#20 A Busy Week
We have been busy. The madman spent last weekend at the 36th Annual Show and Sale of the Connecticut Cactus and Succulent Society (CCSS). If you missed it, you missed a great time and some wonderful horticulture. It is amazing what some cactus enthusiasts can grow in our damp cold climate. Of course, these plants are grown indoors, but it is a challenge.
Cactus Show
We had a wonderful time chatting with people at the Club table. And, an equally good time viewing the numerous entries in the show. This has always been a tough show for the madman because growers come from far and wide to compete in this show. This year the madman picked up three seconds, three thirds and two honorable mentions. And, he picked up a ton of new plants to groom for the future.
A New Sound Outside
While he was busy preparing his plants for the show, the madman noticed a new sound from outside. The chirping of the Spring Peepers (Pseudacris crucifer) was joined by the trilling of the American Toad (Bufo americanus). Somehow, the noise from the peepers is soothing at night, but the almost constant racket from these toads can be a little much. But the madman says the noise is a good tradeoff for the amount of bugs these toads eat.
He has been trying to get a good look at them, but they always sense him first and hide. In the process, he has sighted a Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum) and the Orchard Oriole (Ictuerus spurius). The sightings were noted on the calendar. According to master gardener and birder friend Rob Mirer, the Thrasher is a rare find. In some parts of Connecticut he is not migratory, spending winters in the low brush. But the madman feels that in our yard the Thrasher is a migratory species. You see, the appearance of any migratory bird is cause for celebration.
Visits From Old Friends
In fact, the arrival of the geese was a big deal. Let me explain. Every spring a pair of Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) show up at the pond next door. Remember, they are Canada Geese, not necessarily Canadian geese. We don’t know if they come from north of the border, the Farmington River or the local golf course, they have never shown us their passports. But, they wander over to our birdfeeder to scoop up the seeds that have fallen on the ground. The madman once heard that geese make great “watchdogs”, so he figured that if he always offered this pair a piece of bread when they appeared they would get used to a human with bread. And, if a human showed up without the obligatory offering the geese would want to know why.
The madman watched the geese on the pond and noticed that when they encountered other geese, they would duck into the water almost as if bowing. He wasn’t sure if that was a greeting or a challenge because he doesn’t speak Goose. But, he decided to give it a try. When the geese appeared, the madman would be there bowing with bread in his hand. Over time, the geese would bow in return, then come forward hissing to collect their bread. Interestingly, if I am behind the madman, they are not happy. Apparently they are one-person-geese.
On the Lookout for Hummingbirds
When these migrants show up, it signals that it is time to be on the lookout for our most important migratory bird of all – the Ruby Throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris). Over the years, we have both come to enjoy watching these little guys flit through the garden-alternating visits to the flowers with visits to the feeders. We make sure they have cover, water, food and beautiful blooms. The madman has his eyes on the lookout because one was sighted in Guilford, CT on April 17 and the madman thinks conditions are favorable for them to show up anytime now.
Spring Migration
Migration is a fascinating thing. We always thought that the birds just showed up, but there are factors that we never considered. A lot of scientists feel that migration is driven by the hunt for food and the need to find suitable places to breed. So, they head north in the spring. Where they migrate is genetically programmed into their system. But, weather plays an important part in their travel plans.
You see, like the madman, birds don’t want to exert any more effort than they have to. This means they prefer flying with a tail wind. If the wind blows from the north, they are not flying. But, when it comes from the south, it’s all systems go. Unless, of course, that south wind is blowing in a storm-birds don’t like to fly in heavy rain. For a good explanation of how weather affects flight, check out the discussion on Journey North.
Creating a Rest Area
Because we know that migration might be put on hold for a couple of days at a time, we try to keep food water and shelter available to help some weary travelers who are stranded waiting for conditions to improve. Planting natives has really helped us create an attractive stopover. We would love to have them stay, but we know that nature may have other plans so we appreciate what we can.
It Got Warmer
While all this was going on, the planting indicators changed. Soil temperature rose to 58˚ and the forsythia popped. So, the peas are in, as well as the rest of our cold crops. The madman has been really busy. No time to rest, though because the mailman delivered two packages this past week.
First a box of seed potatoes from Pinetree Garden Seeds came by priority mail. Then, a few days later, the madman’s onion plants arrived from Dixondale Farms. We have been preparing garden beds to get these babies planted.
But first, the cocoa.
