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‘ . BIRDS OF A FEATHER by Marg Hendrick Many years ago a certain. naturalist was invited to give a nature talk to a Women's Institute. Soon after he arrived he noticed a beautiful young woman in the audience, and he looked forward to meeting her. Anxious to impress, he was chagrined when some of his slides turned out to be upside down. But he needn't have worried, for at "the close of his talk the young woman was eager to tell him about an eagle she had seen. He, being the expert, expressed some doubt as to the sighting. She in turn announced that she had a picture to prove it! Other ladies at the meeting were quick to notice that their guest speaker was paying most of his attention to one person! A few months later, the naturalist and the young woman were married, and thus it was that the team of Dick and Mollie Ussher was born! Dick and Mollie, frequently mentioned in this column, retired in Delta from F ondeau Park, where Dick had been Park Naturalist for many years. Dick's interest in nature knows no bounds: birds, flowers, ferns, trees, insects, etc., all fascinate him. He keeps meticulous records: going back almost a lifetime, he can tell you the exact date he saw the first black fly, the first violet in bloom or heard the first peeper etc., in any given year. Dick has written many nature articles and wherever he has lived has contributed data on the flora, and fauna to the appropriate journals. ’ Mollie has aided and abetted V Dick throughout the years, and has taken many beautiful nature slides. Dick has been able [to use these in conjunction with nature presentations given here and elsewhere. You may be sure if Mollie has had anything to do with it, the slides have been in right side up! (Sorry Dick!) The Ussher home, with its cheerful fireplace, has been a haven for their friends. When we first met the Usshers my knowledge of birds was adequate, but I had much still to learn about plants, mushrooms, ferns and so on. Dick undertook to educate me. Though he never did manage to get me to learn the latin names, I now have a greater knowledge of all aspects of nature. For this I am grateful to Dick and Mollie Ussher. Early in March, the Usshers moved to Owen Sound. It would be interesting to know how many lives this couple has enriched over the years. They will be sorely missed here, but Owen Sound will be the richer for their presence. Now that the days are longer and the sun brighter, winter is a fading memory. Birdwise, the cold season has been an interesting one. While some regular birds have appeared in smaller numbers than usual, other unexpected species have turned 'up or wintered over. Great Blue Herons have been seen throughout the winter, with the last report being one sighted by Pep Burt on Feb. 23. Soon we'll be seeing returning herons. Redâ€"tailed Hawks have been reported by Kay Williams and John Goodman. A number of these hawks winter over, but lately there are more to be seen, some of which are in pairs, and I presume this represents a northward movement. Pauline Hockey has had a Sharp-shinned Hawk visiting her feeder. This accipiter's preferred food is birds, so it is apt to look for prospects at feeding stations. A large and powerful hawk, the Northern Goshawk, appeared near Eleanor Taylor's home. It is also an accipiter, and enjoys a bird meal. Harrison Peters is still seeing "'his" Red-bellied Woodpecker and has a Hoary Redpoll visiting his feeder as well. This latter species was also seen by David Stansfield during the last week of February. Another of these very white, more northern redpolls, was present at John and Elsie Goodman's feeder. Hoary Redpolls tend to join a flock of Common Redpolls, when they, for one reason or another, appear this far south. On February 26 I was fortunate to find a Great Horned Owl on the nest. She sat there, ignoring the snow and blustery weather. There she will be fed by the male until her motherly duties are completed. Then she will be able to undertake feeding herself again. The Northern Hawk Owl was seen once again by the North Leeds Birdwatchers (NLB) on their March 3 field trip. This congenial group invites you to join them. They hold field trips every Wednesday, and if you like birds and good company to boot , you'll be sure to enjoy yourself. Men, in case you are wondering, there are men in the group! Information may be obtained from the president Winona Barker 272â€"2304, Pat McManus 272â€"2183 or. any member of the group. American Robins , always a welcome sight, were seen by Norman Coon on February 17 and 21 and by Pep Burt about the same time. The next sighting was a pair, seen by Jacquie Wanless on March 6, as they flew across the Davis Lock Road. Bohemian Waxwings were spotted near Westport by Kay Williams and near Delta by Annette Mess. A large flock of about 100 were seen by Marjorie Earl in the Elgin vicinity. Kay Williams and Annette Mess also reported Northern Shrikes. Soon Northern Shrikes will be replaced by Loggerhead Shrikes. Since 1973, Loggerhead Shrikes have been reported in fewer numbers (Quilliam) and the” species seems to be in trouble in this area. If you should see one, please let Annette Moss 928-2078 or myself know. We can forward the information to those in charge of a study into the reason for the decline of this species. Common Redpolls increased in numbers toward the end of February and Anna Greenhorn reported that there was an explosion of redpolls at her feeder at this time. Crossbills have been scarce this winter but one was discovered by Annette Mess near Philipsville. Because of the bird's position it was not possible to tell whether it was a Red or Whiteâ€"winged. On a field trip to Amherst Island the NLB found 5 Northern Cardinals moving about in a brushy area mainly comprised of Redâ€"Osier Dogwood. On the same outing they also saw Redâ€"tailed and Rough-legged Hawks, as well as Northern Harriers and a Shortâ€"eared Owl. Bill Cutfield sighted 2 Common Ravens near Charleston Lake. This species nests early and puts on fantastic aerial displays during its courtship period. The Charleston Lake area has suitable nesting sites so it is hoped these birds will remain to nest. A last minute report. Eleanor Taylor had a Turkey Vulture fly by her home on March 13 - an early sighting for this species. Of course by the time this appears in print many will have been seen. Along with the Turkey Vultures watch for the return of the following species this month: Common Loon, grebes, herons, bitterns, various ducks and hawks, rails, Common Gallinule, Upland, Spotted and Pectoral Sandpipers, CaSpian Tern, Whip-poor-will, Chimney Swift, Belted-Kingfisher, Yellowâ€"bellied Sapsucker, various swallows, some species of wren, Brown Thrasher, thrushes, kinglets, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-andâ€"White Warbler, Rufousâ€"sided Towhee and late sparrows. Spring is here! Join the NLB and see some of these returning birdslThe number to call with your sightings is 359*5178 and until next month GOOD BIRDING! , , ‘ YUKKIE SEASON ‘ 6 OPEN ALL YEAR Put yukkies in their place! YUKKIES BEHIND _ Put yukkies in their place! NORTH LEEDS LANTERN 17 THE KITCHEN WITCH Heather McNally Portland-onâ€"the-Rideau A fterâ€"Easter Dinner Orange Glazed Ham (4 Servings) 1202. fully cooked ham in biteâ€"size pieces 2 stalks celery bias sliced into ‘A inch pieces 4 green onions cut into lâ€"inch pieces 1 green pepper in l-inch pieces (optional) 1 tbsp. oil 1 14-02 can pineapple chunks 1 can mandarin orange sections 2 tsp. cornstarch 1/8 tsp. cinnamon Hot cooked rice Saute vegetables in oil. Drain fruit and reserve 2/3 cup of juice. Combine cornstarch, juice and cinnamon and thicken in saucepan. Add to fruit and vegetables along with ham and simmer gently to heat through. Serve over hot rice. (To microwave, cook veggies in 1% quart casserole with 1 tbsp. water, on high and covered for 4 min. In a 2 cup glass combine cornstarch and cinnamon and juice. Cook, uncovered, on high till thickened and bubbly, stirring every 30 seconds. Stir sauce into ham, fruit and vegetables and cook, uncovered on high for about 2 min. till heated through.) Serve with hot broccoli dotted with butter and lemon juice or soya sauce. Greek Easter Cake * This needs 12 hours in the fridge before serving. * You will need a large pretty bowl and a glass to put in the centre so as to leave an indentation. 4 eggs separated ‘/2 cup sweet butter 1 cup icing sugar 3 tbsp. cocoa melted in V2 cup warm milk 4 oz. walnuts â€" crushed fine '/2 cup white rum 1 pound box tea (vio brand) biscuits broken up Beat egg whites till stiff with a pinch of salt and refrigerate. Cream butter and one egg yolk at a time, beat really well. Pour in sugar (sifted) and beat again. Add cocoa mix and beat until mixture resembles a mousse. Add rum and continue beating. Stir in walnuts. Fold beaten egg whites in very carefully and then fold in the crushed biscuits. Fill the glass bowl leaving the glass in the middle. refrigerate for 12 hours. When ready to serve fill the middle with whipped cream and garnish with nuts. Be prepared to make this cake an annual event. DURING A ROBBERY . Don't resist â€" obey instructions. . Give the robber what he asks for. but no more. . Observe the robber closely â€" note identifying features. . Try to get make, model, year and license of getawav can . Determine exact time and direction of the escape. . Call the police and give all information. . Detain witnesses â€"â€" insist they stay if necessary.