Archive for April 8, 2009
Hawkishness
by John Weckerle
We were delighted by a rare treat this morning when we looked out and saw this hawk stopped for a drink from our backyard fountain, one of the three to four water sources we maintain for local wildlife: this fountain, a trough out front with rocks and a pump, a shallow birdbath and, during the warmer months, a small fountain on the front porch. The backyard fountain is a general bird magnet, with all types visiting. The trough is a favorite of the deer, and all the birds seem to love bathing in it. The shallow birdbath is new, and near the backyard fountain, so it’s hard to know who’s showing up for it, and the front porch fountain is a big hit with the lesser goldfinches, house finches, nuthatches, and other small birds.
The first reader to identify this hawk will receive a free case of notoriety.
Spring Must Be Here…
by John Weckerle
The weather is warming up, and so are the musicians! For three consecutive Fridays starting April 17, the Mountainair 2009 Spring Concert Series will be presenting concerts at the Brazil Auditorium on Limit Street and Highway 60. The April 17 will feature Holy Water & Whiskey, with traditional, folk, bluegrass, gospel, Western, and other tunes. The New Mexico Marimba Band will present pop, jazz, and authentic Mexican marimba music on April 24. The Watermelon Mountain Jug Band will serve up a heaping helping of ragtime, country, bluegrass, some rock and roll, and a Spanish ranchera added for spice on May 1. All concerts start at 7 p.m. and involve one of our favorite four-letter words – free. For more information, see the Manzano Mountain Arts Council web site.
Also, don’t forget the Kite Fair and Green Energy Festival at Wildlife West Nature Park in Edgewood. There will be kites, kites, more kites, and vendors/demonstrators representing a wide variety of green energy and sustainable technologies and services – and much more. It’s a great outing and an opportunity to learn a thing or two! For more information, see the Wildlife West Kite Fair and Green Energy Festival page.