Comments on: i know what birds like: 11 backyard-habitat tips

By: Margaret

Margaret — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:50:07 +0000

@Barb: I heard her on NPR “Fresh Air” not long ago. Totally fascinating, and also such a tender tale. Thanks for the reminder.

By: Barb

Barb — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:16:47 +0000

I have just finished reading “Alex and Me,” by Dr. Irene Pepperberg – a true story about a research scientist and her parrot, Alex. It explores how parrots think and communicate, leading to an increased understanding of our feathered friends and linguistics in general. Excellent reviews and a thoroughly engaging lovely story. I recommend it highly.

By: Margaret

Margaret — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:15:09 +0000

@Lana: ‘Winter Red’ gets big. My oldest plants (15+years, maybe more) are easily 10 by 10 feet. They are as you suggest 6 to 8 feet apart, and have grown into one another so that it’s more of a mass than one shrub at a time that you see. I staggered the planting so that they are not precisely in a line, so you are correct there, too. ‘Winter Red’ was my first winterberry, and because I loved it so much I now have every imaginable kind. Watch out…addictive! (And thanks re: the funny kitchen.)

By: Lana Potter

Lana Potter — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:03:26 +0000

i am going to plant the winterberry hollies. the only variety i am able to get from the nursery is winter red. my question: how far apart? and pattern of planting? i didn’t want to just “line them up”. i am thinking i have space for at least twelve, spacing them eight feet apart. the nursery man said i could even go to just six feet. i want it to look “woodsy” thank you. ps: love your kitchen.

By: catjane

catjane — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 17:36:44 +0000

Thanks for the reminder about “Project FeederWatch.” I know you mentioned it last year, and it seemed like a good idea . . . but, I never signed up. This time I did it right away. I watch the birds anyway, so why not put the activity to good use. I like the sound of “citizen scientist”!