by Susan | Mar 29, 2014 | On My Mind
This pretty Canada goose lounging along the banks of the Narraguagus was a reaffirmation that spring is here. Despite the blizzard Mother Nature threw our way this week and the ice and sleet predicted for tomorrow, winter is loosing her hold on us.
by Susan | Jan 30, 2014 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Tree Clinging Bird Patterns
When readers suggested that I create a northern flicker, I didn’t know where to begin. Although they’re native to this neck of the woods, I’ve never seen one. With this pattern, you can make a yellow-shafted flicker, found in the east, or a...
by Susan | Jan 19, 2014 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Ground and Game Bird Patterns
One of the most requested birds at Downeast Thunder Farm is, surprisingly not a feeder bird, but a pheasant. After spying one strutting about the edge of our drive the other day, I decided to take a stab at designing it. Their color pattern is quite intricate –...
by Susan | Jan 12, 2014 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Perching Bird Patterns
Not long ago a visitor pointed out that what I thought was a house finch was really a purple finch. So, of course I had to make a felt purple finch. This is the only one I’ve seen on the farm lately! Right click on this link and select “Save target...
by Susan | Jan 5, 2014 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Perching Bird Patterns
I’ve so enjoyed the tree sparrows who are wintering in our yard. Sprightly with an endearing musical twitter, they have been frequent visitors to the feeders and provide much entertainment. Right click here and select “Save target as” (on a PC) to...
by Susan | Jan 1, 2014 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Owl and Raptor Patterns
I ventured into this work of creating bird patterns three years ago with my Downeast Thunder Farm owl family of ornaments. So, it seems appropriate that my first pattern of 2014 be another owl. Although no self respecting pygmy owl would be found in Maine – especially...
by Susan | Dec 29, 2013 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Perching Bird Patterns
The house sparrow seems to be everywhere. Lately he’s been a frequent visitor to my feeders. In his honor, I’ve created him out of felt. Right click on this link and select “Save Target As” to save this house sparrow pattern to your computer...
by Susan | Dec 28, 2013 | Backyard Birds, On the Farm
This visitor had me keep Paul and Hannah waiting as we were trying to get out the door today to go shopping. It’s that addiction thing. I followed the woodpecker (Downy? Hairy?) from the kitchen to the living room scrambling to get the camera focused correctly....
by Susan | Dec 21, 2013 | Backyard Birds, On the Farm
It started this morning when I ventured outside to fill the bird feeders – in my jammies and muck boots, nonetheless. I made quite the picture. You can do that when you live in the woods. At first there was just one. And then two. And three. Before I knew...
by Susan | Dec 19, 2013 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Perching Bird Patterns
My latest bird was inspired by Julie who wrote: My grandfather used to feed the scrub jays peanuts. They would fly in and land all over him-from his head to arms to be fed peanuts in the shells. If he was late feeding them they would peck at his screen and doors. They...
by Susan | Dec 1, 2013 | Felt Patterns
A number of readers have written asking for more detail about how I make the feet for my felt birds. There’s no “right” or “wrong” when it comes to making these little birds! In fact, I tend to make things up as I go along. So...
by Susan | Oct 27, 2013 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Swift and Swallow Patterns
I’ve read that male barn swallows must always put their best foot forward or the females will move on in search of a new guy. So does that make the females fickle or simply smart to keep those boys on their toes? Either way, a Barn Swallow for you to fashion out...
by Susan | Oct 8, 2013 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Ground and Game Bird Patterns
This humble little bird has the honor of being the most requested bird pattern at Downeast Thunder Farm. We don’t have these little birds in our neck of the woods, but I certainly had fun designing him. Enjoy! Right click on this link and select “save...
by Susan | Oct 7, 2013 | Backyard Birds, On the Farm
Within moments of filling the the bird feeder yesterday, the Chickadees came calling. They must have their own form of social media because the word spread fast!
by Susan | Sep 30, 2013 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Shore and Wading Bird Patterns
I was inspired to make this little Sandpiper after my walk on the Sunrise Trail Friday. This pattern can be used for a Least Sandpiper or a Semipalmated Sandpiper. You choose! Right click on this link and select “save target as” to download this free pattern to your...
by Susan | Sep 23, 2013 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Shore and Wading Bird Patterns
The Seagull is possibly to most common bird seen along the Maine coast, but I tend to overlook them. They are sometimes a nuisance, sometimes comical, but always present – soaring over the bay, bobbing in the water, roosting on the rooftops, or strutting along...
by Susan | Jul 17, 2013 | Backyard Birds, On the Farm
I’ve had my eye on this nest of Eastern Phoebes in the lean-to outside my office. This morning, I noticed a flurry of activity out the window and saw a tiny little Phoebe perched on the edge of a folding chair. He’d made it the eight feet from down from...
by Susan | Jun 29, 2013 | Garden
I enjoy watching the Mourning Doves out my kitchen window. They visit the garden feeder for breakfast and dinner. Here they are pictured with the fading lilacs. Lilacs that are all but gone after days of torrential rains!
by Susan | Jun 19, 2013 | Backyard Birds, On the Farm
This little Mourning Dove look so happy frolicking in the garden bird bath.
by Susan | Jun 8, 2013 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Perching Bird Patterns
The past couple of days, a cute gray bird has perched on the fence outside my office. I’ve never seen him visit the feeder in the front, he just sits on this fence and surveys his surroundings. Studying the grainy pictures taken through the window and screen, I...