It’s been a tough week for many here in New Zealand, with massive flooding and landslips affecting many, as well as high temperatures for this time of year. In the northern hemisphere, water shortages and fire are constant hazards for large areas.
Yet, there are other things to notice too.
In the midst of the rain drumming against our windows this week, I could hear loud birdsong in the evenings - the days are longer, and the cold snap is done. Tuis dart and plunge through the trees at breakneck speed, declaring their spring territories.
The seasons are changing - what have you noticed in nature this week?
Noise Reduction by Sarb Johal is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
I’ve been noticing the tui beginning their Spring frenzy too and hearing the bellbirds with their amazing sound. I strolled through my garden today and noticed the buds on my young plum tree are swelling. This means that blossom and leaves aren’t far away. Hopefully this year I get more than one plum from my tree. Love watching the progress of nature through the season.
My observations of nature this week: As a somewhat older Nelson resident have been trying to look after the many hungry birds that have been visiting my little hillside property (fortunately still safe). Their behaviours changed markedly during the days of downpour and slips. sitting upon my wooden bird feeders they were all cooperating as they enjoyed their sugar water. Usually there is a hierarchical feeding frenzy but for the past week eight tui, four bellbirds, numerous finches, waxeyes and sparrows have been peacefully sharing the same food bowls. A lesson here maybe?
What I see in this is that through your repeated offering, the birds perhaps learned that competing for resources wasn't an issue. Scarcity wasn't a problem. Therefore, less conflict. I wonder what other people see in your observation, Juliet? Thanks for sharing. Glad you are safe.
Some very well fed cats…
I hope with no feathers sticking out of their mouths! (I think in cartoons - a very Tom-and-Jerry scene popped into my mind)
I’ve been noticing the tui beginning their Spring frenzy too and hearing the bellbirds with their amazing sound. I strolled through my garden today and noticed the buds on my young plum tree are swelling. This means that blossom and leaves aren’t far away. Hopefully this year I get more than one plum from my tree. Love watching the progress of nature through the season.
The seasonal change rhythm is marvellous - I'm looking forward to some slivers of sun (later today hopefully)and all the activity that it awakens
My observations of nature this week: As a somewhat older Nelson resident have been trying to look after the many hungry birds that have been visiting my little hillside property (fortunately still safe). Their behaviours changed markedly during the days of downpour and slips. sitting upon my wooden bird feeders they were all cooperating as they enjoyed their sugar water. Usually there is a hierarchical feeding frenzy but for the past week eight tui, four bellbirds, numerous finches, waxeyes and sparrows have been peacefully sharing the same food bowls. A lesson here maybe?
What I see in this is that through your repeated offering, the birds perhaps learned that competing for resources wasn't an issue. Scarcity wasn't a problem. Therefore, less conflict. I wonder what other people see in your observation, Juliet? Thanks for sharing. Glad you are safe.
Exactly. Lots of birds here too.
I have noticed the ground is supper wet - so wet in places that it won't take any more. Also, lots of people have mud splatters on their shoes!