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jwirth.bsky.social
Slowly removing lawn, replacing with native plants. My one small step for wildlife, climate, anxiety. Reading, learning to play the ukelele, front porch birding and nature observing. Trying to stay informed but not stressed out.
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I wondered if the spring drought would stunt the growth of the perennials, but they’ve recovered with lots of rain. Now we’ll see what the heat does. 🥵. #nativeplants 🌱

submitted 1 day ago • 2 comments

Insect collector and insect receiver. House sparrows. #birds

submitted 3 days ago • 0 comments

This dead branch on a dying red oak that hangs out over our lawn and garden is a favorite perch of the bluebirds. It’s a great spot to watch for insect activity. And a great spot for us to see them. #birds

submitted 8 days ago • 4 comments

Rainy day parsley. 🌱

submitted 15 days ago • 1 comment

Not my usual essay, but sometimes the world gives a writer no choice of subjects. When terror comes for your neighbors, you stand witness. www.nytimes.com/2025/05/22/o...

submitted 31 days ago • 7 comments

Are the American Goldfinches eating last year’s seed on the Shrubby St. John’s Wort or just hanging out? #birds 🌱 #nativeplants

submitted 31 days ago • 0 comments

It’s been so enjoyable watching parent birds showing their young the important features of our garden habitat. “Now this is the pedestal birdbath.” They fly off together. “And this is the ground birdbath.” House finches. #birds

submitted 32 days ago • 0 comments

We have a small Wildlife Habitat sign in our yard, but I wasn’t thinking of rabbits. We have two (for now) who have moved in. 🌱 #nativeplants #nature

submitted 36 days ago • 1 comment

They have fledged! Bluebirds. #birds

submitted 37 days ago • 1 comment

Last week, the Prairie Ninebark was covered with clusters of delicate white flowers and this week the clusters have become red capsules. I didn’t know that would happen. How lovely! 🌱 #nativeplants

submitted 37 days ago • 1 comment

Anyone up for badminton? Eastern Phoebe. #birds

submitted 38 days ago • 0 comments

We had a lot of rain yesterday, as the bedraggled mourning dove can confirm. #birds

submitted 39 days ago • 1 comment

A tiny bird that looks more like an insect on the left side of the photo is annoying the red shouldered hawk. A red winged blackbird was also in pursuit. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to identify the brave little bird. #birds

submitted 39 days ago • 1 comment

Despite the early drought, our native plant garden is looking pretty lush. However, some plants didn’t survive the winter so I’ve added a few plants (in the cages) to fill in. Also, some plants don’t show up until warmer weather, hopefully. 🌱 #nativeplants

submitted 40 days ago • 0 comments

The Eastern red columbine was the only native plant, and almost the only plant of any description, in our yard when we moved here four years ago. Such a beautiful flower. 🌱 #nativeplants

submitted 41 days ago • 0 comments

Mom and Pop and the six kids. They’re so cute when they’re young. Canada geese. #birds

submitted 45 days ago • 0 comments

Shouldn’t this be a bigger story?!? Senator Mark Warner calls for probe into report that WH is pressuring countries to use Musk’s Starlink company in exchange for tariff relief. Watch: open.substack.com/pub/jimacost...

submitted 48 days ago • 194 comments

Such big eyes, I say. The better to see you with, my dear, says the tufted titmouse. #birds

submitted 48 days ago • 1 comment

Me, when I suddenly remember to correct my posture. American goldfinch perched in a dying spruce tree. #birds

submitted 49 days ago • 1 comment

I didn’t know there is more than one type of hummingbird moth until two different kinds showed up on the woodland phlox this week. Snowberry Clearwing (maybe, but the kind I always see) and Sphinx hummingbird moths. #gardening #nativeplants #moths

submitted 50 days ago • 2 comments

We almost never see a rose-breasted grosbeak. They mostly pass us by during migration, but an occasional one will find our bird feeders. #birds

submitted 55 days ago • 4 comments

A lovely, uplifting read from the BBC, with interesting facts and figures about the positive impacts of #gardening with #nativeplants. #whatyouplantmatters www.bbc.com/future/artic...

submitted 55 days ago • 0 comments