Week 44 gardening & birding

The fields are harvested and bare,
And Winter whistles through the square.
October dresses in flame and gold
Like a woman afraid of growing old.
– Ann Mary Lawler

Week 44, as late autumn sets in, is ideal for preparing the garden and enjoying birdwatching. In the garden, it’s time to mulch perennials, plant spring bulbs like tulips and daffodils, and compost fallen leaves to enrich soil. Birdwatching becomes especially rewarding, with migratory birds such as juncos and sparrows arriving. Filling feeders with seeds high in fat, like sunflower and suet, supports birds as temperatures drop. Additionally, leaving some plants like coneflowers or echinacea untrimmed provides natural food and shelter for birds. Watching seasonal bird behaviors and garden changes creates a peaceful connection to the rhythms of nature. Engage in citizen science projects like the Big Garden Birdwatch and the Great Backyard Bird Count to contribute to bird conservation efforts.