Who We Are



The past few years, the area where I live, Crawford County, Ohio, has seen a wonderful explosion of younger families who are embracing the joys and challenges of living off the land. Because of them, amazing things are happening which have been embraced by our community. Farmer’s markets have been created and on-farm stores have opened. Families dedicated to growing organic produce and naturally raised meats are meeting the public’s needs for locally raised foods. And at the heart of this movement are the women.



Ohio Country Journal is my attempt to share the essence of farm life, focusing on, but not limited to, women. My goal is to bring you into our circle of friendship by inviting you to share your stories and experiences with us. You don’t have to be a full time country woman to benefit from joining us; you just have to be you.





The full-time country women featured in Ohio Country Journal are an inspiration to anyone who dares to follow her dreams, whether it is to live in the country or to bring the country life-style to their urban neighborhoods.





Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Cedar Waxeing

 
 
 
This past week my friend and fellow nature photographer buff, Steve, has been finding hoards of Cedar Waxwings at Amann/Amick Reservoirs.
 
I have not been so lucky.
 
 
Bummer :(
 
 
 
The first time that I saw Cedar Waxwings was during a home invasion of my Hawthorn tree, which is right outside the window where I work.
 
 
Below is part of what I wrote about the experience for the Galion Inquirer. Stay tuned to this blog for chapter 2 for more info on Cedar Waxwings and another friend's experience with these awesome birds :)
 
Marcheta *waxing ornithological
 
 

"Cedar Waxwings (bombycilla cedrorum) are lovely to watch. They sport black masks that I am sure are the envy of area raccoons and spiked crests that resemble those of cardinals. With wings smooth as doves’, these birds are a color mix of soft brown, gray, and lemon yellow, with bright red patches on their wing tips. Being extremely social, they are usually found in large numbers. 
I first noticed cedar waxwings twelve years ago while I was working in my home office. It was early March and suddenly from the corner of my eye I saw a huge flock of birds land in the Hawthorn tree that is close to a window. Since this room is on the second story, my window is at eye-level with the tree’s canopy. 
 
 The tree is so close to the house that I felt that if I opened the window, I could reach out and touch the birds. Those masked marauders were feasting on the Hawthorn berries like nothing I had ever seen. I stood in awe for the half hour that it took the birds to completely strip the tree, which is the pride and joy of my winter landscape. 
 
 I didn’t know what kind of birds those were, nor did I understand what had just happened. Lucky for me, Jim knew. He identified them as cedar waxwings and explained that the bright red berries attracted the huge congregation.
 
 Having depleted our tree, they were off to strip other trees and bushes. I was miffed that my tree was left barren, but the memory of the exhilarating experience of watching the birds is something that will stay with me for my lifetime."
 



No comments:

Post a Comment