I have logged 47 different species of birds at our cabin. The last entry was a Merlin falcon in 2012. This afternoon I noticed a few birds hopping around under the feeder that I didn't recognize. I stalked them with the camera and then used the photo below to figure out what they were. Turns out they are American tree sparrows. I'm always excited when I can identify a new bird. Especially, when it has been six years since my last new entry.
Also on the bird front, the chickadees are still trying to break in through the windows. I watched this deviant checking for flies in the sills.
I had several comments about the lack of snow in my last photos. Trust me, that was a sunny hillside in Deadwood. We are 600 feet higher than Deadwood and our snow is still here. We did get a good melt yesterday, as it really warmed up.
Don't worry, I won't be gardening anytime soon. Today we watched the cold icy cloud slowly work its way up the valley and we are back to cold and snow. We were supposed to get two feet, but now they changed the forecast to a few inches. We will see.
The deer, like us, are done with winter and ready for spring days. Just a few more months.
I love my morning French press coffee (huge thanks to Gumbo Lily for teaching me the joys of French press). The only thing better is coffee with biscotti. Since I was out of projects, I made two different types of biscotti. One was orange & chocolate and the other was oreo. I used a blood orange for the orange biscotti and it was amazing.
Orange and Dark Chocolate Biscotti
1/4c. soft butter 3/4 t. vanilla extract
1 c. sugar 1/4 t. almond extract
2 eggs 2 1/2 c. flour
2 T. orange zest 1 t. baking powder
1 T. fresh squeezed orange juice 1/4 t. salt
1 c. dark chocolate mini chips
Beat butter and sugar for 2 minutes, then add eggs. Mix in zest, juice, and extracts. Slowly add flour, powder, salt and chips. Divide dough in half and shape into two flat loaves. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Take out of oven, cut into strips, and bake another 15 minutes.
loveandoliveoil.com
Oreo Biscotti
Sit on the porch in a sunbeam with a hot cup of coffee and enjoy. I hope you are enjoying a warm up in your neck of the woods.
Orange and Dark Chocolate Biscotti
1/4c. soft butter 3/4 t. vanilla extract
1 c. sugar 1/4 t. almond extract
2 eggs 2 1/2 c. flour
2 T. orange zest 1 t. baking powder
1 T. fresh squeezed orange juice 1/4 t. salt
1 c. dark chocolate mini chips
Beat butter and sugar for 2 minutes, then add eggs. Mix in zest, juice, and extracts. Slowly add flour, powder, salt and chips. Divide dough in half and shape into two flat loaves. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Take out of oven, cut into strips, and bake another 15 minutes.
loveandoliveoil.com
Oreo Biscotti
1 c. sugar 1/3 c. soft butter
2 t. vanilla extract 3 eggs
3 c. flour 1 1/2 t. baking powder
1/4 t. salt 1 c. cookies and cream chips pulverized
Mix butter, vanilla, sugar, and eggs. Add flour, powder, salt, and chips. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Cut into strips and bake for 10-15 minutes. cbsop.com
Isn't it just so much fun to see a "new" bird at the feeders or on your walks? Very cool. The deer here are really into our hay bales. I'd like them to move out soon. Your biscotti looks amazing and a cup of French pressed coffee is perfection.
ReplyDeleteI too love watching my birds (and coffee)! Had a Bald Eagle hunting in our yard this week. Got some pretty good shots- just amazing! Today was so lovely here in GA!
ReplyDeleteMmm...bookmarked this one for the biscotti recipe! I forgot about that, and only made it once before. These chilly mornings, it would be a welcome add on to the coffee!
ReplyDeleteI like your newcomer! It's a pretty little thing!
Tree Sparrows are winter visitors here, so like the feeders.They go clear north to nest. I am seeing Red-wings showing up in the last week.March came here like a lamb so we are still in the running for more snow.
ReplyDeleteWhat fun to see the birds. Also, the porch picture looks just like something out of a magazine - beautiful!
ReplyDeleteall sparrows are beautiful birds and they don't get near the credit they deserve because they are brown. but if you look closely at their feather pattern, it is brilliant.
ReplyDeletethe deer capture, WoW!! i love them and the biscotti looks wonderful. you sure do have a lot of wonderful hobbies!! i enjoyed seeing you today!!!!
As with many of your birds your tree sparrow is very different to ours. Your chickadee looks like our coal tit. The poor deer must have frozen legs.
ReplyDeleteThat is all my kids use is French Press. They look at me funny because I have not yet switched. Your biscotti looks wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy seeing new birds. I bet such amazing birds come to your place. I forgot about those birds tearing up your screens. I like that you caught them at it again. I hope you have had a nice week.
If we have to put up with winter American Tree Sparrow is one of the bonuses that make it worth while. It is a delightful hardy little bird.
ReplyDelete