Welcome to the Watch the Birds blog!

Hello and Welcome to the "Watch the Birds" blog, straight from the Green Mountains!

My name is Madeleine and since the age of nine, I have been writing a bird column, documenting bird activity and discoveries from my backyard. My beloved grandmother ignited my passion for birds at an early age, showing me the beauty and bounty of nature and the avian world. Now, an avian enthusiast and full-time student, I continue to explore and appreciate the world of birds around me.

Since 2001, I have written a seasonal bird column for the Manchester Journal, the weekly publication for the Northshire area of Southern Vermont. My very first column was published in another area publication the summer of 2000, when I was nine years of age. The following summer, I switched to the Journal, where I continue to publish.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

A Break from Birdwatching...

"To sit in the shade on a fine day, and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment." --Jane Austen, Mansfield Park

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Even when the long, lazy days of Vermont summer seem to drag and when birds are more scarce than I can hope, I can always find repose and a paint-box of colours in my flower garden.

After years of careful planning, ripping out, and redoing, the garden is finally starting to take shape. These photos are from my newest flower bed, which has also given me the most trouble. When I thought I had gotten it right, I relalised that my work had in fact just begun. Now, however, I am happy to say that I am pleased with the course this patch is taking.




One of the new varieties in my garden: the Himalayan Cinquefoil.



A sprig of coral bells after an afternoon shower.
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