Update.
It looks like I have found a solution. If you want to support in any way, you can visit my Patreon (https://patreon.com/Ostdrossel) or buy things at my Redbubble shop (linked on the main page).
I mentioned it a while ago, but a couple of weeks ago, my work situation changed a bit. As a result of this, I will have to close this website because I am currently not able to afford it. I will continue to take photos and videos and post them on social media, but the website is a luxury that is out of my current budget. I will try and find a free solution, and the livestreams may eventually get moved to my YouTube channel. I am sorry about this and I will keep you updated.
A personal note.
Spring is just around the corner, which means that activity will pick up, which in turn means that this birding hobby can become quite pricey. My work situation has changed a bit recently, and in order to be able to continue with all of this, I may need some support. Asking for that is not something I really like to do, but at the moment, I do not see any other way. I have created a Patreon account for this very reason. You may check things out here.
I am happy to hear what people have to say and what suggestions for a subscription reward you have, so do not hesitate to get in touch. And have a beautiful evening.
Fall is here!
I am sorry I haven’t posted here a lot, but things have been busy, and sometimes it is easier to write on social media. I am always watching the weather forecast, and early this week, it became clear that the last warm days were ahead of us, so I decided to use the nice weather to take out the pond and set up the heated bath. I take the liner out of the ground because I never found a good way to cover it completely and it is just easier this way. The timing was perfect, the weather took a real turn this week, and today temperatures are noticeably cooler. I have been collecting Black walnuts every day too, hulled and washed them and let them cure for later use. They make excellent bird food but are a bit hard to crack. Today, there were also the first pretty leaves showing, and I noticed why there is such little bird activity at the feeders - our garden is brimming with natural food.
Pew pew pew - an announcement
This is from February 25, and it shows nicely how vocal the Juncos are. They have already become less in the last few days, a sure sign that migration is underway. This is one of the more boring times of the year, and I have decided to pause feeding for a bit for several reasons. For once, I have seen some Finches that might have the dreaded Finch Eye disease, for two, it is a good opportunity to clean the palate, so to speak, and maybe make the larger groups of MoDos and also the Starlings to disperse. I am cleaning all feeders thoroughly with a 1:10 bleach solution and have changed camera setups to still capture whatever exciting might happen without feeders. This is tough on me but it is a good time for this in the season, and it might also help the BBs with their nesting efforts. I have lots of material so I can still continue to post.
If you see puffed up birds that seem to “nap” on the feeder and look cute and tame, they might actually be sick. This does not mean you have made them sick but you can take measures to keep your birds healthy. Finches are prone to certain illnesses because of their genetic makeup, so they are a good bird to keep an eye on for possible issues. I will keep feeders down for 10 to 14 days to let the birds disperse and let nature take its course.
Video: A very elegant nightly visitor and a PSA
During more boring times like right now, it is often wonderful to see something unusual. Like this Fox that came at night for a drink. He looks so elegant, and I love how attentive his ears are.
PSA - the livestream will be inactive for a couple of days but will be back live soon again.
Thank you!
With your help, we were able to donate a little contribution to the Houston Food Bank to help Texans during these crazy times.
Livestream is back up!
There is a lot of snow and it is cold but the livestream is back. You can find it here in the livestream section. I know Germany also has very wintery weather right now, and I am sending warm greetings! Stay warm, everyone!
We had planned
for a while to make physical donations to help the homeless in our area but since COVID is still ravaging, we have decided to donate the money instead to help those who distribute food to people who cannot afford it, and do that more efficiently than we ever could. So this donation went to World Central Kitchen. You can read all about their inspiring efforts on their website, https://wck.org/. We will continue to try and support those who are less fortunate than us by donating portions of the profits from Ostdrossel mask sales. You can find all masks at the main page of ostdrossel.com and on Redbubble. Thank you all for the support ❤️
October donation
I have split up this month’s charity donation. One part went to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy to help their efforts with Covid-19 relief, the other part went to the Wildlife Conservation Society in honor and memory of a good friend and wildlife lover.
(I have yet to decide on a new charity. Feeding America has sold my data, so I am currently getting swamped with (mostly political) charity requests, and while I generally love what they do, this has left a bitter taste. If you know of a worthy cause, feel free to email or message me.)
Donation to the Native American Rights Fund
Thanks to all of you and your generosity, I was able to donate $243 to the Native American Rights Fund. The profits of the current mask sales with go to Feeding America again. Thank you all for being so generous. Wear a mask to increase the safety of yourself and others during this pandemic. You can find all masks that I have available here on ostdrossel.com or at my Redbubble shop ostdrossel.redbubble.com. Be safe out there and come good into the week!
