Dad

My Dad, seen here with two of his favorite things, 

steak and wine, while with his family.

And sporting a tee shirt from a trip he made to Europe. He loved to travel, and visited every continent except Antarctica (he hated cold).

Edward Mattan

July 10, 1929 - September 7, 2020

Two more of his favorite things were reading and talking on the phone. He also enjoyed falling asleep in his chair while watching TV, mostly sports and detective shows.

On the waiting list over 25 years, when he finally got season tickets to his favorite NFL team he was at the point where he preferred the at home TV experience. His nephew John, through his company, footed the bill for the tickets, and Dad and I would go to one game a year. This contest, against the Bears, was a Giant's win, in a game where the G-Men recorded 10 sacks. 

~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Dad's drink of choice was Jack Daniel's on the rocks. 

He'd enjoy one pretty much every evening.

We poured one out for him, to toast and celebrate his life. I invite you to do the same, with whatever your favorite beverage may be.

Farewell Dad. 

Farewell.

Yard Critter of the Week - Chestnut-sided Warbler

 Chestnut-sided Warbler.

But wait, you say, is the chestnut on the other side?

Nope. Threw me off for a bit too. Seems this is another Youngin', as first winter birds do not show any chestnut color on their sides. They also sport that eye ring.

This bird, or multiple birds, have been visiting the bird baths intermittently for a couple of weeks.

And visiting they are, as while Chestnut-sided Warblers do breed in New Jersey, it is only in the northwestern corner of the state.

Very cool that it has come to visit us.

🐤  🐤  🐤  🐤  🐤

You can find all of the Yard Critter posts listed here.

Youngins

It is the time of year when young birds are setting out on their own. Although some still following their parents, who seem ready to have the kids become independent.

The first two images are of a young Mourning Dove. This species is easily the mostly common bird in the yard, followed closely by Tufted Titmouse this year.

When I first saw this bird I quick grabbed my camera, thinking it was something new and special, as I didn't recognize it as a Mourning Dove.

Next we have this angry looking young Eastern Bluebird.

Here seen begging/demanding to be fed. 

I don't know if it was actually fed, or if mom or dad was just showing it the food that was available down at the feeder.

Last we have young Wild Turkeys. Annual visitors to our feeders. 

Curiously, they have no problem getting into the yard, but often seem to have problems with the deer fence when trying to leave. Patty had to go out and open the gate to let the last of them out.

As mentioned before in these posts, we maintain our yard and gardens to be wildlife friendly. And it is nice to see that we're doing something right.

Yard Critter of the Week - Common Yellowthroat

Common Yellowthroat.

Another visiting warbler. This is a male, as it is sporting a black eye mask. Females are mask-less.

These birds are skulkers, preferring to forage in the understory foliage. We can't help but think that the installation of the deer fence, and the resulting full lush gardens, are a big reason we've seen so many warblers this year.

Of course, being home all day every day no doubt has something to do with it too.

🐤  🐤  🐤  🐤  🐤

You can find all of the Yard Critter posts listed here.

Indian Pipe

My friend Liz posted a picture of Indian Pipe online the other day. This prompted me to see if we had it growing here again.

We do.

Quite a bit actually. Even more than last year it seems. Three nice patches.

Still searching for Pinesap though ...

Meanwhile, At The Back Bubbler

Things are just as busy.

By far the most common critter on the trail cam images, the Mourning Doves seem to love the back bubbler.

Snakes have been quite active in the yard of late, and this, or multiple, Northern Black Racers have shown up in the trail cam images.

A critter we'd rather not see in the yard, and we have two (indoor!) cats. We've seen this kitty on a regular basis. It is not clear it is healthy nor happy. It is staring straight a a frog on the back edge of the water.

Our current favorite trash bird.

Another warbler that makes regular appearances here, Ovenbirds, like the Prothonotary above, breed in our woods.

I don't think its teeth are quite strong enough. And I doubt it tastes good, or has any real nutritional value for that matter.

🐦  🐍  🐱  🐿

Even though it is mostly hidden from view, at least from the house and deck, we're happy the back bubbler is being used by the so many of the critters that share our yard.

Except for that cat.

How Many People ...

... have Prothonotary Warbler on their Deck Bird List?

(How many people have a deck bird list?)

I do.

Maybe I should start a deck furniture list?

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It is getting a bit ridiculous. This is a bird people travel to see. It is a bird that is a highlight of field trips. And one almost hit our cat Max in the face, he actually swatted at it, as I was carrying him in from the deck (where he was properly leashed) this afternoon.