Location location location- mother barn swallows

Bugs come to light

This is my summer of barn swallows, Hirundo rustica. I find them everywhere I go. Perhaps a totem?

In my own barn the female has built a nest between two lights that serve our driveway. She looks like a pilot at the helm of a big machine.  At first she flew out each time we crossed into our barn. Seemed like a silly place to nest if you are human phobic. Then one evening as I went to feed the chickens I realized that the lights were attracting insects up into her nest. Food delivered bedside!

For a historical review and fun facts about the symbolism of barn swallows go to symbolism of barn swallows-- here--  "Swallows are often associated with stars and therefore the souls of the dead. Chapter 86 of the Egyptian Book of the Dead specifically instructs the deceased on how to transform into a swallow."

Chick journal- FAQ's week 1.5

Portrait of a Golden laced Wyandotte chick

Chick of Golden Laced Wyandotte in grass

Questions about chicks-- By popular demand. FAQ's for week 1.5
1. The chicks are nearly three times the size they were compared to when they first arrived at ~ 4 days old.
2. They change from being chicks to pullets by adding feathers. In the past few days we have seen new feathers added to the few they have on each side of their bodies.   In the gallery included you can see which are older as little epaulets become wing-lets.
3. The are beginning to grow the very first little hints of tail feathers. Look at this chicks "tail" in the second picture. You can see a bit of fluffiness and brushy look to the feathers there (just barely). This is from some feathers coming in underneath and the change in the feathers/down at their backsides.
4. They are practicing perching and flying - or some combination - by flapping and jumping to scare and surprise each other.  They leap across the cage into the crowd of their sister chicks ... landing with peep-outbursts.
5. They always walk through their food first, balancing in it and feeling it squeeze between their reptilian toes.
6. Food is more fun, apparently, if stolen from your sister after a chase. It matters not if there is a plate of it-- cheeping and stealing is great game.

More chicks in the gallery for those who love them.  CHICKS HERE

Share your chick stories and help construct tell us when to expect what as they mature.
Thanks!

Spring chickens: little things to save the earth

Rhode Island Red chick sleeping in the spring Phox

Americans have taken to chickens with a earnest vengeance. With the seriousness of intention -- "I want to make a difference" -- a difference in the environment, the food chain, or our relationship to nature -- and the pleasure experienced when that something is chickens. More of us every day are adding these funny productive birds to our homes. For those of us first-timers our chicks are arriving this month. Lots of crazy peeping coming from new homes and more of us falling under their spell.

Here is a chicky slide show to celebrate.... Enjoy!
Spring Chicks - Images by Sharon McDonnell

In praise of barnswallows- a view of parenting

Its March 1983 outside Columbia Missouri on north Highway 63

Barn swallow mother perches on rim of nest

In a cold barn the photographer sits in the dark

practicing quiet trying to stay warm and explore good ways to unobtrusively light the spidery scratchy place so that she can see something... anything ...

some action besides the top of a black head high up in a nest on the barn rafter.

This action or change occurs in brief surprises in-between very long periods of no action For some days she has watched from a loft across and above her head as the nest was recycled Cleaned and lined with new mud and some of mother birds own indigo feathers. Then eggs were laid, one each day and, glory be! None of the awful predators came.

Each day the watcher/waiter/photographer climbs into her place and two females sit in a cold barn

one on eggs and the other in hay with a camera

Again and again-- like a fighter jet she swoops in carrying food

watching, dreaming, and incubating the one on the nest has come to accept / tolerate the the other

Barn swallows, Hirundo rustica, have thrived with the human race.  They once lived in caves but now there are barns and porches all increasing in number

Mother carries food to the noisy nestlings

One morning there is shell on the barn floor and weak squeaking above she climbs and watches breathless from her loft the nestlings grow in their demands, exponentially

The mother becomes a flying carrier service

catering to growing mouths.

They are a chorus, parsons or judges, always above her, looking down, looking demonic and ridiculous

Soon they are nearly her size and their wide open mouths are endless.  The photographer is reminded of parenting. Her own children wouldn't like the affinity she feels with this tiny  straining bird.

Barn swallows wait on a barbed wire fence for the evening bugs

The birdlings grow beyond the nest, bursting its limits.  Always one will take off first.  Maybe it hates crowds, maybe it is not quite "right" and has fallen or been pushed,  maybe it is restless or impatient, or simply believes flying can't be that hard.  One will always fledge, 'trying his wings' on the long drop, but may not be ready to fly.

Those around barn swallows have come to expect at least one babe will fall or fail flying each year and not just once.  With luck these people have learned and have and the means to re-place them in the nest or protect them from the cats (check out Baby barn swallow stories)

Barnswallow feeds fledge

Soon they all fledge and for the next two weeks parenting is on the wing.

Later, it is one of those summer evenings when the tree frogs are a choir, the air is a bit cooler, the grass is up, and after dinner we wait for the lightening bugs. The barn swallows and bats wait for the mosquitoes to lift off the fields.

I am reminded of a comment my aunt Mary Bumgarner made when my son was new born. In an amused but knowing voice she said, "The thing about parenting is that it is so daily."

For a lovely set of references about the barn swallow including short essays by people that have lived around them I highly recommend this site: excellent summary facts about barnswallows

Stay tuned we will create a gallery of Barn swallows.

Sharon

Love the faces: more barnswallows

            Moments--in Between the  eating --               

They seem sated and look both earnest and ridiculous

Barn swallows -- Notes from the Photographer

Wednesday June 20, 1984 (Blue book page 102)

I put the blind in the barn loft about 10 am & the birds started coming in right away.

What a good idea! There are at least 3 nests. The nest I watched had 5 babes and they were huge. I had more fun watching them than any birds yet. They followed bugs and wasps and flies with their eyes – watched the horses – called their parents – stood on nest edge and whirred their wings.

Two babes fledged – flew to a beam, sat awhile, and then back to the nest.  The parents usually feed fast, on the wing.

The parents occasionally give a special chirp and all babes become statues in whatever position they are in – like the game “statues” except they usually shrink down in size. A fun experience. I was 6 feet 8 inches in the hay loft and used 60 power zoom.

Note from the editor: Barn swallows are beloved by many in blogland. If you want to read more or see more of the pictures see the previous stories -- More barn swallows.

Sharon

Are Cardinals spies for Santa?

Male cardinal peeks out discreetly from holly bush. Perhaps watching you?

There is an astonishing array of religious, Native American, and European stories about the symbolism of the male cardinal and how he got his feathers.  Don’t miss your chance to read the best of old stories, new-age inferences, and some crazy history at this website: cardinal-pagan-bird-symbol-of-renewed-vitality by Jill Stefko

My favorite comes from German legend.  Reportedly the male cardinal was believed to help Father Christmas, aka Weihnachtsmann, by watching childrens' behavior to ensure they were good.  The cardinal as a Santa spy?  Surely they aren’t watching us and then tattling.

What is he watching and who does he tell?

It does raise questions about Santa's other data sources. Meantime, keep sharp and be nice just in case.

Cardsets and fun stuff for Winter Holiday gifts

Warmest greetings to all!

As the days grow shorter the world becomes colder join us in celebrating the flashes of cheering color and light in the natural world. These galleries feature images that convey the essence of winter and the holiday season:

The Winter Holidays - Midwinter, Christmas, Solstice
and
Birds - Winter Color

We're excited to share some of our big news:

• Mother-Daughter Press!  With the addition of new artists, including daughters and grandchildren, Gay Bumgarner Images is now consolidated into Mother-Daughter Press and brings an even wider diversity of images while still featuring Gay's creative work.
• We have gifts and new products such as card sets, mousepads, and ready-to-hang mounted images .
• A new printer, new collaborators, and a new source for paper mean that all of our products are even more affordable, including the fine art prints. See our prices.

_______________________________________

New Products

Card Sets:  In response to complaints that "there are too many great images -- I can't choose", we have put together card sets.   Below is a preview of our seasonal selections:

 

See all SEVEN card sets! 

"They are so beautiful I can't send them"
           --So, order two.

Customized Card Sets Express your style (and excellent taste!).  Choose several images or order a whole 10-card set of your favorite image. 

We can help you create a customized gift for the special people in your life --  the gardeners, birdwatchers, flower lovers, the earnest, or those with a quirky sense of humor. 

Mousepads are a great way to have everyday objects made beautiful.  Choose your favorite image.

Snowy Nest in Pine

Mounted Images Affordable and elegant, ready-to-hang. These small, card-sized images are less than $20 and make a lovely gift.

Check the website for
more information on
customized gifts.

Because the possibilities are vast and your choices will be unique, you will need to phone us (802-592-3357) or EMAIL to place your order.

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Decorating your winter with Cardinals

The subtle signals and habits of the birds are divined by the watchful photographer

 She translates them carefully crafting the elements into a place

An environment that through myriad signals calls out

invitation and assurance

Welcome!

 

 Almost invisible: a male Cardinal peeks out between matching maple leaves

An early wintery mix collects and soaks into feathers enriching the colors

November: A female cardinal is dusted and jeweled with falling snow

A bright world made fresh after new snow

Fluffy feathers appear fragile and belie their warmth

And, when they came as they would

naturally

It was almost certain 

that on those perfect branches would be

berries, a touch of snow, sprigs of evergreen

and icicles in long luminous drips

Birds look so good in berries!  

New images of cardinals photographed by Gay Bumgarner 

Which do you like best?

Note: if you want to mix and match these cardinals with other birds in card sets you can do!

Robins in crabapples a gorgeous sight in New England

Fecund --Abundant ---Fruit--Food

Robins Feast on profusions of crabapples

 

We have not had robins in New England at the feeders this time of year. Maybe they are stopping by on their way further south when once they just passed us by. Less in a hurry because its just not as cold as before. Our crabapple trees are overflowing with fruit. The robin, once common to my Midwestern eyes, now seems enormous and confounded us at first-- "what is that?"  Now they are like 747's among the juncos, finches, chickadees, and nuthatches.  

What bird doesn't look better in red berries?

China & a view of overpriced appliances that do what the sun does anyway

 Wash and Fly.... no need to dry: 

A demonstration of energy efficiency by 

the American field sparrow

This from author Sharon Astyks's science blog called  Casaubon's Book is a vignette I shall call-- Dryers and China

 "As increasingly affluent Chinese embrace all the accouterments of the modern, middle-class Western lifestyle -- big-screen televisions, automobiles, washing machines, double-door refrigerators with automatic icemakers -- one glaring exception stands out: the clothes dryer.
For reasons practical as well as cultural, most Chinese consumers simply don't like clothes dryers. Don't want them. Don't trust them. Won't buy them. And, even when they have them around, won't use them.

 According to a spokesman for the appliance store Best Buy, the Chinese market for dryers -- or even washer-dryer combinations -- "is by no means fully developed.'' In the chain's stores, dryers and washing machines with dryer functions make up just 10 percent of all washing machine sales.
Other businesses report similar experiences. Zhao Na, a saleswoman for Haier washing machines, a domestic brand, said, "Our factory stopped producing dryers since last year because they don't sell.'
It certainly isn't true that a couple of billion non-dryer users "can't" be wrong, but in this case, there's a real likelihood that they aren't".

 You may not agree with this choice in your life but it is always useful to consider the query:  

Are my time-saving appliances and methods (e.g., hair dryers and even clothes dryers) actually, or possibly, enslaving me?

 There follows a remarkably entertaining and civil discussion about dryers, line drying, the role of women and how to keep your clothes from getting stiff sans electric dryer (versus solar passive or "line" drying).   I just couldn't help adding the illustration of 'fly and dry' by the Field sparrow (Spizella Passerina). Enjoy!

Take Love for instance-- A couple of birds- cardinals

A couple of cardinals -- "We" -- the cardinal couple

Gay Bumgarner prized the cardinal birds for their their flash of red color and their friendliness. She loved photographing them, particularly in winter when their presence seems festive, Christmas-y, brave and romantic. Cardinals became one of her specialties and the depth of her collection is astonishing-- illustrating every type of "emotional" moment especially to those willing to let fancy run free.

Suzanne Rhodes and I created a web-sampler of winter cardinals for the staff at International Animal Welfare to use to select their official holiday card. As we explored and then chose the collection we found ourselves easily spinning stories.

So, here is one for fun, the familiar story of the arc of romance. Its the same the whole world over-- whether we've two feet, four feet, feathers or fur. Join us...add a line or two, suggest a picture or a plot twist.

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It starts with magic. . . Everything is easier. You speak the same language. Your step is lighter and your song is sweeter. You can't get enough of each other.

Your lives intertwine you create a home and revel in the small domestic details-- preparing meals, social gatherings, entertaining the neighbors-- together.

Then come the holidays, with all the decorating and family visits. Something creeps in, you're not on the same page anymore, everything matters and feels effortful.

And then, with the holiday festivities in the past, it breaks down altogether ...... ouch. Foreigners to each other, your eyes don't quite meet.

Things that used to make you laugh aren't funny anymore. You move stiffly past each other and say "FINE!" a lot -- and silence follows.

But then, somehow, something gives. Is it hope, habit, fatigue, or compassion? You forget you're "supposed" to be resisting and in the face of even the smallest opening, you bend towards each other. The efforts of resistance seem to evaporate. You find yourselves softening, leaning in, the roaring has quieted. Its just "us" on our branch here. Relief flows in like fresh air as the normal becomes possible and humor is in reach.

Then, on that cold winter day with snow falling continuously, the photographer came and takes your picture -- the picture up on the mantle -- it's the warmth and connection you share that day that suffuses the picture and everyone comments on. There something in the color-- is it contrast or compliment? -- something companionable, even romantic again.

The well-being and simple pleasure are earned. It's no simple feat; it may be miraculous! Good to remember everything has it season. And if you are lucky you recognize the value of each season and don't panic when it isn't always summer.

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If you have never heard it listen to the song/poem "Take Love for Instance" written and read by Bobbie Louise Hawkins At the Great American Music Hall. Its free to listen once on this site, and definitely worth it. If you have problems with the link let us know.

Meanwhile, inspired by the last cardinal image we have created official holiday postage stamps If you would like to purchase these custom stamps (or others with images by Gay Bumgarner and Mother-Daughter Press) please send an EMAIL request. Same goes for cards or small mounted prints-- give someone an image that makes them smile.

Be well and tell us if you "recommend" the post (it's similar to the "like" on facebook except we could only get the word "recommend". Love to hear just that... did you "like" or enjoy it-- no heavy sign in, no justification, just sign of life response. Thanks!

Artvsoil-- Helping art

Check out the Art vs Oil Spill (its not a spill!)

[but we know what they mean]

Helping art -- Art versus oil 

This project was created by Paul Jackson in Columbia MO, an amazing watercolor artist among other things.  He started it and the idea has caught on with many artists participating by donating some gorgeous, moving, and heart-breaking images.   Proceeds from purchases will benefit an all-volunteer organization that will use the funds where they can do the most good. Feel free to also donate to them directly!

The name of the organization is Wildlife Rehabilitation & Nature Preservation Society, Inc. or WRANPS. They are a 501(c)3 and their info can be verified on Guidestar, the official website that monitors US Non-Profits. They are also registered with the Secretary of State of MS as a Charity. Their address is P O Box 209; Long Beach, MS 39560.

I contributed Gay's picture of the Atchafalaya swamp (say that 3 times fast) in Louisiana.  It is a mystical, almost unbelievable place especially if you live someplace else and have not spent time in the "deep south".  To me it looks like an image from a video game-- fantastical and ideal -- in a good way.

To see it on a T-shirt go to.....FUN!!
Art to heal and help- Gay Bumgarner

To see more gorgeous pictures of oil-free (as it should be) Gulf Coast animals and landscape go to:
Hearts-to-the-Gulf-Coast

Meanwhile here is a favorite. I call it "dating" in the way of the snowy egret. The fellow with the "hair do" and yellow shoes/feet really makes an impression.

Below is a note from Paul Jackson about the efforts to date and the plans for auctions of the artwork to raise funds in 4 places.

All proceeds donated to local environmental groups to help animals, birds and communities.

Join us...go look...take something with you.

Sharon
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Greetings All,

The Zazzle site is doing very well for it's first month. We've raised close to $2000 for WRANPS already and the site is still growing! We have about 100 images listed and nearly 2000 different products. I continue to list them every time I have a spare moment.

We have set up four art auctions along the Gulf Coast for October The auctions will be held in Pensacola FL, Mobile AL, Gulfport MS and Baton Rouge LA.

Lamar advertising has offered us billboard advertising and a place to ship and receive artwork.
Thanks you for doing what you do best in the face of this overwhelming and ongoing travesty!

Paul & Marla Jackson

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Visual aids to help talk to your medical team when times are tough

Health Through Imagery

Pictures to aid communication

For Bruce Dan

Bruce, perhaps these images can act as communication aids with your care team.  We could give you a whole range of emoto-animals that your team could use to gauge your mood and open-mindedness to things like early morning awakenings and another dose of benadryl.  

The Remarkable and intensely expressive bird on the top is an Egyptian eagle.  She has the look of disapproval down to an art form.  The hair style helps.

The menacing open-mouthed bird below the first bird is a Red Shouldered Hawk.  This is a look that I consider in the category of "baring ones teeth" and may allow some topics to just "poof".... dissipate. "No, no benadryl" or whatever.
If necessary you can ramp it up and do the high pitched screeching noise they make when they look like this. Guaranteed to be taken seriously.

Many Jungian practitioners consider it a good idea for us to practice acting like different animals as a way for to extend our physical and emotional range.   Its not my place to say you should try acting from your inner predator but, who am I to argue with Jung.

On a more positive note, check out our Gallery called  Birds -- yoga, bathing, and fitness

They are funny, earnest, and surprising.  Maybe when you feel a bit better you can try some of the avian aqua yoga too.

But for now we will hold you in the light.  I hope your days are more restful and less dramatic.

Love from all of us Sharon,Gib,Natalya, and the crew in northern Vermont.
PS- got to use some data from TSS case while teaching the other day. We were reviewing epicurves.

Health through imagery

For Karen, a friend entering breast cancer therapy

Health advice:  It is important to move about, stretch, and look silly as part of your health regimen.  This particular example is avian aqua yoga a natural method for stretching and strengthening  muscles and bones.  It is done by advanced practitioners in little pools of water presumably to stay cool.  Splash about and raise a wave.

Pull your arms way up over your head--a salute to the sun, practice balance and looking tall.

Note: Your hair looks much better than theirs however, a little suit of feathers might cheer you up and the silver shoes on the Baltimore Oriole could be just the ticket to feeling less vulnerable around oncologists and chemotherapy.  If we can be any help procuring the various accoutrement just say so.

We are thinking of you. If you want more health advice from the little creatures just let me know.

To see more from the Gallery Birds -- yoga, bathing, and fitness


oh and as a former southerner check out the audiobook 'the help" (see previous blog) if you are cooling your heels in waiting rooms.

Best Sharon, Gib, and Natalya

Kind words and light to Karen

 

The Field Sparrow

A bubble of music floats

The slope of the hillside over;

A little wandering sparrow's notes;

And the bloom of yarrow and clover,

And the smell of sweet-fern and the bayberry leaf,

On his ripple of song are stealing;

For he is a chartered thief

The wealth of the fields revealing.

— Lucy Larcom

See more Nests and nestlings  

in Gays pictures or try one of my new favorites
Birds bathing and fitness

Do you think I should submit this one for calendar?

What a face!!!

Many of us in our middle years have been discussing aging and we are concerned that we don't seem to have a good fix on how to do this "well". To be clear "well" doesn't mean faux or continual youth. Where is the book we are supposed to read? I thought that I would trade off young skin and excess energy for wisdom -- a deal I expected to strike graciously. I am still waiting for wisdom and a better sense of the trade offs. As usual, by and large, there are very few people of any age that seem to be having a really good time but it does seem the odds diminish with time, maybe? Well perhaps in lieu of clarity and insight I was thinking I should get some props, an avatar, and a maybe a new name as I explore my expanded self identity for my elder years. This particular face (in the picture) caught my eye. She is fierce looking, extraordinary, and colorful. There is a wonderful mix of dignified and silly in this face that might be what I am striving for. I took heart from the fact that in my later searches I found the picture of an Indonesian tribal woman wearing a makeshift Hornbill as evidence I might be on the right track. Prove me wrong.

In the biological texts the scientists speculate in wonder about the "horn bill" and "casque" (the hat part) & its purpose. What a silly question really. If you could grow a hornbill why on earth wouldn't you...it looks so cool.

Fun fact.... the bill is yellow because of the secretions from the "preen gland" which they spread onto the bill to give them the bright yellow color. The "preen gland" is near (at) the back end of the bird and common to most birds. Studies suggest that the preen oils are effective against lice. Not only that but the preeny oil harbours symbiotic bacteria whose excretions reduce the activity of feather-degrading bacteria and thus help to preserve the plumage of the bird.

Ok, enough diversion... Anyone else have some good advice for aging with dignity, humor, and imagination? Would it help to buy a red umbrella? Gay was very proud of her "Salon"-- her membership and affiliation with a group of highly intelligent literary women of good humor and various ages who came together to discuss topics of all sorts. These classy women might have a bit to say about the topic of aging if we can get them in the right mood. Cathy, Ann, Win, Libby, Helen, Jo, Ellen, Jane, Betty, et al? There are a group of us here in Vermont that would love to hear more about this topic.