must be able to in and out while they sing.