All About Pocket Knives

treefarmer wrote: ↑Tue Aug 18, 2020 4:53 pm

Mumbleypeg wrote: ↑Mon Aug 17, 2020 7:56 pm Shrikes are not uncommon but it’s unusual to see more than one or two around. What you see more often is their signature of leaving grasshoppers impaled on barbed wire. They catch them and then stick them on the barbs, and leave them there. So you can tell when a shrike has been around because they leave that “signature” even if you don’t see the bird. Not sure if any other bird species does that but the first time you see a grasshopper in that predicament, you’ll be curious how it got there.

Hope you enjoy the coffee with chicory. It adds a distinctively different twang. Drink a few cups over a few days, then let us know what you think.

Ken

The Shrike is also known around here as a "butcher bird" because of the practices that Ken described. In addition to grasshoppers, they also will hang small frogs and lizards on a fence barb. Lacking a fence they will impale their prey on plants with heavy thorns.
Treefarmer

bighomer wrote: ↑Mon Aug 24, 2020 3:01 pm 20200822_120823.jpg20200815_103626.jpg

Quick Steel wrote: ↑Mon Aug 24, 2020 7:43 pm Just read the following information.


If you are feeding hummingbirds it is critical to use a good feeder.

If the bottom section of the feeder cannot be opened for cleaning do not use it. The bacteria build up will become enormous and ultimately kill the hummingbirds using it.

It is not adequate to simply unscrew the bottom from the bottle, swish some water around inside it and then drain it through the spout. The bottom must be opened into two halves for complete access and thorough cleaning every couple of days.

Mumbleypeg wrote: ↑Mon Aug 24, 2020 11:21 pm

Quick Steel wrote: ↑Mon Aug 24, 2020 7:43 pm Just read the following information.


If you are feeding hummingbirds it is critical to use a good feeder.

If the bottom section of the feeder cannot be opened for cleaning do not use it. The bacteria build up will become enormous and ultimately kill the hummingbirds using it.

It is not adequate to simply unscrew the bottom from the bottle, swish some water around inside it and then drain it through the spout. The bottom must be opened into two halves for complete access and thorough cleaning every couple of days.

Good advice. And I clean mine with white vinegar to kill bacteria and algae every time I refill it.

Ken

Mumbleypeg wrote: ↑Sat Aug 29, 2020 5:51 pm I’ve seen starling “murmuration” (never knew that’s what it was called). I enjoy creating it - with a 12 gauge shotgun.

Ken

Waukonda wrote: ↑Sat Aug 29, 2020 11:38 pm Very nice photo of a good looking bird, Mel. Normally, the only warblers that I see much of are the Prothonatary and the Myrtle. There are others around but I suppose I am in the wrong place at the wrong time.

I saw a Cuckoo about a week ago here and was still seeing Blue Grosbeaks earlier in the week but I think they are gone now. Yesterday I counted 18 Kingbirds in a group perched on a power line, so I think they will be moving on right away. Pretty much down to the winter population here. Always enjoy your pics, thanks for your comments.

Waukonda wrote: ↑Sat Aug 29, 2020 11:59 pm Southern Illinois, about 5 hours South of Jerry midway between the Ohio and the Mississloppy, tri state region (Il, Mo, Ky)