I had nothing in particular on my mind until I read your post. I love your bird musings - and really want to know about the seminar you mentioned. Finding your media persona sounds super interesting to me and I’d love to attend if it is available to the general public. Is it? 🤞🤞
You're kind! I teach it as an undergrad course at Montclair State University, but if there was enough interest here on Substack, I would teach a similar course! LMK.
People see colors differently or, in the case of color blindness, don't see them. Maybe whoever named this bird saw a shade of purple. My daughter and I have always occasionally disagreed about shades of color, or underlying colors. I'm worried that in St Louis County we're supposed to get up to 76 degrees today, Feb. 26. While the warm weather means I can open up my windows and get some much needed fresh air, it is also a sign of climate change.
Your question feels so Orwellian- so much like the whole world we live in now- we see one thing and others tell us we're wrong, that it's actually something else. Like the happy little tourist event that just became a bit over zealous on January 6th. So here's my take. Forget what others tell us. We know in our guts what is true and what isn't. And for the psycho who named the Purple Finch, I have four words for you: Get. Your. Eyes. Checked. Mama ain't playin' anymore.
I miss sitting outside (or inside) and watching all the different types of birds. I had lots of birdseed, and I have a GREAT recipe for suet using peanut butter and oats. Edible too! The birds, squirrels and every creature outside loved it. Me too.
Used to live in the country in PA. Now in coastal FL. Here's the recipe, from Enjoying Woodpeckers More, by Julie Zickefoose, 1999...most birds, squirrels, and others outside liked it.
No-Melt Peanut Butter Suet
2 cups crunchy peanut butter
2 cups lard (no substitutes)
4 cups "quick cook" oats
4 cups corn meal
2 cups white flour
2/3 cup sugar
Melt the lard and peanut butter in pot over low heat. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Spoon this mixture into square freezer containers, packing firmly to about 1-1/2 inches thick. Cover with container lid. Store in the freezer. (Receipe states it won't melt, but mine got very soft in warmer/hot weather.) Note: If mixture is not fairly stiff in consistency, add a small amount of meal or oats. Will make 6-7 suet cakes.
Haha! I doubt that anything could impede your personal progress, at least not for long.
Somehow reminded me of the time when my young and perhaps literal-minded Midwestern nieces and nephew came to visit me in the Bay Area years ago, excited to be in California but so appalled to see that the Golden Gate Bridge is not, in fact, golden! (It’s of course that reddish shade that’s actually quite pleasing, when the disappointment passes!)
I’ve often thought this as well, why so many bird descriptions are off, also tree descriptions (Eastern Red Bud tree, has red leaves and pink buds/flowers!) 😄🤔 and I’ve attributed it to the persons inability to describe it accurately and or colored blindness. Whoever’s in that job position of assigning the name & description, we get what their perception is 🙃
It can be confusing when things don't match our expectations, like the color of purple finches. This discrepancy might challenge our perceptions, but it also offers an opportunity to explore the complexity and diversity of the natural world. Embracing these unexpected discoveries can enrich our understanding and appreciation of the world around us, even if it means adjusting our preconceptions.
I'm assuming Lucy is a cat? Both my cats 'ack, ack, ack' at the window. It's almost as much fun to watch as the birds. Lucy is a great name for a cat, btw.
Lucy is indeed a cat. Her foster mom named her after Lucille Ball--smart, feisty, talkative redhead who keeps us laughing. Perfect name! In her adoption profile it said she would be best with a home with a brother (check, Clancy) and birdwatching (check, five windows and two sliders to watch a balcony and terrace with 35 containers of plants).
Lucy cat in honor of our beloved Lucille Ball. I loved her even as a child. I love birds as well! In my new apt I now get to see a few out the living room window. Joy! First time I’ve lived where I could see birds 😍 35 plants? Yes! lol… I love my plant babies. I lost some due to recent long distance move…but I luv the 4 I have and ready to start potting for Spring 🌻🦋💃🏽💃🏽🌱🪴🍀🐞☘️🌿🪴🌱🌳🐇🪴🍃🦜🦢🦆🪿🦅
Me too! Who could ever forget a name like "tufted titmouse?" In fact, I insist that you refer to me only as such from now on.
Also, I will never be able to tell the difference between a house finch and a purple finch. I'm pretty sure they can't either.
My bird book described those finches as “sparrows dipped in raspberry juice!!” Love it💕💕
That is the best best description.
Marissa, I have identified the 25, or 30, or 35 different kinds of birds that come to my feeder.
However, the very next day after I identify them all I forget every them all except for Tufted Titmouses, Blue Jays and Robbins.
Just to say that to women of a certain age (76), you are a hero!
Ha ha, I can always recognize orioles, hummingbirds chickadees, cardinals and woodpeckers. Most of the warblers escape me. We get 2 kinds of wren
I think the purple finch is deliberately encouraging you to demonstrate radical acceptance. xo
Oh, you have no idea how much I need to hear that this week!
Ummm, I think maybe I do... xo
I had nothing in particular on my mind until I read your post. I love your bird musings - and really want to know about the seminar you mentioned. Finding your media persona sounds super interesting to me and I’d love to attend if it is available to the general public. Is it? 🤞🤞
Thanks so much for all your delicious writing!!
You're kind! I teach it as an undergrad course at Montclair State University, but if there was enough interest here on Substack, I would teach a similar course! LMK.
That would be fantastic! I’ll be happy to be the first sign-up…!
People see colors differently or, in the case of color blindness, don't see them. Maybe whoever named this bird saw a shade of purple. My daughter and I have always occasionally disagreed about shades of color, or underlying colors. I'm worried that in St Louis County we're supposed to get up to 76 degrees today, Feb. 26. While the warm weather means I can open up my windows and get some much needed fresh air, it is also a sign of climate change.
76 degrees???????????? Oh dear gussie. That isn't normal. Or I should probably now begin saying, that didn't use to be normal...
I heard it as getting nearly to 80° in Chicago today then 28° tomorrow
You were warmer than we were in coastal GA
and today, Thurs., I was wearing, scarf, hat, gloves, etc., again. My crocus get all excited and now they're like, uh, no thanks, we'll wait.
Your question feels so Orwellian- so much like the whole world we live in now- we see one thing and others tell us we're wrong, that it's actually something else. Like the happy little tourist event that just became a bit over zealous on January 6th. So here's my take. Forget what others tell us. We know in our guts what is true and what isn't. And for the psycho who named the Purple Finch, I have four words for you: Get. Your. Eyes. Checked. Mama ain't playin' anymore.
Orwellian indeed. Everything.
I miss sitting outside (or inside) and watching all the different types of birds. I had lots of birdseed, and I have a GREAT recipe for suet using peanut butter and oats. Edible too! The birds, squirrels and every creature outside loved it. Me too.
I'm sorry you aren't able to see birds where you are. Your bird food concoction sounds just like something birds would love. How did you make it?
Used to live in the country in PA. Now in coastal FL. Here's the recipe, from Enjoying Woodpeckers More, by Julie Zickefoose, 1999...most birds, squirrels, and others outside liked it.
No-Melt Peanut Butter Suet
2 cups crunchy peanut butter
2 cups lard (no substitutes)
4 cups "quick cook" oats
4 cups corn meal
2 cups white flour
2/3 cup sugar
Melt the lard and peanut butter in pot over low heat. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Spoon this mixture into square freezer containers, packing firmly to about 1-1/2 inches thick. Cover with container lid. Store in the freezer. (Receipe states it won't melt, but mine got very soft in warmer/hot weather.) Note: If mixture is not fairly stiff in consistency, add a small amount of meal or oats. Will make 6-7 suet cakes.
Haha! I doubt that anything could impede your personal progress, at least not for long.
Somehow reminded me of the time when my young and perhaps literal-minded Midwestern nieces and nephew came to visit me in the Bay Area years ago, excited to be in California but so appalled to see that the Golden Gate Bridge is not, in fact, golden! (It’s of course that reddish shade that’s actually quite pleasing, when the disappointment passes!)
Ach, you're kind. And kind comments are going a long way this week. It's been a doozy.
As for the Golden Gate Bridge. OMG. I think we need to make a list of misnamed things!
🪶💝 Monday musings, delightful way to start the week! 😄
Dear Marissa: You. Read. My. Mind!
I’ve often thought this as well, why so many bird descriptions are off, also tree descriptions (Eastern Red Bud tree, has red leaves and pink buds/flowers!) 😄🤔 and I’ve attributed it to the persons inability to describe it accurately and or colored blindness. Whoever’s in that job position of assigning the name & description, we get what their perception is 🙃
This is a v good point!
It can be confusing when things don't match our expectations, like the color of purple finches. This discrepancy might challenge our perceptions, but it also offers an opportunity to explore the complexity and diversity of the natural world. Embracing these unexpected discoveries can enrich our understanding and appreciation of the world around us, even if it means adjusting our preconceptions.
Nice point.
Good morning! What's the thought that's holding you back? Maybe talking it out will help clear your mind and get you back on track for your classes.
Probably named by a man. As a tetrochromat myself, I say this with pity more than censure.
"tetrochromat." thank you for improving my vocabulary!
I'd say "anytime," but I doubt I would be able to improve your vocabulary on a regular basis, because it's so darn good already!
Doesn’t matter what color they are: Lucy will sit in the window and chatter at them while dreaming of chasing them off the balcony .
I'm assuming Lucy is a cat? Both my cats 'ack, ack, ack' at the window. It's almost as much fun to watch as the birds. Lucy is a great name for a cat, btw.
Lucy is indeed a cat. Her foster mom named her after Lucille Ball--smart, feisty, talkative redhead who keeps us laughing. Perfect name! In her adoption profile it said she would be best with a home with a brother (check, Clancy) and birdwatching (check, five windows and two sliders to watch a balcony and terrace with 35 containers of plants).
Lucy cat in honor of our beloved Lucille Ball. I loved her even as a child. I love birds as well! In my new apt I now get to see a few out the living room window. Joy! First time I’ve lived where I could see birds 😍 35 plants? Yes! lol… I love my plant babies. I lost some due to recent long distance move…but I luv the 4 I have and ready to start potting for Spring 🌻🦋💃🏽💃🏽🌱🪴🍀🐞☘️🌿🪴🌱🌳🐇🪴🍃🦜🦢🦆🪿🦅