Day 349

One factor that can sometimes impact our ability to watch the birds visiting the farm is weather-related. As aforementioned in earlier posts, we live in a wind vortex. With so much open land directly to our west, when the wind picked up it seemed to achieve gale-like forces once it got to us. We’ve lost many branches to the power of the wind. We’ve even lost an entire canopy mere hours after putting it up. We have also had occasional issues with the wind overpowering our garbage and recycling bins and decorating our front yard and our neighbor’s property with a mix of recyclables and trash. One such windstorm cracked the hard plastic cap of our blue recycling bin. I am reminded of my glory days walking around picking up trash while working at the Milwaukee County Zoo, so I don't mind getting the extra steps, picking up trash around the yard.

However, with four new houses being put up to our west, maybe just maybe the wind vortex will die down a bit.

I’m sure the chickens will be happy if that happens. When the wind picks up, especially in winter, we tend to keep one of their doors to the outside closed to avoid cold gusts and drafts. Their outdoor coop, a free hand-me-down we picked up, often loses pieces when the winds get a bit strong. The girls aren't that adventurous and prefer calm and consistency. When the wind picks up, our yard is anything but calm and consistent. 

We’ll be happy as well. We might be able to put up a more permanent outdoor seating fixture that will add to our outdoor adventures. Our first gazebo didn't last long so maybe we would give it a second chance.

If we don't see improvement in the vortex when the neighbors are all moved in, adding trees and other shrubs and bushes might be an option we explore. 

When and if we do, we will plant native plants that will not only be aesthetically-pleasing but attractive to wildlife. It will certainly take time to enhance our farm the way we have in our dreams, but we will enjoy each step of the way.