Phil Donahue and Milan Bull talk Purple Martins!

l. to r. Phil Donahue, Emmy Award-winning television personality & keeper of Purple Martins, aka “Gazebo Phil”; Milan Bull, Director of Science and Conservation, Connecticut Audubon Society. Guest Speakers, Friends of Sherwood Island 15th Annual Meeting, Sherwood Islands S.P. Nature Center on June 6, 2013. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson / KymryGroup™ All Rights Reserved.

Many friends gathered at the beautiful setting of Sherwood Island State Park, Nature Center for the Friends of Sherwood Islands 15^th Annual meeting. Over 75 people gathered at Nature Center for the Annual Meeting. The Friends of Sherwood Island elected a new slate of officers and thanked the departing board members.

Crowds gather to hear guest speakers, Phil Donahue and Milan Bull talk about Purple Martins at the Friends of Sherwood Island 15th Annual Meeting held at Sherwood Islands S.P. Nature Center on June 6, 2013. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson / KymryGroup™ All Rights Reserved.

Sherwood Island Park Supervisor Jim Beschle provided an update on Park conditions and despite funding issues, the storm damage has been cleaned up, new water mains will be installed and pavilion will be upgraded to include solar heat and hot water with restrooms open all year. After a pleasant business meeting and positive report on the Park, Liz-Ann Koos, President, Friends of Sherwood Island S.P introduced board member, Tina Green, who introduced the speakers.

Guest speakers, Phil Donahue the Emmy Award-winning television personality and lover of Purple Martin aka “Gazebo Phil” and Milan Bull, Director of Science and Conservation for the Connecticut Audubon Society.

l. to r. Milan Bull, Director of Science and Conservation, Connecticut Audubon Society; Liz-Ann Koos, President, Friends of Sherwood Island S.P; Phil Donahue, Emmy Award-winning television personality & keeper of the Purple Martins, aka “Gazebo Phil”; Jim Beschle, Park Supervisor, Sherwood Island S.P. Friends of Sherwood Island, 15th Annual Meeting held at Sherwood Islands S.P. Nature Center on June 6, 2013. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/ KymryGroup™ All Rights Reserved.

Phil Donahue spoke from the heart as Gazebo Phil and told us how he came to be a landlord to a Purple Martin colony. Phil shared how the Purple Martins taught him about wonder and discovery as an adult. As a child, he was not encouraged to explore and question, but was naturally curious anyway. Today he sees clearly that the lessons taught by pure investigation of the natural world, are simply vital to a child’s experience and will open undreamed of doors if this curiosity is nurtured.

Phil Donahue, Emmy Award-winning television personality & keeper of the Purple Martins, aka “Gazebo Phil” Guest Speaker at the Friends of Sherwood Island 15th Annual Meeting held at Sherwood Islands S.P. Nature Center on June 6, 2013. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson / KymryGroup™ All Rights Reserved.

Milan Bull, spoke about the science of Purple Martins and the recent identified plight of all aerial insectivores in Connecticut. Miley related the theme of Purple Martin’s to the major issue identified in the Connecticut Audubon Society 2013 “State of the Birds” report just released. All kinds of birds that find food in the air have seen a significant population decline. Something or some set of things is creating a steady downward spiral in the populations of swallows, swifts, goatsuckers, and flycatchers, all of whom in one way or another make their living from the food cleaned from the very air. There are a number of possible reasons, but so little is known about most of the factors that no single reason can be clearly identified. In fact so little is known, we really don’t even know what they eat or where it comes from. Much study is needed before it is too late.

Milan Bull, Director of Science and Conservation, Connecticut Audubon Society. Guest Speaker at the Friends of Sherwood Island 15th Annual Meeting held at Sherwood Islands S.P. Nature Center on June 6, 2013. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson / KymryGroup™ All Rights Reserved.

A good time was had by all!

l. to r. Milan Bull, Director of Science and Conservation, CT Audubon Society, Guest Speaker; Tina Green, President, Connecticut Ornithological Association, Board Member, Friends of Sherwood Island; Phil Donahue, Emmy Award-winning television personality & keeper of the Purple Martins, aka “Gazebo Phil”, Guest Speaker. Friends of Sherwood Island 15th Annual Meeting held at Sherwood Islands S.P. Nature Center on June 6, 2013. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/ KymryGroup™ All Rights Reserved.

Last year I had the wonderful opportunity as host, to interview Phil Donahue on BirdCallsRadio about his Purple Martins and Gazebo Phil. Here is the interview.           bcr 10-14-12PhilDonahue

Warm Weather Clothing Gear

 

Awhile back I wrote an article on Winter Clothing Gear. Some of the same thinking applies, like layering, but the fabric and thickness has change to the elements of the warmer months.

Now it is time to switch over to warm weather clothing gear and accessories. We all have outdoor adventurers, whatever they may be, the basics of clothing appearel is important that matches your adventure. You want to be as comfortable as possible, cool and have elbow space in your clothing. I certainly do. My suggestions will keep you dry and comfortable but at a price when all is said and done. You won’t have to buy again unless your still young and growing. That is worth it to me for all the times I spent money on gear that just didn’t work at all.   

Jackets ~ Arc’teryx Gore-Tex Shell Jacket Beta AR Jacket: http://www.arcteryx.com/                                                                                                                                                                                      

Solano lightweight Wind Stopper Jacket:                                                                      http://www.arcteryx.com/Product.aspx?EN/Womens/Jackets/Solano-Jacket-W#

Covert Cardigan: http://www.arcteryx.com/                                                                                                           

Covert Vest: http://www.arcteryx.com

Windpants ~ Marmot Precip Pants: http://www.backcountrygear.com

Shirts ~ ExOfficio: Air Strip™ Lite Long-Sleeve Shirt:                     http://www.exofficio.com/products/details/mens-air-strip-tall-long-sleeve-shirt

Bills Khakis: Long- Sleeve Cotton Shirts: http://billskhakis.com/                                                                                                                                                                                                

Hanes Beefy-T t-shirts:   Short or Long Sleeve 100% cotton. http://www.hanes.com/

                                                                   

Pants ~ Bill’s Khakis:                                                                                                                              Poplin Pants, Original Twill Pants, M2P Standard Fit Reverse Pleat: http://billskhakis.com

                                                                                                                                         

Shorts: http://billskhakis.com

Smartwool Socks: http://www.smartwool.com/mens/socks-2.html

LOWA Boots USA / Renegade II GTX® Low Boots: These are great boots. lower than the Mids (winter gear) for spring through fall use. I have both. Light, Gore-Tex. Again a favorite to buy and no break in time required at least for me. Put on and go! http://www.lowaboots.com

Muck Boots ~ Hoser Hi: The very best boot manufacture I have found for mucky situations.  http://www.muckboots.com/equineandpet/MB-HSH-000A.htm

All-Conditions Riding Boot:  Mucking out stalls, riding in the rain.              

 

Keen Sandels: http://www.keenfootwear.com

Tilley Hats: http://www.tilley.com

Adams  Ball Caps:                                                            http://www.wpsportswear.com/cgi-bin/live/site.w?location=b2c/product.w&product=lp101&top=catalog&parent=cat-00299&record=&frames=no&target=main&sponsor=000200

Announcement Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X

NEW Canon EF 200-400 f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x lens. Photo Courtesy of ©Canon USA.

Canon has officially introduced the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x – a top-end telephoto zoom with a built-in switchable teleconverter.  Simply flicking a lever at the rear of the barrel converts it to a 280-560mm f/5.6 lens. Designed for professional sports and wildlife photographers, it includes an array of top-end features such as Power Focus for movie shooting, and IS ‘mode 3′ that only applies stabilisation at the point of exposure, aiding panning. It also offers weathersealed construction, 4-stop image stabilisation, and a minimum focus distance of 2m. It will go on sale on May 29th at an Estimated Retail Price: $11,799.00.

Overview

Designed to satisfy the discriminating needs of sports and wildlife photographers, the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X is a high-performance super telephoto zoom lens with an optically matched built-in 1.4x extender for maximum versatility. With a simple flick of a switch, the zoom range can be quickly increased to 280-560mm (f/5.6). This capability is extremely useful in applications where it is not possible to change lenses quickly, while also protecting delicate equipment such as a digital SLR camera’s image sensor in environments with dust and high humidity. The EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X incorporates one fluorite and four UD lens elements, which provide excellent correction of chromatic aberration throughout the entire zoom range for professional quality images with high resolution, contrast and color fidelity, while a 9-blade circular aperture helps deliver beautiful, soft backgrounds. It utilizes inner focusing, ring USM, a high-speed CPU and optimized AF algorithms for fast and accurate autofocusing. And, with Power Focus mode, focus shifts are quiet and smooth, which is essential for filmmaking. Image stabilization is effective up to four shutter speed steps, with three image stabilization modes (standard, panning, and during exposure only) providing excellent results for a wide range of subjects. Optimized lens placement and coatings deliver outstanding color balance, while helping to minimize ghosting and flare. The lens is highly resistant to dust and water, enabling shooting even in harsh conditions. A fluorine coating on front and rear lens surfaces repels dust particles and makes the lens easier to clean.

Specifications

Main Unit Spec

Focal Length & Maximum Aperture	Built-in extender at 1x: 200-400mm, 1:4.0 Built-in extender at 1.4x: 280-560mm, 1:5.6
Lens Construction	Built-in extender at 1x: 25 elements in 20 groups (incl. 1 rear filter) Built-in extender at 1.4x: 33 elements in 24 groups (incl. 1 rear filter)
Diagonal Angle of View	Built-in extender at 1x: 12°-6°10′ Built-in extender at 1.4x: 8°50′-4°25′
Focus Adjustment	Inner focusing system
Closest Focusing Distance	6.6 ft. / 2m
Filter Size	52mm drop-In
Max. Diameter x Length, Weight	5.0 x 14.4 inches, 127.7 oz. / 128 x 366mm, 3620g

MTF Charts

Canon USA Press Release: 

Canon U.S.A. Announces The Availability Of The Versatile EF 200-400mm F/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X Super-Telephoto Zoom Lens.

Award-Winning Photographer Shares First-Hand Experiences with the EF 200-400mm F/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x lens

MELVILLE, N.Y., May 14, 2013 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced a dynamic new super-telephoto zoom lens, the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x. Designed for use with all Canon EOS Digital SLR cameras, the new L-series lens has an integrated 1.4x focal length extender and high-performance Image Stabilization technology, offering exceptional shooting flexibility and range, ideal for sports or wildlife photography.

The new EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x zoom lens features an optically matched built-in 1.4x extender that increases the maximum focal length to 560mm, simultaneously preserving image quality and enabling the seamless capture of distant, moving subjects. With a simple switch, photographers can easily increase zoom range, which is extremely useful when it’s difficult to change lenses quickly, and helps protect delicate equipment like a DSLR camera’s image sensor in environments with dust, high humidity or other extreme environmental factors.

Peter Read Miller, an award-winning sports photographer and Canon Explorer of Light, recently used the new lens while shooting various worldwide sporting competitions.

“I had the opportunity recently to use Canon’s new 200-400 lens at a number of sporting events,” said Miller. “I found it to be incredibly versatile, replacing several different prime lenses that I would usually carry. The zoom allows me to control my framing; the autofocus has speed equal to or faster than most fixed focal length telephoto lenses and the ability to engage the 1.4 extender without taking my eye away from the camera is a unique feature not found in any other telephoto lens available today.”

To help deliver beautiful, soft, image backgrounds, the lens features a 9-blade circular aperture. The lens also utilizes inner focusing, ring USM, a high-speed CPU and optimized AF algorithms for fast and accurate autofocusing. Quiet and smooth focus shifts – essential for filmmaking – are made possible with Canon’s Power Focus mode.

Using advanced optical materials such as fluorite crystal and UD glass, the new lens provides excellent correction of chromatic aberration throughout the entire zoom range, and delivers high-quality images with high levels of resolution, color fidelity and contrast. With three image stabilization modes, (standard, panning, and during exposure only) and stabilization effective up to four shutter speed steps, the new EF 200-400mm lens provides excellent results for a wide range of subjects and shooting scenarios. The new lens also includes dust- and water-resistant construction designed for extended usage under harsh conditions.

“The EF 200-400 along with the Canon EOS-1D X camera body is my new ‘go-to’ combination for shooting sports,” concluded Miller.

The EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x zoom lens is expected to be available at the end of May for an estimated retail price of $11,799.00.

For more information about Canon’s new EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x lens, and a full list of product specifications, visit www.usa.canon.com.

Here’s an additional article and some of the prospective benefits from two other pro photographers who photograph different styles and subjects. http://kymry.wordpress.com/2011/03/21/canon-ef200-400mm-f4l-is-usm-extender-1-4x-zoom/

Read to your Kid, It’s Children’s Book Week!

Book Cover, Close Looks in a Spring Woods, by Author & Photographer ©Martha McKeen Welch.  Book Cover photographs and text in this article  may not be used without written permission from ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/KymryGroup™ All Rights Reserved.

May is a beautiful time to get out into the woods, walk around and investigate what is growing in the woods. There are many treasures to find in the undergrowth. My mother, the late Martha McKeen Welch, was the author and photographer of this wonderful book “Close Looks in a Spring Woods”, published in 1981 by Dodd, Mead & Company. This was the last of her seven award winning books that were published.

Here some pearls of wisdom found in this book. Find your own.

The days lengthen and the sun thaws the frozen land. Rain now falls instead of snow, soaking into the softening earth. The woods look bare and lifeless, but underground wondrous changes are occurring. Seeds scattered at random the previous summer and fall start to swell and sprout. Roots inactive during the cold winter send up stems toward the air and sun. Eggs laid months before in a sheltered spot quiver and hatch. Buds on trees expand, bursting their scaly winter coverings.

Through deft text and close-up photographs, Mrs. Welch shows young readers not only what comes to life in a springs woods, but also where this budding life comes from. Each season contains the start of the next.

Everything that emerges in spring comes from something that was left, in protected form, to last the winter. And within the delicate beauty of spring are the first formations of things that will mature and ripen during the summer.

What better way to celebrate spring and Children’s Book Week! Celebrate the joy of reading this week. Read to your child or grandchild have your child or grandchild read to you.

This is a perfect time to go to your local library with your kids or grandkids and help them pick out a book to read or for you to read to them. I spent many hours sitting on my parents lap while they read me book after book from the library. I absolutely loved it.

If your library is one of the lucky ones, they may very well have this book, plus the other six. If not, here are a few libraries below that have it. Help support your local Libraries, to make sure they are around for future generations to come.

My mother’s additional books are. Saucy; Pudding and Pie, Nibbit; Just Like Puppies; Will That Wake Mother? and Sunflower!

Bedford Hills Free Library:                                           http://www.bedfordhillsfreelibrary.org/

Bedford Free Library:                                                              http://www.bedfordfreelibrary.org/

Katonah Village Library:                                                            http://www.katonahlibrary.org/

For additional information, please contact Mardi Welch Dickinson at mardi@kymrygroup.com or 203-846-0359.

Bird Food For People™ ~ Eagle’s Nest Sweet Retreat

Eagle’s Nest Sweet Retreat™. Photo Courtesy of ©Eagle’s Nest Sweet Retreat™. All Rights Reserved.

When I think of Eagle’s Nest, First thing that comes to mind is their outrageous Milkshakes, Ice Cream Sundaes in many different flavors and toppings. They also have Pizza’s in a slim crust or the standard, Subs, Several types of salads along with many others to choice from. All fresh ingredients. Whatever you do, you will be very happy with your selection. Click on Menu

Only minutes from Magee Marsh, BSBO and on your way to Maumee Bay State Park.

Oregon’s only Old Fashion Ice Cream Parlor and eatery. A family friendly atmosphere featuring something for every taste; from pizza, ice cream, grinders and signature coffees.  rain or shine our dining room, patio and drive thru are open 7 days a week, year round. Come in for a treat!

Eagle’s Nest Sweet Retreat 16 South Stadium Road, Oregon, OH 43616. 419-690-8940. Click on Directions  

Ice Cream Sunday, Eagle’s Nest Sweet Retreat™. Photo Courtesy of ©Eagle’s Nest Sweet Retreat™ All Rights Reserved.

They also have Free WIFI. Eagle’s Nest knows how important it is to stay connected when your out of town. They make so easy for you to relax and have a wonderful meal. Don’t forget to stop by for a great milkshake to go, if your on the run.

Pizza at Eagle’s Nest Sweet Retreat™. Photo Courtesy of ©Eagle’s Nest Sweet Retreat™ All Rights Reserved.

Blackburnian Warbler, A Survivor!

Blackburnian Warbler (Dendroica fusca) male, spring migrant, foraging in forest along Lake Erie, viewed from boardwalk at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, Oak Harbor, Ohio. ©Townsend P. Dickinson. All Rights Reserved.

We saw a male Blackburnian Warbler today at Birdcraft Sanctuary in Fairfield, CT, he was moving fast and foraging high. We saw many a year ago in Ohio at Magee Marsh, but the trees are lower and they were foraging at eye level and that migrant trap had a bigger pull. It was a nice modest fall out day and we saw other migrants as well. It was nice to see them again and we were elated to welcome them back. I shudder to think of all that this survivor has to face to afford us this fleeting look and yet my first stupid though is it sure is a pretty bird and I’m glad I saw it.

He likely spent the winter months, December through February in the lower Isthmus of Panama or Northern South America foraging as an integral part of the montane forest avifauna. Since he is likely more than two years old, he probably spent the previous winter within a ¼ of a mile this years wintering territory.

He headed north in March and likely followed the Central American land corridor up to the Yucatan in Mexico dodging predators along the way. He either jumped the Gulf of Mexico or hopscotched up the Caribbean and Florida Peninsula in April in a loose flock of his own kind on favorable winds. He was likely not alone, but shared the night sky with tens and tens of thousands of other birds. Forty years earlier he would have had more company, well over half of the trans gulf migrants have been lost by various causes since the 1960’s based on data gathered by Sid Gauthreaux, Clemson. They hit the gulf coast status in late March.

Once safely over the Gulf, the narrow stream of fellow migrants broadens out to fill the eastern half of the continent. By mid May they have reached birding hot spots such as Crane Creek, Ohio; Birdcraft Sanctuary, Connecticut; Central Park, NY or Monhegan Island, Maine. They still have a ways to go before they hit their breeding grounds in the boreal forests stretching from the Canadian Maritimes to Saskatchewan and in the Eastern Mountains of the US.

They raise their families in nests in conifer trees within the mature coniferous and mixed coniferous/deciduous forests and feast on the flush of spring insects and invertebrates. In fact without the foraging songbirds, the forest would be overrun with micro herbivores. When the young birds fledge they may join foraging flocks of chickadees, kinglets and nuthatches and continue the harvest during the warm months.

Fall migration can begin as early as late July and by August a stream of migrating warblers is reversing it’s spring journey back to the wintering grounds.

Here’s the rough math. Two months up, two months breeding, two months back down, and 6 months wintering, I am sure glad they are our birds. All they have to do is not get eaten by birds, snakes or mammals, not get poisoned, not get stuck in oil, not hit a window, not hit a building or a windmill or a radio tower, not get disorientated by city lights, find places to forage in forests every day of the long journey up and back, avoid  ten million domestic cats everywhere along the route, wind storms and freezing temperatures.

Bird Food For People™ ~ Seoul Gardens Chinese Restaurant

After being on your feet all day birding, photographing, digiscoping and viewing beautiful colorful songbirds et al., You are really tired and you know its time for a great dinner. This is a great place for Chinese bar none. It’s worth one more blast of energy to go eat here.

Seoul Gardens Chinese Restaurant 266 W. Water Street, Oak Harbor, OH 43449.  419-898-2564

Homemade Dumplings, Seoul Garden Chinese Restaurant, Oak Harbor, OH. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/ KymryGroup™ All Rights Reserved.

Seoul Gardens Chinese Restaurant is a family owned/operated business that will satisfy your palate with homemade items that are fresh. The food is always hot and  tasty and cooked to order. You can take out but since your already here the food is made from scratch!

Seoul Garden Chinese Restaurant, Oak Harbor, OH. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/ KymryGroup™ All Rights Reserved.

 One of my favorites is the Beef w scallions, bamboo shoots in a brown sauce with a side order of Pork Fried Rice. There is a huge menu to choice from so it will take you sometime to go through it all.

Pork Fried Rice, Beef w scallions, bamboo shoots in a brown sauce. Seoul Garden Chinese Restaurant, Oak Harbor, OH. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/ KymryGroup™ All Rights Reserved.

I always look forward to my next visit when I am in town.

PledgeToFledge Connecticut Boat Trip!

PledgeToFledge Connecticut By Sea April 27^th 2013. 

For  Immediate Release:                                                     Mardi Dickinson 203-846-0359         April 16, 2013                                                                        PledgeToFledge CT Coordinator Press Release or PSA                                                           mailto:mardi1d@gmail.com                                                                                                                                    

PledgeToFledge℠ Connecticut is pleased to announce its’ kickoff event with a birding adventure by boat on the C. J. Toth Quest catamaran around the beautiful Norwalk Islands, departing at 10:00am on Saturday, April 27, 2013. Pledge2Fledge CT has partnered with the famed Norwalk Seaport Association to bring you this fantastic event.  Mardi Dickinson, P2F CT Coordinator says, “This event is the perfect opportunity to help you understand the beauty of birds and other wildlife by experienced observers, including a young birder in a intimate setting by boat. Buy Online Tickets here: http://www.seaport.org/ Children 12 & under $12.00 Adults $15.00.

Pledge to Fledge℠ (P2F) is an international grassroots campaign to introduce friends and acquaintances to the vibrant pursuit and observation of wild bird species.  This is a terrific opportunity to share your love for birding with others, and to help people discover the allure of wild birds while connecting with the natural world around them. Bring a friend, neighbor or colleague to share the magic of birding and the outdoors. Come SEE Birds. SHARE Birds. SAVE Birds. http://www.globalbirdinginitiative.org/pledge-2-fledge/

This exciting adventure will take participants on a two hour boat cruise of the Norwalk Islands. This will enable accompanying friends and non-birders to experience the thrill of searching for, observing, and identifying birds and other wildlife that may be found here. Very few people get the opportunity to get up-close and personal with the wildlife that we will encounter on this trip! We have arranged for experienced observers to help locate and identify the Island’s incredible wildlife. This trip is designed specifically to give the new birders and nature enthusiast the opportunity to see birds in their natural habitats and experience the joy that comes from such encounters.

We invite you to bring a fledging birder and join us for a spectacular opportunity of a lifetime aboard the 45-foot C. J. Toth Quest catamaran. The shallow draft allows close approaches for great viewing, photography, and to study the incredible bird life found on Long Island Sound. In late April, the Norwalk Islands becomes a treasure house for nesting birds. Thousands of colony nesting species including herons, egrets, gulls and cormorants along with other species may be within a birds’ eye view from the boat.

Buy Online Tickets here: Norwalk Seaport Association. http://www.seaport.org/ Children 12 & under $12.00 Adults $15.00.  Departure: Sheffield Island Dock direction here at Washington & N. Water Norwalk, CT 06854. Temp: There can be a big difference between land and boating temps at this time of year, sometimes 20-30 degrees, other times 0. It can’t always be predicted. Please keep in mind that the weather on the boat will probably be 10 to 15 degrees cooler than on land.  Clothing: Wear layered comfortable clothing & supportive footwear. Perhaps wind proof shell jacket over fuzzy jacket or vest, gloves, ball cap/beanie, along with sunglasses, sunblock, binoculars, and cameras.

Sponsors are a welcomed support for T-Shirts/Ball Caps/Banners. Your logo will be applied (high-resolution 300 dpi, PDF or Vector files)  so all to see that you, your company or organization help support this worthwhile event. Contact: Mardi Dickinson 203-846-0359.

“Gifts of the Crow”

I have been fascinated with crows ever since I was young. Not that I was a birder back then, this was just a part of shared nature observations that was ongoing in my family anytime we were outside or looking out the window. My parents certainly would observe their behaviors and point them out to us. My father might say “watch the crows, they’re really smart you know. Let’s see if we can figure out what they are trying to do.” My father knew this would kindle my curiosity and my focus at a young age would kick in instantly with a new mystery to figure out.

John Marzluff with Crow. @Keith Burst. All Rights Reserved. 

Of course then I’d grill my parents,  “what are they doing and why are they doing that?” My father was not always sure, and might offer that maybe they were gathering nest material, as it was early spring. I recall my father commenting that when he would feed the birds, a crow once reciprocated and left my father a present where the food was scattered.

Famous caveman mask that annoys the crow flying above. ©Keith Brust. All Rights Reserved.

Fast forward years later to June of 2012; I had the pleasure of hosting an interview on BirdCallsRadio with John Marzluff and Tony Angell, Authors and Illustrator of the book, “Gifts of the Crow”.  This book had just been published on June 5, 2012 and is the second installment in this book series about the corvid family.  Click here to listen to my interview.  bcr 6-10-12 crows

Tony-Angell’s Illustration of Crows having fun. ©Tony-Angell. All Rights Reserved.

More recently the collaboration of Simon and Schuster publishers and the Mid-Manhattan Library of the New York Public Library, brought author Dr. John Marzluff Ph.D to New York City where he presented an Illustrated talk on his book “Gifts of the Crow” on Tuesday, April 2, 2013. A must have book that you will be hard pressed to put down!

Cynthia Chaldekas, Senior Librarian, from the The New York Public Library, Mid Manhattan., Introduces John Marzluff, Author, “Gifts of the Crow”. Illustrated presentation at The New York Public Library Mid-Manhattan. New York, NY. April 2, 2013.

Cynthia Chaldekas, Senior Librarian, The New York Public Library, Mid Manhattan., Introduces John Marzluff, Author, Gifts of the Crow. Illustrated presentation at The New York Public Library Mid-Manhattan. New York, NY. April 2, 2013. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/KymryGroup™. All Rights Reserved.

My husband, Townsend Dickinson offers his two cents after absorbing the book. I have been fond of crows since I was a kid growing up in suburbs in Connecticut. We cohabited with two different young crows in those years. My mother certainly had a soft spot for these orphans, as she was often the prime caregiver when school got in the way. The companionship of those two crows, are among my most vivid childhood memories. The second free flying crow would come over, when called by his name (Crow) and would join me on the driveway as I poured a little puddle of my drink. He’d only take a sip or two and generally would end bathing in the puddle. After the sips, the bath and maybe even a “hello Crow” he would fly up in the trees over our heads and would leave us to retire elsewhere to spend the night.

John Marzluff, Author, Gifts of the Crow. Illustrated presentation at the New York Public Library, Mid-Manhattan. New York, New York on April 2, 2013. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/Kymry Group™. All Rights Reserved.

I got to know them as social creatures and I also knew them to be very wary around humans for it was near the end of the days when a crow would be shot on sight by farmers. My venture into a deeper understanding of corvids came from reading the “Mind of a Raven” by Bernd Heinrich. He came long after I had digested “The Herring Gull’s World by Nikolaas Tinbergen. My investigations into bird behaviors were abetted by my interest in photography as tool to capture avian behavior.

Gifts of the Crow book cover.

I am blessed to live in an area where I can see three different Corvids if I’m lucky in a day. The Common crow, Fish crow and the Raven all breed in Connecticut. The Raven in Connecticut is actually moving into new habits where they have not been recorded previously.

John Marzluff, Author, Gifts of the Crow. Presentation at the New York Public Library, Mid-Manhattan. New York, NY on April 2, 2013. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/Kymry Group™. All Rights Reserved.

When the “Gifts of the Crow” came along I dove in, fascinated by the stories of corvid behaviors from around the world and I read most of the book in two sittings. At first I just skimmed the birdbrain parts of the book in my haste to get to next corvid antic. I quickly came to understand the unique behavior observations led the authors to delve deep in the inner workings of the Corvid brain and they take the reader along on this journey.

John Marzluff, Author, Gifts of the Crow. Book signing and talking with guest at his Illustrated presentation at the New York Public Library Mid-Manhattan New York, NY. April 2, 2013. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/Kymry Group™. All Rights Reserved.

The tales lead one gently into an understanding of avian thinking apparatus and abilities. I generally shy away from hard biology, but this approachable introduction to complex avian biology helps to explain how the physical crow birdbrain and processes enable them act as they do. It does not hurt that illustrations provide the icing that helps to explain complex science and make it all more palatable to a layman. I can recommend this book on many levels and cannot wait to see what these two authors will do next.

l. to r. John Marzluff, Author, Gifts of the Crow, Cynthia Chaldekas, Senior Librarian, Mid Mahattan, The New York Public Library. Lecture presented at the New York Mid-Manhattan Public Library, New York NY on April 2, 2013. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/KymryGroup™.  All Rights Reserved.

For more information about Dr. John Marzluff, Ph.D and Tony Angell or the book, “Gifts of the Crow” including their copyright images and Illustration in this article please visit.

www.facebook.com/JohnMarzluff

http://www.tonyangell.net/index.html

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/avian-einsteins

http://www.cfr.washington.edu/SFRPublic/People/FacultyProfile.aspx?PID=10

http://www.amazon.com/Gifts-Crow-Perception-Emotion-Thought/dp/B0088UTTME/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1365786108&sr=1-1&keywords=Gifts+of+the+Crow+audio+edition

I am  available for hire to photograph your next event. For additional information, please contact Mardi Dickinson at mardi@kymrygroup.com or 203-846-0359.

This intellectual property may not be reproduced, including copying, transmitting, or saving of digital files, and the alteration or manipulation of said text or image files is NOT permitted. They are not to be downloaded or reproduced in any way without the written permission from Mardi Welch Dickinson/Kymry Group™ All Rights Reserved. By entering this site you are agreeing to be bound by these terms. To secure reproduction and use of managed rights or Articles, Please contact Mardi Welch Dickinson

Bedford 2020 VegOut!

Bedford 2020 VegOut Event held at the Mt. Kisco Elementary School Community Garden, Mt Kisco, NY. April 6, 2013. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/KymryGroup™. All Rights Reserved.

Bedford 2020, Bedford Garden Club and Mt. Kisco Elementary School co-sponsored an event called VegOut. It took place at the Mt. Kisco Elementary School Community garden on Saturday, April 6, 2013. This was a hands-on event that featured a series of mini-workshops and enabled one-on-one conversations with local experts on vegetable gardening. The event was designed to provide an opportunity for beginners to seasoned growers to improve their gardening skills.

Sue Ostrofsky, Principal of MKES & Community Garden welcomes new visitors.

r. Sue Ostrofsky, Principal of Mount Kisco Elementary School & MKES Community Garden, Welcomes new visitors to the garden. Bedford 2020 VegOut Event held at the Mt. Kisco Elementary School Community Garden, Mt Kisco, NY. April 6, 2013. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/KymryGroup™. All Rights Reserved.

Early spring is the time to get yourself organized on what you need to know to tackle questions about designing, building and maintaining a garden, composting, health and nutrition benefits, pests, problems and diseases. It also encourages those interested to get involved in a local community garden such as CSA’s or similar community gardens.

Bedford 2020 VegOut Event held at the Mt. Kisco Elementary School Community Garden, Mt Kisco, NY. April 6, 2013. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/KymryGroup™. All Rights Reserved.

Prepping for Workshops

Bedford 2020 VegOut Event held at the Mt. Kisco Elementary School Community Garden, Mt Kisco, NY. April 6, 2013. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/KymryGroup™. All Rights Reserved.

Garden construction in progress.

Bedford 2020 VegOut Event held at the Mt. Kisco Elementary School Community Garden, Mt Kisco, NY. April 6, 2013. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/KymryGroup™. All Rights Reserved.

Garden Design Landscaping.

l. to r. ?, Nancy Ross, Master Gardner; Jim Wood, President, Bedford Farmers Club. Bedford 2020 VegOut Event held at the Mt. Kisco Elementary School Community Garden, Mt Kisco, NY. April 6, 2013. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/ KymryGroup™. All Rights Reserved.

Types of Soil.

Bedford 2020 VegOut Event held at the Mt. Kisco Elementary School Community Garden, Mt Kisco, NY. April 6, 2013. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/ KymryGroup™. All Rights Reserved.

Q & A: Pests, Problems, Diseases, The Hub Bub.

l. to r. Jay Bullard, Lee Apgar, Rick Apgar, Mill River Supply; Nancy Ross, Master Gardener. Bedford 2020 VegOut Event held at the Mt. Kisco Elementary School Community Garden, Mt Kisco, NY. April 6, 2013. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/KymryGroup™. All Rights Reserved.

The VegOut event also celebrated the launch of Bedford 2020’s brand NEW online resource for growing, buying, eating and learning about local food. This is a fantastic digital platform site where one can get instant information for all those who are working towards creating and benefiting from a healthy, local, food supply in Westchester NY. Check it out here. http://bedford2020.org/vegout/

Bedford 2020 VegOut Event & NEW online resource website launched onsite at the Mt. Kisco Elementary School Community Garden, Mt Kisco, NY. April 6, 2013. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/ KymryGroup™. All Rights Reserved.

Being aware that sustainable efforts don’t stop with agriculture and farming. Your home is part of the bigger picture too. Energize Bedford will bring you comfort and savings for your home with a comprehensive home energy assessment. Sign up  and make your house more efficient today. http://energizebedford.org/

Bedford 2020 VegOut Event held at the Mt. Kisco Elementary School Community Garden, Mt Kisco, NY. April 6, 2013. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/KymryGroup™. All Rights Reserved.

Homeowner signs up for Assessment with Energize Bedford

Homeowner signs up for Assessment with Energize Bedford. Bedford 2020 VegOut Event held at the Mt. Kisco Elementary School Community Garden, Mt Kisco, NY. April 6, 2013. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/KymryGroup™. All Rights Reserved.

We hope for another great growing season and can’t wait to enjoy those delicious morsels that will grow in a local garden this season. Happy gardening!

With Special Thanks sign to entrance of the Mt. kisco Elementary School Community Garden. Bedford 2020 VegOut Event held at the Mt. Kisco Elementary School Community Garden, Mt Kisco, NY. April 6, 2013. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/ Kymry Group. All Rights Reserved.

Additional green articles: http://kymry.wordpress.com/green-events/ http://kymry.wordpress.com/2011/06/20/mkes-community-garden-grand-opening/

All Images are available to purchase as prints. I am also available for hire to photograph your next event. For additional information, please contact Mardi Dickinson at mardi@kymrygroup.com or 203-846-0359.

This intellectual property may not be reproduced, including copying, transmitting, or saving of digital files, and the alteration or manipulation of said text or image files is NOT permitted. They are not to be downloaded or reproduced in any way without the written permission from Mardi Welch Dickinson/Kymry Group™ All Rights Reserved. By entering this site you are agreeing to be bound by these terms. To secure reproduction and use of managed rights or Articles, Please contact Mardi Welch Dickinson

Happy Easter!

Daffodil Flower, Norwalk, CT. ©Townsend P. Dickinson. All Rights Reserved.

COA 29th Annual Meeting 2013

Marshall J. Iliff, eBird AKN Project Leader;  Sharon “Birdchick” Stiteler;  Dr. Stephen Kress. VP, Bird Conservation; Director, Seabird Restoration Program. COA 29th Annual Meeting, Middlesex Community College, Middletown, CT. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/KymryGroup™. All Rights Reserved. Iphone image.

This years Connecticut Ornithological Association’s (COA) Annual Meeting 2013 was an overwhelming success! New President Tina Green reported that over 175 people attended this year. The 2012 Featured Speakers, were Dr. Stephen Kress, Sharon “Birdchick” Stiteler, and Marshall J. Iliff.  So if you could not attend, here’s a recap of this wonderful conference.

Ken Elkins, COA outgoing President kicked off the event with a brief overview of the year’s success’s, followed by the elections of the officers and board members.

Audience at the COA 29th Annual Meeting 2013, Middlesex Community College, Middletown, CT. March 23, 2013. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/KymryGroup™. All Rights Reserved.

Marshall Iliff was the first speaker of the day. He focused on what can be learned about bird movements and more from the data pulled from eBird. Marshall is the Eastern eBirds Project leader under the direction of Cornell Lab of Ornithology. This exciting project is based on the compiled data from millions of field observations that comes together with new modeling techniques which show animated maps of bird migration, species-by species, season by season, at the continental scale. Scientists are pulling data already for papers and dissertations. For those fence sitters, there can be little doubt as to the general benefits of using eBird once you see one of the animated range maps. Recent improvements allow individual birders to keep all sorts of lists from life lists and backyard counts. It is safe, secure and won’t go away. If you care about birds, the data gathered and made available, will absolutely have positive effect on the conservation of birds.

Marshall J. Iliff, COA Feature Speaker, eBird AKN Project Leader; COA 29th Annual Meetin 2013, Middlesex Community College, Middletown CT. March 23, 2013. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/KymryGroup™. All Rights Reserved.

Here is one view of many from the Palm Warblers spring migration series. Note the distribution of Eastern and Western forms is eveident. The timing of the two forms shows an X migration pattern.

Palm Warbler Chart, Marshall J. Iliff, COA Featured Speaker; eBird AKN Project Leader; COA 29th Annual Meeting 2013, Middlesex Community College, Middletown, CT. March 23, 2013. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/KymryGroup™. All Rights Reserved.

Mable Osgood Wright Award.

l. to r. Dennis Varza, Recipient, Mabel Osgood Wright Award; Milan Bull, Senior Director of Science and conservation for CT Audubon Society; COA 29th Annual Meeting 2013, Middlesex Community College, Middletown, CT. March 23, 2013. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/KymryGroup™. All Rights Reserved.

*Betty Kleiner Award was awarded to Paul Carrier who was unable to attend.

COA Mini Grant Award.

l. to r. David Winston, President, Cove Island Wildlife Sanctuary; Michael Moccio, VP, Cove Island Wildlife Sanctuary; Recipients of a COA Mini Grant Award. Ken Elkins, COA Outgoing President. COA 29th Annual Meeting 2013, Middlesex Community College, Middletown, CT. March 23, 2013. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/KymryGroup™. All Rights Reserved.

* Tom Sayer was also a recipient of a COA Mini Grant Award who was unable to attend.

Connecticut Ornithological Association’s (COA) Marketplace booth.

l. to r. Tina Green, COA President; Renee Baade, COA Board Member. COA 29th Annual Meeting 2013, Middlesex Community College, Middletown, CT. March 23, 2013. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/KymryGroup™. All Rights Reserved.

COA Trade Show vendor, The Fat Robin.

Participants buying books and merchandise from Jim Zipp, Owner, The Fat Robin store. COA 29th Annual Meeting 2013, Middlesex Community College, Middletown, CT. March 23, 2013. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/KymryGroup™. All Rights Reserved.

Participants catching up at the Raffle Table.

l. to r. Patrick Comins, Director of Bird Conservation, National Audubon CT; Ben Oko, Glenn Williams, David Winston. COA 29th Annual Meeting 2013, Middlesex Community College, Middletown CT. March 23, 2013. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/ KymryGroup™. All Rights Reserved.

Sharon Stiteler “Birdchick” COA Feature Speaker, Today’s Office. She had many of us laughing our butts off as she told tales of birding from her “office.” Her ironic wit and dynamic style was a welcome interlude between large doses of applied ornithology.

Sharon Stiteler “Birdchick”, COA Feature Speaker, Today’s Office. COA 29th Annual Meeting 2013, Middlesex Community College, Middletown, CT. March 23, 2013. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/KymryGroup™. All Rights Reserved.

Dr. Stephen Kress, COA Feature Speaker, Restoring Endangered Seabirds: Lessons from Puffins and Terns. Many know the short version of the saving the Atlantic Puffin story. What was even more compelling were all the other stories that it spawned. Dr. Kress left us with the notion that our species can have a positive local effect on seabird populations and it is simply our moral duty to intervene considering our overwhelming  impact on so much of the world.

Dr. Stephen W. Kress, COA, Featured Speaker; VP, Bird Conservation; Director, Seabird Restoration Program. COA 29th Annual Meeting 2013, Middlesex Community College, Middletown, CT. March 23, 2013. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/KymryGroup™. All Rights Reserved.

COA Raffle and Cake!

COA Celebration Cake. COA 29th Annual Meeting 2013, Middlesex Community College, Middletown, CT. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/KymryGroup™. All Rights Reserved.

Happy First Day of Spring!

Crocus through Snow, Norwalk, CT. ©Townsend P. Dickinson. All Rights Reserved.

CT NOFA 31st Annual Winter Conference 2013

John Petari, CT NOFA Board Member talking with potential menber. CT NOFA 31st Annual Winter Confdrence 2013, Wilton High School, Wilton, CT, ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/KymryGroup™ All Rights Reserved.

The  Connecticut Chapter of the Northeast Organic Farming Association (CT NOFA) held their 31st Annual Winter Conference 2013, on Saturday, March 2, 2013, at the Wilton High School in Wilton, CT.  Nearly 800 participants came this year, including over 64 vendors and 55 workshops.

Many gathered beforehand for coffee and to catch up with old friends and new, the excitement generated was a buzz for the day ahead. The event was full of new ideas and ways to better their farming and gardening to make for a more sustainable earth. The atmosphere remained charged with energy as the day progressed.

Below is a review in photos of some, but certainly not all, of the highlights from this day long event. If nothing else keep in mind, as you review the photo essay, just how utterly complex the simple phrase “organic farming” truly is. Enjoy, and get engaged in this worthy mission.

CT NOFA 31st Annual Winter Conference 2013 logo. © CT NOFA. All Rights Reserved. Logo used with permission.

Registration, Coffee hour, Staff & Volunteers who assisted throughout the day.

l . to r. CT NOFA Staff: Teresa Mucci, Deb Legge, CAO, CT NOFA; Debbie Semonich, Kristiane Huber, Melissa Gabso; WHS Student Volunteers. CT NOFA 31st Annual Winter Conference 2013, Wilton High School, Wilton, CT, ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/KymryGroup™ All Rights Reserved.

 Organic Marketplace.

l. to r. Laura McKinney, Co-Owner of Riverbank Farm, Liz Piriczky. CT NOFA 31st Annual Winter Conference 2013, Wilton High School, Wilton, CT. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/ KymryGroup™ All Rights Reserved.

Northfordy Farm Exhibitor.

Participant views the Northfordy Farm table. CT NOFA 31st Annual Winter Conference 2013, Wilton High School, Wilton, CT, ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/KymryGroup. All Rights Reserved.

Soluxe Energy Solutions Exhibitor.

l. to r. Matt Singer, Merri Yacenda, Soluxe Energy Soutions table. CT NOFA 31st Annual Winter Conference 2013, Wilton High School, Wilton, CT. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/ KymryGroup™ All Rights Reserved.

Self Sustainable Living Workshop.

Wyatt W. Whitman, Self Sustainable Living Workshop. CT NOFA 31st Annual Winter Conference 2013, Wilton High School, Wilton, CT. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/KymryGroup™ All Rights Reserved.

Beekeeping Basic Workshop.

Marina Marchese, Beekeeping Basics Workshop. CT NOFA 31st Annual Winter Conference 2013, Wilton High School, Wilton, CT. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/KymryGroup™All Rights Reserved.

Audience at presentations for the CT NOFA 31st Annual Winter Conference 2013.

Audience presentations. CT NOFA Winter Conference 2013, Wilton High School, Wilton, CT. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/KymryGroup™All Rights Reserved.

BettyLou Sandy, President, CT NOFA. Welcome!

BettyLou Sandy, CT NOFA President; CT NOFA 31st Annual Winter Conference 2013, Wilton High School, Wilton, CT. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/ KymryGroup™ All Rights Reserved.

Gail Lavielle, Connecticut State Representative.

Gail Lavielle, CT State Representative For Norwalk, Westport and Wilton CT. CT NOFA 31st Annual Winter Conference 2013, Wilton High School, Wilton, CT, ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/ KymryGroup™ All Rights Reserved.

Toni Boucher, Connecticut State Senator.

Toni Boucher, State Senator for the 26th district and Deputy Minority leader. Speaker, CT NOFA 31st Annual Winter Conference 2013, Wilton High School, Wilton, CT. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/KymryGroup™ All Rights Reserved.

Janet Heller, Secretary, CT NOFA.

Janet Heller, CT NOFA Secretary; CT NOFA 31st Annual Winter Conference 2013, Wilton High School, Wilton, CT. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/ KymryGroup.™ All Rights Reserved.

Bill Duesing, Executive Director, CT NOFA introduces keynote speaker.

Bill Duesing, CT NOFA Executive Director; CT NOFA 31st Annual Winter Conference 2013, Wilton High School, Wilton, CT. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/ KymryGroup™ All Rights Reserved.

Keynote Speaker, Dr. David W. Wolfe Ph.D.

Dr. David W. Wolfe Ph.D, Cornell University. Keynote Speaker, CT NOFA 31st Annual Winter Conference 2013, Wilton High School, Wilton, CT on 3/2/13. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/KymryGroup. All Rights Reserved.

  Remembrance group photo.

l. to r. Bill Duesing, CT NOFA Executive Director; Keynote Speaker, Dr. David Wolfe Ph.D., Professor of Plant & Soil Dept of Horticulture, Cornell University; BettyLou Sandy, CT NOFA President; John Petari. CT NOFA Board Member. CT NOFA 31st Annual Winter Conference 2013, Wilton High School, Wilton, CT. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/KymryGroup™ All Rights Reserved.

Lunch & Networking.

Lunch at CT NOFA 31st Annual Winter Conference 2013, Wilton High School, Wilton, CT, ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/KymryGroup™ All Rights Reserved.

Super Hero’s!

l. to r. Brain Reynolds, Chartwells, Director of Dining Services, Wilton Public Schools; James Hunter, WHS Physical Science & AP Environmental Science; WHS Organic Garden Organizer/Garden Adviser; CT NOFA Coordinator. CT NOFA 31st Annual Winter Conference 2013, Wilton High School, Wilton, CT. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/KymryGroup™All Rights Reserved.

Assortment of Fairfield County Restaurants were venders for the conference.

Lunch provided by one of the restaurants., Barcelona Restaurant. CT NOFA 31st Annual Winter Conference 2013, Wilton High School, Wilton, CT. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/KymryGroup™ All Rights Reserved.

Great Entertainment by Ken Coulson, Gatsby’s Green Light.

Ken Coulson, Guitar Player, Gatsby’s Green Light. CT NOFA 31st Annual Winter Conference 2013, Wilton High School, Wilton, CT. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/ KymryGroup™ All Rights Reserved.

Deserts from Sugar & Olives, Cake Box & Swoon.

Jennifer Balin, Sugar Olives. CT NOFA 31st Annual Winter Conference 2013, Wilton High School, Wilton, CT. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/ KymryGroup™ All Rights Reserved.

Cake Box & Swoon Dessert Table. CT NOFA 31st Annual Winter Conference 2013, Wilton High School, Wilton, CT. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/ KymryGroup™ All Rights Reserved.

***************************************************

BettyLou Sandy shows the map of Community Farms and Farmer’s Markets

Bettylou Sandy, CT NOFA President. CT NOFA 31st Annual Winter Conference 2013, Wilton High School, Wilton, CT. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/KymryGroup™All Rights Reserved.

I LOVE my Trike! See, I even have my own License Plate!

Jesse Fink, Owner, Millstone Farm, on his Tricycle made for Millstone Farm by Workman Cycle Factory., The Nation’s oldest existing Bike Maker since 1889. CT NOFA 31st Annual Winter Conference 2013, Wilton High School, Wilton, CT. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/KymryGroup™ All Rights Reserved.

An Edible Garden in Every School Workshop.

l. to r. Melissa Spear, Executive Director, Common Ground High School, Urban Farm & Environmental Learning Center; James Hunter, Wilton High School Physical Science & AP Environmental Science, Wilton High School Organic Garden Organizer/ Garden Adviser; CT NOFA Coordinator. Annie Farrell, Farmer, Millstone Farm. An Edible Garden in Every School Workshop. CT NOFA 31st Annual Winter Conference 2013, Wilton High School, Wilton, CT. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/ KymryGroup™ All Rights Reserved.

Wilton High School Organic Garden Exhibitor.

l. to r. Ben Foodman, WHS Sophomore; Adam Toris, WHS Senior; Stephanie Hubli, WHS Senior; WHS Organic Garden table. CT NOFA 31st Annual Winter Conference 2013, Wilton High School, Wilton, CT. March 2. 2013. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/KymryGroup™ All Rights Reserved.

National Organic Farmers Association Land Care.

Jenna Messier, NOFA Land Care Program Director. CT NOFA 31st Annual Winter Conference 2013, Wilton High School, Wilton, CT. March 2, 2013. ©Mardi WelchDickinson/ KymryGroup™ All Rights Reserved.

Audubon Greenwich Exhibitor

Jeff Cordulack, Education & Communications Manager Audubon Greenwich. CT NOFA 31st Annual Winter Conference 2013, Wilton High School, Wilton, CT. March 2, 2013. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/ KymryGroup™ All Rights Reserved.

Thank You to each and every one of you for a successful Conference!

l. to r. Debora Sloane, CT NOFA Board Member, Howard Shafer, CT NOFA Treasurer Janet Heller, CT NOFA Secretary, John Petari, CT NOFA Board Member, Bill Duesing, CT NOFA Executive Director, Greg Hazelton, CT NOFA Board Member, Bettylou Sandy,CT NOFA President, Jane Maher, CT NOFA Board Member, Rosemary Mrretta, CT NOFA Board Member, Steve Munno, CT NOFA Board Member. CTNOFA 31st Annual Winter Conference 2013, Wilton High School, Wilton, CT. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/ KymryGroup™ All Rights Reserved.

 Electric Cultivating Tractor Workshop with David Blyn, Co-Owner, Riverbank Farm.

Electric Cultivating Tractor Workshop with David Blyn, Co-Owner, Riverbank Farm. CT NOFA 31st Annual Winter Conference 2013, Wilton High School, Wilton, CT, ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/KymryGroup. All Rights Reserved.

All Images are available to purchase as prints. I am also available for hire to photograph your next event. For additional information, please contact Mardi Dickinson at mardi@kymrygroup.com or 203-846-0359.

Enjoy the article and let me know what you think, by taking a moment to write a comment on this post.

This intellectual property may not be reproduced, including copying, transmitting, or saving of digital files, and the alteration or manipulation of said text or image files is NOT permitted. They are not to be downloaded or reproduced in any way without the written permission from Mardi Welch Dickinson/Kymry Group™ All Rights Reserved.

By entering this site you are agreeing to be bound by these terms. To secure reproduction and use of managed rights or articles, Please contact Mardi Welch Dickinson

Flock of Winter Robins

Flock of winter robin’s in residential backyard. @Townsend P. Dickinson. All Rights Reserved.

We woke up yesterday to views of a winter wonderland out every window, brought to us by an overnight snow fall of over five inches. The snow sat piled on top of every branch and tree, and it was glorious! This most likely will be the last snow storm this winter, but you never really know. We took advantage of winter spectacle by exploring the scene in every direction. A large flock of robins flew by, we counted at least 35 at one time but surely there were more. They were busy looking for food, and talking and then whoosh, they take off up into the trees. They had an agenda, we were not part of it, but it made for a nice show. Today is a different story, sunny and 50 plus degrees out! We’ve got a cluster of daffodil leaves already 3 inches out of the ground, un-phased by the now gone snow. Go figure!

Rabbit Rabbit!

Cottontail Rabbit, juvenile, residental backyard. @Townsend P. Dickinson. All Rights Reserved. http://www.kymrygroup.com

Today is the first day of March, and the phrase Rabbit! Rabbit! were the first words spoken to another person in our  house. This is a British tradition that we continue today. When I was growing up, on the morning of the first day of every month, there was a slow chorus in our house, from person to person and from room to room, the word “Rabbit Rabbit” was spoken upon the first encounter and the next until we had all been granted our month’s worth of good luck by repeating back Rabbit Rabbit to seal the  deal! My grandparents were the originators of the tradition, and it extended to all my aunts and uncles and cousins on my father’s side of the family.

Whenever I mentioned this custom to friends, they would usually ask me where that came from. My only answer was “from my family,” which, of course, is the short answer. Beyond that, I had no idea where Rabbit, Rabbit came from.

Townsend and I, for fun, took it to a whole other level by going through the gamut of Rabbit (Leporidae) family names. Rabbit Rabbit, Hare Hare, Pica Pica, Lagomorph Lgomorph!  I’ve discovered a few friends who also indulge in this habit, But no one can explain to me why we say Rabbit Rabbit and where the tradition came from. This was just what we did. I think my father explained this tradition to me as a child, but it did not take and I did not write it down.

The origin of the custom in unknown but it can be traced back to at least the 15^th century maybe even the 13th. It came from England, which makes sense since that is where my grandparents family came from. The reasons for the word Rabbit linked to a lucky rabbit’s foot. One reason for the word Rabbit Rabbit, might be that “it is jumping into the future and moving ahead with life and happiness.”

Traditions are a wonderful and I do it to honor my families’ tradition. And so I keep on. And delight when I find another soul who carries on this ancient superstition in the 21st century. And so to all, on this first day of this month, I say, “Rabbit Rabbit,” may it bring you luck.

Farm to Family

Westport Farmers Market, ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/Kymry Group™ All Rights Reserved.

As I continue this journey in life, I am reminded daily of lessons and values that my parents instilled in me. At the time these bits of wisdom were entrusted to me, they were unconnected and untested pieces of the larger puzzle of life. It was not necessary or even possible to know the grand scheme then. As I have moved along the road and my perspective broadens, I can see the bigger picture as the newer observations mesh with older pearls and makes clearer the grand scheme. As chapters in a book add new elements to the tale, and the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, older wisdom and new experiences make up different life chapters within a book that never ends. Those early lessons set the stage to take in life experiences yet to come.

One of the things I adored doing while growing up was a trip in the station wagon with my parents to the local produce farm, which in my hometown was the renowned Henker’s Farm. This was a working farm and they had huge fields of crops growing, and you could see and buy seasonal produce.

Riverbank Farm, Westport Farmers Market, ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/Kymry Group™ All Rights Reserved.

Located on Bedford-Banksville Road near the Bedford line were the almost twenty-four acres that had been farmed for over two hundred years. At one time the land was cultivated for growing food for the French Hospital, a makeshift hospital located across the street.

When you walked down the long sloping driveway, on the left was the farmhouse and off to the right were two barns, one for tractors and machinery and the other for the produce sales. In the background past the barns and along the driveway was a stand of Norway spruce that must have reached one hundred feet tall and stood in a row two hundred feet long. These massive trees, a haven for the local American crows, spread their drooping branches over the driveway. Beyond the spruce row, and to both sides, were fields of at least ten acres each.

While I could not imagine it at the time, this was real honest sustainable agriculture. We bought often and ate well for many delightful weeks during the warm months. Who knew farm to table, back then, it was a fact of life. Or knew or cared about suburban growth either, the farm had so much history and presense, it was always there and it seemed like it would always be there. Well it is gone now I’m sad to say, the farm was sold for more money than produce could supply and now well crafted mini mansions have sprouted up from the old farm yards adding to the tax base and with not a care about a quality of life that can’t be restored.

Rose’s Berry Farm. Customer buying fruit. Westport Farmers Market, ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/Kymry Group™ All Rights Reserved.

The modern version of Henker’s Farm is the local Farmer’s Market. The absolute joy that is fresh produce, now comes to visit on a weekly basis from those regions still blessed with farms and open space. The hardworking farmers now live further outside of densely packed suburbia, and the local denizens living now in the new improved farm free zones do not have drive to distant farms to partake of locally grown produce.  There are other benefits to local Farmer’s Markets….

Tomatoes of many varieties.

l. to r. Customer talking with Rebecca Bucciaglia, C0-Owner, Fort Hill Farm, Westport Farmers Market, ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/Kymry Group™ All Rights Reserved.

Bread, Olive oil & Pastries.

Jake Rapoport, Wave Hill Breads, Westport Farmers Market, ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/Kymry Group™ All Rights Reserved

Beets, Cucumbers, Cabbage & Greens.

l. to r. ?, Laura McKinney, Co-Owner, Riverbank Farm LLC. Westport Farmers Market, ©Mardi Welch Dickinson /Kymry Group™ All Rights Reserved.

Granola Bars of top shelf.

Jerri Graham, Owner, Nothin But Foods. Westport Farmers Market, ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/Kymry Group™ All Rights Reserved

Farmstead goat milk cheese of superior taste.

Paul Trubey, Owner of Beltane Farm talks with customers. Westport Farmers Market, ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/Kymry Group™ All Rights Reserved.

Mobil Wood-fired Pizza.

Jeff Borofsky, Owner, Skinny Pines Pizza, Westport Farmers Market, ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/Kymry Group™ All Rights Reserved.

Fine Foods Chilean style.

l. to r. Du Soleil owners, Soledad Del Castillo Blanco, Maria Munoz Del Castillo.  Westport Farmers Market. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/Kymry Group™ All Rights Reserved.

Milk, Cream, Yogurt that are delightful.

l. to r. ? Trinity Farm. Westport Farmers Market, ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/Kymry Group™ All Rights Reserved.

Coffee + Cold Roman + Roman Kiss are exquisite and for the sophisticated Palate.

Donny Raus, Owner of Raus Coffee, Pouring a Cold Roman. Rich and delicious! Westport Farmers Market, ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/Kymry Group™ All Rights Reserved.

Flowers.

Customer’s last stop for flowers. Westport Farmers Market, ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/Kymry Group™ All Rights Reserved

Westport Farmers Market Winter Market  is now on through March 16th, 2013 at Gilbertie’s, 7 Sylvan Lane Westport CT. WFM’s Summer Market will return May 23, 2013 at 50 Imperial Avenue in the Parking lot.

No part of this article including all photographs may be used without written permission. All images are available for Licensing or to purchase prints. Contact Mardi Welch Dickinson at mardi@kymrygroup.com or 203-846-0359.

This intellectual property may not be reproduced, including copying, transmitting, or saving of digital files, and the alteration or manipulation of said text or image files is NOT permitted. They are not to be downloaded or reproduced in any way without the written permission from Mardi Welch Dickinson/Kymry Group™ All Rights Reserved.

Nest, Eggs, Heartbreak & Beauty Exhibition

Joy M. Kiser, Author of American’s Other Audubon, standing by portrait of Genevieve Estelle Jones. Reception of Nests Eggs, Heartbreak & Beauty exhibition and book signing at the Museum of American Bird Art at Mass Audubon on September 29, 2012. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/Kymry Group, All Rights Reserved.

The many faceted story reached a major turning point when the extraordinary book “America’s Other Audubon” (Princeton Architectural Press, May 9, 2012) became a reality for author Joy M. Kiser. She brought a group of remarkable lithographs into public view and finally tells the story of the Jones family and their unique contribution to American art. The extraordinary story told by this book was uncovered through 15 years of research. It became her personal mission as Joy felt that “This story needed to be told as this was an American Story and of great importance.”

Purple Martin Illustrated by Virginia Jones of Nests and Eggs of Birds of Ohio. Courtesy of the Smithsonian Institution Libraries, Washington DC. Nests, Eggs, Heartbreak & Beauty exhibition, opening reception and book signing, Museum of American Bird Art at Mass Audubon on September 29, 2012.

In 1876, amateur naturalist and artist Genevieve Estelle Jones was suffering from a broken heart after her father forbade her from marrying the man she loved. Hoping to take her mind off her troubles, Genevieve’s father financed a project to provide her a distraction from heartbreak. The daughter of a country doctor, Genevieve had collected birds’ nests and eggs since childhood and had been frustrated that no reference book existed to help her identify the nests she found. Inspired by Audubon’s example, Genevieve became determined to create her own book illustrating the nests and eggs not found in Audubon’s work.

Fig 1. Arcadian Flycatcher. Fig 2. Wood Peewee. Illustrations by Eliza Schiltz of Nests and Eggs of Birds of Ohio. Courtesy of the Smithsonian Institution Libraries, Washington DC. Nests, Eggs, Heartbreak & Beauty exhibition, opening reception and book signing, Museum of American Bird Art at Mass Audubon on September 29, 2012.

Her brother Howard helps to collect the nests and wrote the text, and she learned to draw on 65 pound lithographic stones to create the printed images (which would later be colored by hand). After completing only five illustrations, Genevieve died suddenly of typhoid fever. The grieving family determined to finish the work as a tribute to her vision carried on the monumental task with her mother, Virginia Jones, taking on the role of artist.

Field-Sparrow Spizella Pusilla Nest Illustrated by Virginia Jones of Nests and Eggs of Birds of Ohio. Courtesy of the Smithsonian Institution Libraries, Washington DC. Nests, Eggs, Heartbreak & Beauty exhibition, opening reception and book signing, Museum of American Bird Art at Mass Audubon.

In June 2012, Howard Jones (Genevieve Jones’ brother) personal copy “Illustration of the Nests and Eggs of Birds of Ohio” was re-discovered and this book was  donated to the Museum of American Bird Art at Mass Audubon. The book included a unique gilt title page and important manuscript material. Its color plates served as templates for all the other copies. Only 90 copies were originally printed and fewer than 25 are know to exist today.

l. to r. Nina Doggett, MABA Advisory Committee Chair; Amy T. Montague, MABA Director; Joy M. Kiser, author, “America’s Other Audubon.” Nests, Eggs, Heartbreak & Beauty exhibition, preview reception and book signing, 9/29/2012. Museum of American Bird Art (MABA) at Mass Audubon (formerly Mass Audubon Visual Asrts Center), ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/Kymry Group. All Rights Reserved.

Howard Jones’ personal copy of Illustrations of the Nests and Eggs of Birds of Ohio, Mass Audubon Collection, anonymous gift, 2012. Nests, Eggs, Heartbreak & Beauty exhibition, opening reception and book signing, Museum of American Bird Art at Mass Audubon on September 29, 2012.  ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/Kymry Group. All Rights Reserved.

Now an extraordinary exhibition has been created called “Nests, Eggs, Heartbreak & Beauty” put together by the Museum of American Bird Art at Mass Audubon ~ formerly the Mass Audubon Visual Arts Center. This was collaboration between MABA Director, Amy T. Montegue and Co-Curator, Joy M. Kiser, author of American’s Other Audubon book. This Exhibition is currently open to view through January 13, 2013.

l. to r. Julianne Mehegan, MABA curatorial volunteer and Amy T. Montague, MABA director. Nests, Eggs, Heartbreak & Beauty exhibition, opening reception and book signing, Museum of American Bird Art at Mass Audubon on September 29, 2012.  ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/Kymry Group. All Rights Reserved

Nests, Eggs, Heartbreak & Beauty exhibition, opening reception and book signing, Museum of American Bird Art at Mass Audubon on September 29, 2012.  ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/Kymry Group. All Rights Reserved.

Visitor with Theodore Roosevelt’s subscription parts to Illustrations of the Nests and Eggs of Birds of Ohio, Cleveland Museum of Natural History Collection. Nests, Eggs, Heartbreak & Beauty exhibition, opening reception and book signing, Museum of American Bird Art at Mass Audubon on September 29, 2012. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/Kymry Group. All Rights Reserved.

Visitors at Nests, Eggs, Heartbreak & Beauty exhibition, opening reception and book signing, Museum of American Bird Art at Mass Audubon on September 29, 2012. ©Mardi Welch Dickinson/Kymry Group. All Rights Reserved.

Just before this exhibition opened, I had the great opportunity to interview both Amy T. Montegue, MABA Director and Joy M. Kiser, Author of American’s Other Audubon as the host on BirdCallsRadio. The book is now in the 4^th printing since May 2012. For more details on the Museum of American Bird Art at Mass Audubon, Joy M. Kiser and BirdCallsRadio Interview, please visit and click on links below.

Museum of American Bird Art at Mass Audubon ~ 781-821-8853

Joy M. Kiser ~ America’s Other Audubon

BirdCallsRadio Interview: bcr 9-23-12 Kiser, Montague

Season’s Greetings!

Season’s Greetings & Happy New Year!

All the best for a healthy New Year.

 Townsend & Mardi Dickinson

Snow Geese, fall, Chincoteague NWR, Chincoteague, VA. ©Townsend P. Dickinson. All Rights Reserved.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Turkey, late spring, backyard, East Norwalk, CT. ©Townsend P. Dickinson. All Rights Reserved.

Happy Thanksgiving to all! Mardi and Townsend

We Gather Together Hymn click this  

We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing;
He chastens and hastens his will to make known;
The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing,
Sing praises to his name: He forgets not his own.

Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining,
Ordaining, maintaining his kingdom divine;
So from the beginning the fight we were winning;
Thou, Lord, wast at our side, All glory be thine!

We all do extol thee, thou leader triumphant,
And pray that thou still our defender wilt be.
Let thy congregation escape tribulation;
Thy name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free!
Amen

–Traditional Thanksgiving Hymn
(A translation by Theodore Baker: 1851-1934)

“We Gather Together” is considered the finest of these musical expressions. It was first published in Adrian Valerius’s Nederlandtsche Gedenckclanck, in 1626, in Haarleem. Initially, the singing of this hymn was limited to the Dutch people, until more than two centuries ago, in 1877, it was discovered by Edward Kremser, a Viennese musician who published it in his collection Sechs Altniederlanddische Volkslieder. The English translation of the text was done by Theodore Baker and it appeared in Dutch Folk songs compiled by Coenraad V. Bos. In the Public Domain

Thanksgiving

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food,
For love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.

–Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)