Shopsmith Forums

But first can you spot the bird in this picture?
On my walk at Silver Springs State Park today (3/4/16) I spotted this Blue Bird. There were a couple of them enjoying the day along with me.
We have light snow coming in tonight so these guys might be a little early yet.

Ed

Nice pictures, Spring is a coming.

We have huge (some of the largest groups I have seen) groups of Canadian Geese and Sandhill Cranes coming in on their way north.

Spring is truly coming!

We have had a huge lack of migrating birds this year. No Robins, no Blue Jays, few cranes.
Last year our feeder had a huge variety of bird this year hardly any with the exception of Starlings and Grackles.

Usually we have a full bird book variety. Not looking good for the bird population in Florida.

Also our bee population is in big trouble. Neighbor lost his last two hives. We have orange trees and confederate jasmine both very fragrant both huge bee attractions. I have yet to see a bee.
None have visited the peach trees, passion fruit or citrus trees that I have seen.

If this not just a phenomenon in my area I would say we are in trouble. What is going to pollinate our food?

@ Ed > If this not just a phenomenon in my area I would say we are in trouble. What is going to pollinate our food?
A huge problem developing in CA, I cant remember which or maybe all 3, Walnuts, Almonds and or Pecan all need bees to pollinate, and it just isnt going to happening soon in the orchards there with the dying bee population.

Pretty bird, the western and mountain Bluebird range here in Eastern Washington but I don't think I've ever seen either more than a couple of times in the 12 years I've been living in the countryside.

Ed in Tampa wrote:Also our bee population is in big trouble. Neighbour lost his last two hives. We have orange trees and confederate jasmine both very fragrant both huge bee attractions. I have yet to see a bee.
None have visited the peach trees, passion fruit or citrus trees that I have seen.

If this not just a phenomenon in my area I would say we are in trouble. What is going to pollinate our food?

Orchard Mason Bees (native, solitary bees) are good pollinators.
Reible has made houses for them, http://shopsmith.com/ss_forum/general-w ... 12735.html.
I keep meaning to make some too, my daughter has fruit trees in her yard. Maybee this year.

"But first can you spot the bird in this picture?"

Yes, there is a bird clinging to the tree trunk. At first I thought it was a Nuthatch but maybe not.

The red breasted Robins have been here for a few days now. Termites are getting out of the ground about 9 to noon. Yellow flycatcher are having a feast before going back to Canada. The temps are in the 70's. But, I have not seen one honey bee to work the cherry laurel. They stand tall covered in white blossoms with no bees. Going to get a bee hive.

The past two mornings just before daybreak, flocks of geese have been flying northeast with their honking. May have another day or two of that. They are beautiful to watch.