When it snows...birds go hungry!

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I've lived in the Midwest for almost 9 years. Let me tell you...I'm still not used to the frigid temperatures and thunder snow (not to mention the tornadoes, the ever-changing weather...one day it is 85 degrees, the next day it is snowing, followed by torrential downpours). YIKES! How can anyone get used to this wack-a-do weather. California weather is SO boring compared to the middle of the country weather. But I digress...

It never occurred to me (until the other night while watching the news) that when it snows some birds lives become more difficult.

In the spring, summer and fall birds like to eat berries, insects, nuts, etc. When winter arrives those insects and berries go bye-bye. Birds are left to forage for seeds and nuts. This is a good thing because like you and me every living thing survives better with a little extra layer of protection (i.e.fat) during the cold winter months. Seeds and nuts provide birds with the high energy food they need to endure these shorter and colder days.

However, when snow blankets the ground it can be more difficult to locate seeds and nuts needed for breakfast, lunch and dinner. As the biggest lover of all God's creatures this made me sad and I think, "what can I do?"

Thoughtfulness to the rescue!

We had a pretty good snow storm last night. Snow and ice everywhere!

We live on a mini hill that partially backs up to an acre or 2 of densely populated trees. Birds love this area.

So, I decided that I would feed the birds who may be hungry...or those lazy ones looking for a quick meal.
A little research informed me that:

• Once you start feeding birds you shouldn't stop (uh-oh. I'm committed)
• You should put bird food in a feeder, not on the ground as to avoid contamination (think mold, bacteria, pesticides, etc.) and to protect birds from natural predators
• You should clean out your feeder regularly to avoid accumulating roting bird food

Today, I was looking for a quick fix. So, I purchased bird seed only.

I did learn you can place it on the ground or natural foraging areas as long as you only place enough for that day's feeding. But, make sure not to place the bird seed too close to your house. The point of this thoughtfulness is to help birds survive cold winters, not injure them by making them fly into your windows. I'm sure you also want to keep bird dander and feathers as far away from your property as possible.

I spread nuts and seeds on the ground (where snow had already melted) and on a few rocks.

 

 

 

Let's hope for full tummies and extra energy! I wouldn't mind finding this again next year.

 

 

Tomorrow's task...search out a permanent bird feeder

 



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If you didn't catch my previous post Re-purpose + Valentine's Day + Making a Difference I'm highlighting this Good News story again. True thoughtfulness!

Free Flowers For Valentine's Day Elicits A Surprisingly Touching Reaction (PHOTOS)
Huffington Post: February 15, 2012

Re-purpose + Valentine's Day + Making a Difference

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A few weeks ago my boyfriend's family threw his mom a surprise 60th birthday party. I was in charge of favors and table center pieces. Working within a strict budget it was decided that I would purchase inexpensive vases, spray paint them, and create a small display using baby's breath.

How was the party you ask? It was a success!

 

But once it was done I couldn't help but think, "What do I do with 10 red vases?" 

 

* throw them away...I mean they only cost $1.00 each

* store them for another occasion...who know when that could be

* re-invent their purpose

  

You can probably guess which one I chose.

 

So...I brainstormed. The first purpose of these vases was to be a simple center piece in the celebration of someone's milestone birthday. That mission was accomplished.

 

The main question: How could I give these vases a second shot at creating happiness?
 

BRAINSTORM: re-purpose + donate + Valentine's Day + loneliness + smile = ??? 

 

 

Create simple flower arrangements & deliver to a nursing home!

 

 So...I purchased inexpensive flowers and heart embellishments and got to work.

  

 15 minutes later...ready to go!

 

On Valentine's Day I delivered 10 arrangements to the nursing home down the street. My hope is that the arrangements were given to those folks who needed something to brighten their day.

 

I know you don't have left over party vases at your house to participate in this act of kindness, but I bet you have generic, left over, cupboard crowding vases from past year birthday or anniversary flower arrangements. You many even have old coffee cups/tea cups or mason jars that need re-purposing.

 

(1) Flower arrangement can make a difference in someone's life.

 

If you don't believe so, read the below Huffington Post story and then go get creative.

 

{Free Flowers For Valentine's Day Elicits A Surprisingly Touching Reaction}