People love watching birds. If you’re ready to give this hobby a try, a good place to start is learning about the small birds you’re most likely to spot in your own backyard. That’s what I did. Over the span of a couple of weeks, I kept records of the birds visiting my own yard’s […]
We got sightings, and a video, of a juvenile heron in our neighborhood. And a pretty rare one to boot. The Audubon Society confirmed this particular bird as a Green Heron. The tranquil ambiance of a backyard pool takes an enchanting turn as a juvenile Green Heron makes an unexpected visit. The vibrant yet slightly […]
Once upon a time, there was a quiet neighborhood where people lived in harmony with their pets. Dogs barked, cats roamed, and birds sang. However, something strange started happening one day – domestic rabbits started running wild! It all began when a few families decided to get rabbits as pets. They were cute, fluffy, and […]
It is World Bee Day once more! Oregon is home to about 500 species of bees. You can find them in forests, fields and our own gardens. These busy insects are the main pollinators for 90% of plants, so keeping them healthy is important. Maybe you know somebody who keeps bees in their yard. It is […]
Considered invasive in the Pacific Northwest because of its aggressive growth and ability to outcompete native plants, the Tree of Heaven is spreading fast south of Mission St. This tree originates from China but has been introduced to many parts of the world, including North America, as an ornamental plant. It is highly adaptable to […]
One of the most heartening aspects of modern urban life is the rise of the neighborhood tiny library. These charming little book depositories, often created and maintained by dedicated volunteers, serve as a testament to the human desire for knowledge, community, and connection. They bring people together around a shared love of reading and learning. […]
Attention all book-lovers and knowledge-seekers! We are thrilled to announce the opening of a brand new neighborhood tiny library. This delightful little structure, located east on the Willamette Heritage Center grounds, is bursting with books for all ages and crafts for children. The library’s initial offerings focus on history, but the Heritage Center invites donations […]
Sadly enough, we have no more chickens roaming the backyard. What happened? As many other neighbors, we kept a small amount of chickens both for company and fresh eggs. Salem allows up to 7 feathered backyard dwellers if they are allotted sufficient space to roam and no roosters are included in the party. That makes […]
Oregon is home to about 500 species of bees. You can find them in forests, fields and our own gardens. These busy insects are the main pollinators for 90% of plants, so keeping them healthy is important for the production of food and protection of our environment. But the past decades the little fellows have […]
One year ago, during a sunrise timed run through the neighborhood, I encountered a wild turkey on 19th and Ferry. A beautiful animal, walking the front yards as if it always lived here. And apparently they have. Wild Turkeys are endemic to South Salem. And sometimes a couple stroll over into our southeast neighborhood. The […]