New England Living

An exploration of the region, including discussions about travel, local artisans, businesses, and events.

Pink Lady’s Slipper at Crooked Spring Reservation in Chelmsford

Pink Lady’s Slipper at Crooked Spring Reservation in Chelmsford

Hiking on the hillside along the eastern leg of the main trail at the Mills Crooked Spring Reservation in Chelmsford, we found the showy flowers of the Pink Lady's Slipper. Pink lady's slipper is a wildflower in the orchid family. It grows 6 - 15" tall with two large basal leaves at the base...
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Eastern Bluebirds at Red Wing Farm in Chelmsford, MA

Eastern Bluebirds at Red Wing Farm in Chelmsford, MA

On a cool, sunny New England spring morning bluebird love was in the air. After dropping my son off at school, I visited Red Wing Farm (a great open space in Chelmsford,Massachusetts to bird watch) and was fortunate to observe a pair of Eastern Bluebirds grazing upon fat grubs while perched atop their nesting box. The...
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Sunny Meadow Farm Recycled Bluebird Houses

Sunny Meadow Farm Recycled Bluebird Houses

I recently completed a couple of bluebird houses made from discarded fence rails that were "rescued" from a burn pile. Over April vacation, my sons and I worked with our town's Open Space Stewardship program to help establish a tree nursery at Sunny Meadow Farm. In addition to the plot used to grow trees...
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Homemade Pine Cone Bird Feeders

Homemade Pine Cone Bird Feeders

For me one of life's simple pleasures is catering to the wildlife that frequent our yard. We live in a small, rural town where woodland surrounds our property. It isn't unusual to see wild turkeys and deer trespassing across the lawn. Now that Spring has sprung, we look forward to being able to open windows,...
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American Robins visit New England Backyard

American Robins visit New England Backyard

According to traditional wisdom, they shouldn’t have been there at all. So much for traditional wisdom. They were there in droves. Dozens of American robins visited my yard over the weekend. Their visits, unfortunately, were short-lived. First they gathered in the trees in the backyard. Then they dispersed, some going to the birdbath and...
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A New England Perspective of the Great Backyard Bird Count

A New England Perspective of the Great Backyard Bird Count

This is going to be the lamest form they’ve ever received. That was my thought as I participated in my first Great Backyard Bird Count several years ago. More than half an hour into my count I had found only a few tufted titmice and a lone mockingbird. Sure I was headed toward...
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Four Winter Getaways in New England

Four Winter Getaways in New England

New England is famous for its historic inns, luxurious resorts, and intimate bed and breakfasts. But during the winter it’s also popular for its downhill and cross country skiing, luxurious spa and fitness resorts, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and skating on the local ponds. Currier and Ives ingrained the scenes on our brains with their...
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Signals for survival – Adversaries Find a Way to Coexist

Signals for survival – Adversaries Find a Way to Coexist

On a small rocky island off the Maine coast two adversarial species of gulls coexist in relative peace, despite each being a potential predator of the other. Thousands of Greater Black-backed and Herring gulls have evolved a complex system of social signals that keep violence on the island to a minimum. The gulls use...
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Six Ways to Enjoy a New England Christmas

Six Ways to Enjoy a New England Christmas

A New England Christmas is full of flakes on your nose, hot chocolate cupped in your hands, and a warm glow in your heart. Homes are brightly decorated with lights and poinsettias, and of course the tree In New England we don’t let the cold chill our spirits. Instead we celebrate the season with many events...
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Ribbon Cutting at the Byam Outdoor Learning Center

Ribbon Cutting at the Byam Outdoor Learning Center

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on October 29 to officially open the Byam Outdoor Learning Center in Chelmsford, Massachusetts. Located in Byam Elementary School's central courtyard, the Learning Center will be used as an outdoor classroom with an emphasis on ecology, biology, gardening, wildlife habitats, and recycling and reusing. The Learning Center includes...
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Welcome

The New England Birdhouse Blog features original articles, videos and how-to guides about backyard birding, bird watching, building bird feeders and bird houses, gardening, and New England living.

I frequently post about a variety of topics including creating wildlife-attracting backyards, planning a New England leaf peeping bird watching trip, identifying common backyard birds, and plans and instructions for building simple and effective bird feeders and bird houses.

Also, please consider visiting our store for fine architectural bird houses and bird feeders, great backyard birding items, and custom handcrafted artisan wares.

I hope you find our articles helpful and useful. Please share your thoughts and experiences by posting your comments (located at the end of each article). If you have any questions or comments, please email me. Thank you for visiting and I hope you come back often.
Bill Askenburg - Owner New England Birdhouse
Bill Askenburg
New England Birdhouse

NewEnglandBirdhouse.com
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