Some of the newer or more casual members of the birding community may think of summer as the ‘slow’ time for birding. And in many ways it is. Spring migration is a done deal. If you so choose, you can hang up the binoculars, put the scope away after a good cleaning, and use your photography gear to capture more land-dwelling forms of life, such as your family, whom you may have neglected during the spring migration! So at the risk of being a spoiler for the summertime you thought you had “off”, I offer a few comments of interest about our summer avifauna in the Atlanta metro area. Migration and Nesting One point in this article will be the following: it is erroneous to think that “summer” is the time “after” spring migration and “before” fall migration. It is true that spring migration moves along at a pretty good…
Author: Former Members
Fish Ponds: Spring Time Maintenance
Now is the time to start cleaning the koi, goldfish, and other ponds. Ponds need to be cleaned at least annually. If the pond has any debris on the bottom, the water in your pond will have trouble staying clear for your enjoyment. Algae feed on the organic decaying matter in the pond. As the weather and water warms up, the algae begin to feed on the organic matter and a “bloom” will occur that will turn the water cloudy. Another reason to clean the ponds is to get rid of disease carrying parasites that live in the decaying matter. These parasites seek out the koi and other fish and can cause them to become sick. Several methods are available to clean your pond. If the pond isn’t too large and/or dirty, it can be cleaned using a net to muck the stuff on the bottom. I have my ponds…
Preserving Fall Leaves
The other day, Martha Stewart and I were chatting in the Master Gardener’s office when we were interrupted by a telephone call from a lady asking how to preserve fall leaves. Weren’t we lucky to have the queen of crafts, food and entertaining, weddings, pets, home and garden, and the latest in prison fashion? Here is what the queen bee teaches. Glycerin Preservation: By preserving autumn leaves with glycerin, you can create a wreath that will last for months without drying out. The method will also work with green spring and summer leaves. Some leaves don’t take well to the glycerin method, so experiment. For best results, always cut the branches in the cool of the evening and never use leaves that have been through a frost. Tools and Materials: Pruning clippers or handsaw Hammer Deep bucket pH testing kit (lemons and powdered lime required) Glycerin (available at drugstores, craft…