#bird seed ornaments

[clairehoneybee]

Homemade Gifts for Bird Lovers

Homemade Gifts for Bird Lovers

Bird Seed Ornaments Crossing out several names on my Christmas list this year, I was left with a bird lover/watcher who I knew would appreciate homemade bird treat ornaments. Feeding hungry songbirds in winter is a great way for people to interact with nature and help birds get through the tough months of winter. Studies show that bird feeding produces significantly earlier egg laying dates,…

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#bird seed ornaments #feeding the birds #making bird seed wreaths

[jedi-bird]

Weeded two more raised beds and some of the walkway between them. This is the best time of year to do this since the clay soil of very soft because of the rain and the weather is nice and cool so I don't overheat. There is still a ton to do, but my green waste can is full and I can only do so much at a time before my back and legs start spasming.

The roses all look pretty good right now and are getting their spring growth. The freesias are blooming and have a nice spicy smell. The hyacinths are starting to fade, which makes me a bit sad. The lime tree has it's first flowers and seems to be fine since I secured it's leaning branch. The cara cara has a sucker shoot that needs to be removed next time I'm out there.

Next up is moving the big pots around and making a tiered arrangement under the brush cherry so I can finish setting up the last of the raised beds. I need to get a ton of soil for that as well as for the baby amaryllis that sprouted last year (they're up for a transplant this year). I'm still trying to figure out how I want to rearrange the patio plants to get the maximum amount of space but still leave room for the potted trees.

#adventures in gardening #moving the big pots will likely have to wait until they dry out a lot more #they're too heavy right now because of the rain which is good for the plants but bad for my back #everything looks so nice right now though and i just want to stay out there all day #i also need to finish trimming the juniper #it's gotten so big since i moved in and started actually taking care of it #and now it's a bit unruly and trying to take over more than it's corner #maybe I'll cover it in bird seed ornaments next holiday season just for fun #the towhee couple living in it might like that #i need to replace the broken bird feeder and the one the refuse to use soon too

[headspace-hotel]

The knowledge of some common plants

Since many people don't know most of the plants around them, this is information on some plants that are commonly seen in many places throughout the world

This is Lamium purpureum, also called Purple Deadnettle.

It's called deadnettle because it looks like a nettle but it doesn't sting you

This plant is a winter annual—it grows its leaves in the fall, lasts through the winter, and blooms and dies in the spring

Its pollen is reddish orange. If you see bees with their heads stained reddish orange, it is likely because they have visited Purple Deadnettle

This is Trifolium repens, white clover

It is a legume (belongs to the bean family) and fixes nitrogen using symbiosis with bacteria that live in little nodules on its roots, fertilizing the soil

It is a good companion plant for the other members of a lawn or garden since it is tough, adaptable, and improves soil quality. According to my professor it used to be in lawn mixes, until chemical companies wanted to sell a new herbicide that would kill broadleaved plants and spare grass, and it was slandered as a weed :(

It is native only to Europe and Central Asia, but in the lawns they are doing more good than harm most places

Honeybees love to visit clover

Four-leaf clovers are said to be lucky

This is Achillea millefolium, Common Yarrow

It has had a relationship with humans since Neanderthals were around, at least 60,000 years, since Neanderthals have been found buried with Yarrow

Its leaves have been used to stop bleeding throughout history, and its scientific name comes from how Achilles was said to have used Yarrow to stop the blood from the wounds of his soldiers. A leaf rolled into a ball has been used to stop nosebleeds

It is a native species all throughout Eurasia and North America

This is Cichorium intybus, known as Chicory

The leaves look a lot like dandelion leaves, until in mid-spring when it begins growing a woody green stem straight up into the air

Like many other weeds, it has a symbiotic relationship with humans, existing in a mix of domesticated or partially domesticated and wild populations

It is native to Eurasia, but widespread in North America on roadsides and disturbed places, where it descended from cultivated plants

Its root contains large amounts of inulin, which is used as a sweetener and fiber supplement (if you look at the ingredients on the granola bars that have extra fiber, they usually are partly made of chicory root) and has also been used as a coffee substitute

A large variety of bees like to feed upon it

This is Phytolacca americana, known as Pokeweed

It is easily identified by its huge leaves and its waxy, bright magenta stem

It can grow more than nine feet tall from a sprout in a single summer!

If you squish the berries, the juice inside is a shocking magenta that is so bright it almost burns your eyes. For this reason many Native American people used it for pink and purple dye.

It is a heavy metal hyperaccumulator, particularly good for removing cadmium from the soil

All parts of the plant are poisonous and will make you very sick if you eat them, however if the leaves are picked when very young and boiled 3 times, changing out the water each time, they can be eaten, and this is a traditional food in the rural American Southeast, but I don't want to chance it

British people have introduced it as a pretty, exotic ornamental plant. I think that is very funny considering that here it is a weed associated with places where poor people live, but maybe they're right and I need to look closer to see the beauty.

If you see magenta stains in bird poop it is because they ate pokeweed berries- birds can safely eat the berries whereas humans cannot

This is Plantago lanceolata, Ribwort Plantain

It grows in heavily disturbed soils, in fact it is considered an indicator of agricultural activity. It is successful in the poorest, heaviest and most compacted soil.

The leaves, seeds, and flower heads are said to be edible but the leaves are really stringy unless they are very young. Of course, it is important to be careful when eating wild plants, and make sure you have identified the plant correctly and the soil is not contaminated

I have also heard the strings in the leaves can be extracted and used for textile purposes

and that's some common plants you might often see throughout the world

#just remembered i had this in my drafts #i forget why i didn't post it immediately #anyway #plants #the ways of the plants

[madeinapinch]

How To Make The Best Homemade Bird Seed Ornaments

These homemade bird seed ornaments are perfect for nature lovers of all ages. Get the kids involved as a craft activity and a way to watch wildlife in their very own backyard! Plus, DIY bird seed ornaments make great DIY gift ideas for new neighbors or friends and family that love bird watching! As a bird lover and nature enthusiast, I get so excited whenever I can involve the whole family in a…

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#bird seed crafts #diy #DIY crafts #DIY gifts #DIY ornaments

[turtlesandfrogs]

Today was such a good day:

Walked to the dog park early in the morning and got the dogs some good running time.

Went stinging nettle foraging and Himalayan blackberry removing

Went to a plant swap and traded some ornamentals for sage, lavender, creeping raspberry, ginko seeds, and really big sunflower seeds. And a bird of paradise plant like the one my grandmother had when I was a kid.

Watered my houseplants and mixed up more hydronic solution

Started sourdough

Watched Dengeon Meshi with friends through the magic of the internet

[bethanythebogwitch]

Plant native plants

What's up, northern hemisphere homies? Spring is coming and soon, many of you may be looking toward gardening. When you're deciding what to plant, I have two words for you to consider:

Native. Wildflowers.

There are huge benefits to planting native plants over store-bought plants.

Native plants are already adapted to the local soil. Lots of ornamental plants (especially lawn grass) pull nutrients out of the soil without giving anything back. Native plants are much better at supporting the nutrient cycle.

They are low-maintenance. Because native plants are already adapted to your local conditions, they need much less care and maintenance. You can save time and money on fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and water.

Native plants support the local ecosystem. The plants have evolved alongside with animals, meaning they feed local insects, birds, and other animals. They also provide shelter for wildlife, attract pollinators, and boost the local animal populations.

They increase biodiversity. In my country, huge swaths of native land have been bulldozed and replaced with ecologically damaging farmland, lawns, and non-native ornamental plants. By planting natives you help restore the ecological balance and can get an idea of what the land used to look like. Planting natives on your property can spread the seeds to other locations through wind or animal dispersal.

They are sustainable. You can harvest seeds off of your natives and grow your garden, give them to other people, or scatter them in the wild.

They are diverse and unique. How many gardens are full of the same old standards like peonies, daffodils, and tulips? Native plants often look much more unique and interesting than the same old ornamentals. Here are some local species from my area that I think are much better looking than a lot of ornamental cultivars. (top to bottom: prairie blazing star, showy tick trefoil, Virginia bluebell, dutchman's britches, bottle gentian).

Do some research about which species are local to your area and see if your local garden stores have any native species. A lot of places will have naturalist groups who will sell native plants or their seeds or can point you to places you can get them. You may be able to harvest seeds directly off the plant if there are natural areas near you. However if you are harvesting natural plants, check local laws and see who owns the property. The general rule of thumb is that for abundant native species, you can safely harvest about half of the seeds without impacting the regrowth next year. For rarer species, you shouldn't take more than a quarter. If a lot of people are harvesting in the same area, they may be taking too much.

#plants #native plants #garden #gardening #ecology #biodiversity

[snowyavis]

Pirot Kilim ornaments

Чурлињак (čurlinjak) - The most basic motif, representing a cross section of the lower part of the whisk for mixing ingredients (called čurlinjak).

Врашко колено (Devil's knee) - The motif comes from the pre-Christian Slavic religion. It symbolises movement in circles (kolo dance) and the flow of life, and provides strength, bravery and defense against evil.

Корњача/жељка (turtle) - The most popular pattern of the Pirot Kilim. It symbolises durability and longevity and brings fertility, healthy life and protection from danger.

Ченђели (čenđeli) - Represents a grappling hook mounted on a wooden pole, used for hanging things.

Бомбе (bombs) - It beard this name due to its semblance to handgranades, but the motif has existed since before handgrandes were invented. It provides strength and energy, especially to men, so the kilims with this motif were usually gifted to boys for their life milestones.

Гуштер (lizard) - This pattern probably originates from modified depictions of dragons. It represents laziness and indifference, but also change, flexibility and adaptation to the world.

Ђулови (roses) - It represents a stylised cross section of a rose, showing both the exterior as well as the pistils, anthers and seeds inside. It is symbolises a young woman and her beauty. Kilims with this motif are often gifted to daughters by their mothers. Different variations of this motif exist, some of which (the roses on shackles) were, according to legends, made as rebellion of kilim weavers against the Ottoman repression.

Ђаволчићи (Little Devils) - The devil is represented as a human figure turned upside down, with the devil's head turned towards the underworld, and a bird on the other side representing the heaven.

Гугутка (dove) - Birds protect from evil spirits and diseases and connect the earth and sky. It represents family harmony, love, peace and joy, and as such kilims with this motif are often gifted to new homeowners. This motif can often be seen arranged around a pole, representing a tree full of birds.

Атапот (atapot) - It represents an octopus, and the name probably came from a distorted pronunciation of the word oktopod (octopus).

Француске бомбоне (French candies) - This motif was probably inspired by silk candy wrapped in decorative paper and brought to Serbia from distant lands. According to a folk story, when the French soldiers liberated Pirot in the First World War in 1918, the kilim weavers designed this pattern as a sign of gratitude.

Столица (chair) - It represents an antique chair and the inspiration for this pattern came from the everyday life of the kilim weavers.

Тиче (tiče) - It represents a small bird.

Source: "Ornaments of Serbia: the Pirot Kilim" by Milica Živadinović. Art by me.

#art #water color art #serbia #serbian #kilim rug #folklore #balkans #balkan #traditional art #water colour art #slavs #slavic #south slavic

[welcomehomerandomness]

Welcome Home Website Update Reaction Notes (3/9/2024) Part 2 (SPOILERS)

Here's Part 2 of my Welcome Home Website Update Reaction Notes (3/9/2024)! Hope you enjoy it!

Howdy caterpillar walking ASMR

“It was then that Howdy Pillar pulled out a luxurious looking scarf- If one were to take a guess, it was probably the perfect size for a large house! Wally’s eyes sparkled brightly as he looked at it, but Barnaby was not as impressed. Still, he remembered this was all for Wally.” Barnaby doesn’t like the scarf but at least he knows that Wally needs it to give it to Home…Barnaby’s a true bestie

“There, scaling the tallest of the Homewarming trees in all of the neighborhood, was Sally Starlet herself. She was wearing an outfit adorned in sparkles, glitter, tinsel, ornaments, and even strings of popcorn- She was, as she’s ever been, truly a sight to behold. Even now as she continued to climb up the tree, she was radiant.” Sally is a goddess and an icon

Sally’s nickname for Barnaby is “Barntholomew” lol

Poppy is best bird mom friend lol

Also I wonder what the sunflower-seed ham tastes like

Why does Wally’s voice sound distorted when he says “How can that be.”? Is he sad? Mad? Both?

Awww at least the story ends on a good n-WAIT WHERE’S EDDIE??? WHY ISN’T HE IN THIS STORY???

EDDIE???

I’m scared for Eddie now

Also I love how we get to hear more of Home in this storybook record even if I joke around on how I hate Home lol

Now let’s hear Wally’s Toyland…I think it’s a Christmas song lol

Well at least this one has music instead of Wally singing acapella

Wally’s singing is so beautiful...It brought tears in my eyes sniffles

Also is it just me or do the lyrics “Childhood's joy land…Mystic merry toyland…Once you pass its borders…You can ne'er return again” seem kinda sus?

Like I feel like Wally’s singing about the Neighborhood and how you can never return back home once you entered it? Hmmm…

Anyways let’s listen to Up from the Home-Top which is basically the Welcome Home version of Up from the House Top lol

Oh crap Barnaby’s dead/j

THERE’S EDDIE THERE HE IS HE’S SAFE (for now)

“You lost control!? Can’t you see we’re in the middle of preparing for my Homewarming play? Julie is my Santa Claus! And Home? Her trusted reindeer!” Sally, how does Home being a reindeer work??? Is it gonna drag itself on the stage as Julie rides on top of it or???

Oh crap Julie and Frank are dead/j

Also the song is so silly and wholesome I love it

Now it’s time for “Howdy's Holiday Hullabaloo” Record!!! I’m so excited to hear this!!!

LET’S GO KIDDOS IT’S TIME TO LEARN SOME PILLAR FAMILY LORE

“How, normally, I don’t close early for any ol’ thing! Not rain, not sleet, not snow - not even that time Julie launched herself clean through the wall over there!” Oh god I imagine that one scene from the Scott Pilgrim movie where Scott crashes through a window…But instead of a window it’s a FREAKING WALL

HIS MA AND POPS AWWW

Howdy’s brother kinda sounds like Frank lol

Poor Howdy’s dying inside

I think we all know who Howdy’s favorite sibling is lol

The brother-in-law sounds so nonchalant lol

The nephews are so adorable awww

I just realized that Howdy’s uncle is a snail which is why he’s French lol

I wonder if the uncle is a reference to the Swedish Chef from the Muppets but he’s French instead

Oh god the cousin is a stoner hippie lol

I love Howdy’s grandma

I love Barnaby’s reaction to seeing Howdy’s family at the end lol

Overall the song is pretty charming and I love it so much

Also Barnaby's Tobacco Pipe??? Honestly it’s funny but I don’t think this toy will go well if it was created today lol

Barnaby be teaching kids in the early 70s’ how to be like Snoop Dogg but instead of weed it’s bubbles

Oh god not the nephews

Now let’s listen to “Bug-a-Bye and Goodnight: An Ode to Hibernation” Record

Frank’s voice is so beautiful I love it

But Frank seems kinda sad…

I want to buy that set of homewarming greeting cards to give to my family and friends during Christmas lol

Also I want to try the Crispy Sweets frosted cereal so bad...I NEED IT!!!

And there’s a mini doodle on the side of the pictures too

OHHHHH SO THAT’S WHY THOSE SYMBOLS ARE EVERYWHERE THEY’RE PART OF A SECRET CODE

I solved the code at the back of the cereal box but I don’t have time to decipher the other code that was spread all over the website because I’m too lazy lol

I went back to the Merchandise section and found out that Eddie’s toy that Santa was about to introduce in the radio ad was an Eddie Dear Li’l Mailman Kit

I also want to buy all these toys so bad I don’t care if I’m a college student I want them all lol

“Although our Guestbook is and will remain closed for the foreseeable future, we wanted to properly recreate it for those newly joining in our efforts to explore Welcome Home! After all, it’s fun to look back and see how far we’ve come together as a community! We will be recreating all eight original pages in the near future, so check back in soon to see if you can find your message! Have fun!” I can’t wait to see the Guestbook in the future

ALSO I JUST REALIZED THAT THE CLICKABLE BUGS ARE GONE

Dang I’m gonna miss those bugs

I can’t believe I spent hours on this website lol

My hands are kinda tired from typing lol

Also let me know if I miss anything

#welcome home #welcome home arg #welcome home spoilers #wally darling #barnaby b beagle #julie joyful #frank frankly #eddie dear #howdy pillar #sally starlet #poppy partridge #welcome home home

[navybrat817]

I don't expect them to celebrate Christmas, but do Wolfie and Little Red have any hollidays in December?

If Wolfie and Little Red didn’t celebrate Christmas, they would likely celebrate Yule or something similar to go with the themes of light, fire, and feasting.

Bucky and the others burn a yule log and have a bonfire nearby to tell stories and enjoy the company of each other. Tons of food and drinks to go around. They may even have a hunt to catch some of their food. They decorate the trees close to their home with candles and ornaments to symbolize the moon, stars, and sun. One tree in particular is dedicated to the memory of loved ones lost over the years. Little Red gives two offerings to that tree.

Bucky stays nearby when you spend a few minutes in the meditation area after.

While they may hunt, they also give back to nature by scattering seeds for birds and some of the smaller animals to enjoy.

And everyone, of course, exchanges gifts. Bucky doesn’t argue when you make him wear a flower crown again since you wear one with him. You surprise him when you gift him with a ruby. The color evoked power, passion, and love. To him, it also representes devotion and a deep commitment.

He gifts you with a rose quartz. In his eyes, it’s one of the most important stones out there due to the connection of building trust, which isn’t easy for you, and the levels of unconditional love. It’s also a healing crystal that inspires peace. He knows you’ve experienced hurt in the past and he’ll always be by your side to protect and cherish you.

It’s a beautiful time for them, nonnie.

Love and thanks! ❤️

#navybrat answers #character ask #bucky barnes #shifter!bucky barnes #wolfie and little red #off the beaten path au #bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes x female reader #shifter!bucky barnes x reader #shifter!bucky barnes x shifter!reader #bucky barnes imagine #bucky barnes headcanon #bucky barnes x you #sweet nonnie #sending love ❤️ #asks are always appreciated

[quitealotofsodapop]

The fact Wukong was a licensed alchemist and doctor needs to be brought up more lol. Like, sure, he flunked out of college... but he still learned enough to become licensed

Yup!

Chapter 68-69 (nice): "At Scarlet-Purple Kingdom the Tang Monk speaks of past eras; Pilgrim Sun performs on an arm broken in three places." & "At night the Lord of the Mind refines medicines; At a banquet the king speaks of the perverse fiend."

It opens up with a cooking episode, and while shopping Wukong saw that there was a major reward for any doctor that could cure the King's illness and wanted in on that. When he gets there, he ties strings to the King's pulse points and determines that he's depressed (melancholia), has anxiety, and is constipated.

He then makes a panacea from a bunch of alchemy ingredients (and not letting the king's retainers which one he's using), called the Black-Gold Exilir.

The exact ingredients include:

Dahuang/Ornamental Rhubarb

Badou/Croton seeds

Ao Lie's pee (Dragon pee is super useful in alchemy)

Taken with "Sourceless Water" - i.e; rain water. Before purification it was the closest thing you get get to deionized water. Provided by a different dragon spitting out rain.

Zhu Bajie tried his best not to laugh as the king took the three resulting pills. The King then got horrific runs that "purged his body of the source of evil"

The King gets into a clear enough mindset to explain that his wife got stolen by a monster called Sai Taisui/"Jupiter's Rival" some time ago - the source of his depression.

Even before going the alchemy route, Wukong identfies that the king is super depressed in; "Paired Birds in Severance"-way, aka he's heartbroken by the loss of his wife/mate. So he's extremely perceptive of emotions as well.

Wukong may have dropped out of Subodhi's school, but that boy got his bachelor's in medicine!

#jttw #journey the west #sun wukong

[dramoor]

“O beneficent Lover of mankind, if You pour out Your grace on the grass, the flowers and all the plants of the earth in their season, then all the more You will give Your servant what he asks for. 

Because the air becomes clear and all the birds ornament their songs with different tunes, singing praise to Your splendid wisdom. 

The fullness of the earth is robed with the garment of various colored flowers woven without the aid of human hands, and is joyful and celebrates each holy day. 

Water my heart also with the dew of Your grace, O Lover of mankind. 

So as the field which is sown is unable to sprout and feed its vegetation without enough rain, so my heart is unable to yield anything pleasing to You and to bear fruits of truthfulness without Your grace. 

Indeed, the rain refreshes the vegetation and the trees are adorned with a variety of flowers. 

Let the dew of Your grace illuminate my mind and let it decorate my heart with the flowers of remorse, humility, love and long-suffering. 

Let my prayer draw close to You, O Lord. Plant Your holy seed in me, that I should bring You a harvest of bundles, overflowing in good fruits and to say, "Glory to Him Who provided me with this so that I should bring it to Him." 

And then to bow before the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.”

~St. Ephraim the Syrian

(Photo © dramoor 2023 Crested Butte, Colorado)



#saints #St. Ephraim the Syrian #Orthodox Christian #prayer #travel #Crested Butte #Colorado #Wildflowers #mountains #nature #photography #photographers on tumblr #Holy Trinity #God

[wellthebardsdead]

Henwen: *looking like a picture perfect pretty prince dressed in the finery Ondolemar bought him, just sitting in the embassy courtyard feeding the peacocks imported from summerset* …

Ondolemar: *standing beside him watching the snow elfs face, trying to read his betrotheds expression* you look upset my prince. What’s bothering you?

Henwen: they look… sad. And uncomfortable. The snow seems to be bothering them.

Ondolemar: *glances at the peacocks, not understanding what henwens seeing that he’s not* they’re naturally temperamental birds. Especially the males, they don’t like competition with anything prettier than them. *glances back at him* maybe you’re making them jealous~

Henwen: They’re miserable in this environment… they’re not made for skyrim, but they were brought here to be ornaments regardless… they won’t survive if left to the cold as they are now…

Ondolemar: … *kneels down gently taking his hand and pouring some more seeds into it* They’re taken care of here, I assure you my dear… Once you see the ones back in the isles- *guides henwens hand towards one of the birds* You’ll see there’s nothing different about them.

Henwen: *watches the peacock step forward, not focusing at all on the bird as it pecks at his hand, but at its feet and the snow beneath them instead* I don’t want to go to the isles, I’m not made for it’s climate…

The peacock: *finishes the seed and steps back fanning out its beautiful tail with a caw*

Ondolemar: See? Nothings wro-

Henwen: *gently scoops up a clump of snow in his hands, the white frost red with blood, and on it one of the peacocks toes, fallen off from the frost* …

Ondolemar: *eyes wide staring at it* I?…

Henwen: *looks up at him* I won’t survive if you take me back to the isles… I’m not some ornament to decorate your home.

#henwen dragonborn #falmer dragonborn #ondolemar skyrim #Skyrim #yes Kaidan and the rest of the team are outside the embassy #yes Kaidans having a panic attack

[tropic-havens]

The Calliandra, (Calliandra haematocephala) is a magnificent ornamental shrub, very popular in tropical gardens thanks to its splendid flowers which look like flamboyant pompoms, hence its name "tree powder puffs" in French and Red Powder  Puff (red puff) in English.

Originally from Bolivia and Brazil, it was introduced in the 1950s in Tahiti. It belongs to the Fabaceae family, like flamboyant, cassia, and tamarind.

Its botanical name Calliandra comes from the Greek words kalli meaning beautiful and aner or andros meaning male, in reference to the many stamens of the flower. The epithet haematocephala means "blood red head" in reference to the red flowers.

The Calliandra is a shrub rarely exceeding 3 m, wider than high. Its fast-growing branches bear evergreen foliage consisting of large, copper-pink leaves that turn dark green when mature. Its flower buds, green then pink which look like small raspberries bloom and disappear under many very long colored stamens, shiny like silk and slightly scented, forming flamboyant 8 cm pompoms. These flowers are usually raspberry to bright red in color, but there are watermelon-pink or very bright white varieties. These flowers attract pollinating insects and birds. The fruits are long, flattened green pods 6–11 cm long, which curl and turn brown when ripe. They contain 5 to 6 round brown seeds.

#bolivia #brazil #tropical

[shadow-book-wren]

Yule Decorating Chants and Ideas (tbc)

Tree Ornaments

State your purpose before beginning and keep it in your mind while working. give it a fitting enchantment that is appropriate to its purpose. for example, a good chant for a good health ornament would be:

Bring good health to mine and me as i will, so mote it be

An idea for a homemade ornament would be taking a container (preferably a sphere) and filling it with a spell (treat it as a spell jar) before tying it to the tree.

^ not made by me. I did make some really pretty protection ones but i forgot to take photos

Garlands

can be used as a form of protection. chant while you work on them :

I string protection into thee as i work--so mote it be

^ not made by me

Ideas for homemade Yule garland:

orange slices, evergreen, cinnamon sticks, cranberries, popcorn, acorns, sunflower seeds, bay leaves, pinecones

depending on what you use, you can hang it on your fence afterwards to feed birds or squirrels. Always check each ingredient first.

(if using popcorn only use plain air-popped (or unpopped) without toppings, only let birds eat cinnamon if it is ceylon and not cassia)

#wiccalife #pagan wicca #pagan witch #paganism #wicca #wiccan #witch #witchcore #witchcraft #pagan #spell #spells #spellcraft #spellcasting #spellwork #magick #spirit work #baby witch #witch tips #ritual #christmas tree #christmas #holidays #xmas #festive #happy holidays #holiday #holiday season #pagan holidays #witches

[grogusmum]

A Galaxy Far Far Away Part 9 : Tannenbaum

DIN DJARIN X EARTHING!F!READER

WORD COUNT: 4600ish

RATED: M

WARNINGS: while I do my best to keep my reader characters nondescript physically, there is some description here (stretch marks) I hope they are things you can relate to or imagine are a part of you within the context of the story. Also, Din picks you up. It's not meant to be thin coding at all, because he can. He picks up that Klatooinian with one hand in TBoBF. So its canon. Enjoy! While about Yule (winter solstice) Christmas and Christmas traditions mentioned. Grogu being adorable. Din being soft. Sexual situations, sexy times -kissing, taking off each others clothes kissing torsos, described though not explicitly fades to black.

A/N: @clydesducktape had suggested a Christmas in July writer's challenge- to finish up some December prompt wips etc. Well I really did want to do a chapter or 2 with Yule, plus some sweet readers had shared their hope for it to be included after reading the Halloween chapters as well. And the challenge afforded me a little push.

Anyway here I am July 31... long ago as a performer, I learned never to apologize for my work. But I feel like I need to here. I hope you enjoy this little slice of winter festivities. There maybe more in part 10, idk... This took me the entire month to write. It wasn't clicking for me. With some cheering on from @writeforfandoms I was finally able to finish. We will see...

On the plus side, the holiday spirit, whatever the holiday, seems helps move our pair's relationship along. (Who knows what will happen on Arbor Day!!)

Oh a little Ask Grogu easter egg can be found in the chapter.

Part 1

Part 8

The song O Tannenbaum is translated from the German to O Christmas Tree, though Tannenbaum simply means fir or pine tree. In actuality, it is one of the few carols that has gone mostly unchanged from its pagan origins.

O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum,

How faithfully you blossom!

Through summer’s heat and winter’s chill

Your leaves are green and blooming still.

O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum,

How faithfully you blossom!

O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum,

With what delight I see you!

When winter days are dark and drear

You bring us hope for all the year.

O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum,

With what delight I see you!

O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum,

You bear a joyful message:

That faith and hope shall ever bloom

To bring us light in winter’s gloom.

O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum,

You bear a joyful message

You woke early on December the first, with visions of sugarplums dancing in your head and the skating theme from Charlie Brown Christmas was on a loop. Determined to go all out, you would bake all of Nana’s Christmas cookies, decorate inside and out, make bird seed ornaments for the little pine tree outside, and go to a tree farm and cut your own tree. You didn't think you could get Din to sing, but you knew he would go caroling with you, if you suggested it. Just as you had so enjoyed sharing Halloween and Samhain with Din and Grogu, you were bursting to share another favorite holiday that had become very lonely to you in recent years.

Quietly you made your way up to the attic to bring down decorations, thinking maybe you would be able to get a start and surprise the little family you were becoming. You pulled three large boxes out of the corner of the open space, when you turned around there was Grogu looking at the boxes and you with interest. You jumped a mile high, he had been so quiet.

“Shhhi- Grogu! Hey, jellybean,” you picked him up, “and I thought I was being so sneaky. There is no surprising you, is there?”

You thought about that for a moment standing in the middle of your attic, the baby in your arms… was it part of the powers Din had so much trouble explaining to you?

“Well, anyway, good morning, little guy. I have to bring these boxes down, can you get down the steps on your own?”

“Can I help?”

Din made his way up Seamus, trailing behind. You laughed and shook your head.

“Yes, please. I was planning to - well it doesn’t matter. I need to bring these boxes down.” You put Grogu on the floor, and he toddled over to Seamus. Din picked up two of the large totes with ease, you picked up the last one and headed downstairs, Grogu and Seamus following.

"What is all this, anyway?"

"Well, did you notice how after our fall feast suddenly all the stores were covered in green and red and garland… um, silvery fluffy ropes?”

“Yes.”

“There is another big holiday, actually several of them coming up this month. Though one tends to dominate…” you begin your muttering, and Din and Grogu looked at each other with fondness.

“Far be it from me to be a Grinch but ‘Big Christmas’ shoves everything else out- when it steals pretty much eve-” you look at them and grimace. “Sorry, okay so there are a bunch of holidays all around this time.They have their own histories and stories… but what they have in common is bringing light during the darkest time of the year.”

“That sounds nice. So Halloween, well, Samhain was the last harvest and celebrated the dark,” Din said as he picked up Grogu who was chattering and touching Din's face. "Yes, buddy your right- and put on disguises to get candy."

“Yes. Well, sort of and Yule is the midpoint… the winter solstice.”

Din made a sound of acknowledgment and nodded.

“Do you celebrate the solstices too? That’s a dumb question… makes sense it would be universal in some form…"

“Yeah, different systems and planets do. Coruscant has a big celebration, they call Solstice Tide.”

Grogu cooed and gestured excitedly.

“Yeah kid, you would know Solstice Tide, wouldn't you? When you were at the Jedi Temple.”

Grogu nodded. You took his little hand in yours.

“A long time ago, Earthlings didn't know why it was getting darker, why it was going colder and the plants were dying, or why animals were harder to come by. They thought the world was dying. Even when they came to understand it would return they were scared, they didn't think there were any guarantees. After all, winter could kill you. You couldn't turn on a lamp or turn up the heat… go to the grocery if you ran out of food. They prayed to the gods the sun would return and with it longer and warmer days. So when it did, they celebrated and gave thanks. Even as they started to understand more about how the sun, moon, and planets worked they marked the days with revels. And we still do. Sure some have changed the name or the reason, but we still celebrate the promise of the sun's return. So Grogu, we get to celebrate Solstice Tide! I don’t know that it will be just like how you remember it, but I think you’ll like it!”

Soon Juniper Cottage was alive with activity. Faerie lights were strung on the bare lilac tree beside the old green front door that had a wreath of holly hung with a large red ribbon on it. The windows were bejeweled with folded kite paper stars, suns, and snowflakes, you, Din, and Grogu made one particularly snowy day. The snow came down so heavy and prolonged that you were able to get 4 varieties of cookie dough made.

“Not you too!” You moaned, two weeks into the month, as you spooned oatmeal into three bowls.

“I like Junebug,” Din said taking his bowl with a quiet thank you. Grogu smiled toothily as his bowl was set before him.

“I thought you had forgotten all about that.”

“You do know Dave calls you nothing else? The kid likes it too. Right, buddy?” Grogu laughed and waved his spoon.

“That proves nothing, he loves maple oatmeal. Don’t you sweetie?”

Din chuckled.

“I won't call you Junebug if you don't want me to, cyar’ika.”

You smile, shaking your head.

“It's okay,” you conceded before switching subjects, "but let's move on to more important things. It’s time to bring home the tree!”

Again, Din and Grogu looked at each other.

Just as you all climbed into your car to pick pumpkins right from the field, this time to get the tree. Din strapped Grogu in his car seat and you opened the other back seat door for Seamus. When Din straightened you tossed the keys. He caught them, with a look of surprise.

“You've been practicing with Dave’s jeep, and since you recite all the rules of the road as I drive, I'm thinking you got this.”

Din smiled his dimple showing and jogged around the car to the driver's side.

“Just stay under the speed limit, Din, we can not get pulled over.”

“Got it.”

Din adjusted the mirrors and smiled at you again. You leaned over and gave him a peck on the little bare spot in his scruff. Din looked at you shyly, his smile turning lopsided. He was still adjusting to life without his helmet, still getting used to this kind of casual affection. You gave it so easily, and he wanted to learn it from you. The ways you made him feel... if he could make you feel half as appreciated, as cherished as you made him feel... You looked at him as though he was responsible for the waxing and waning of the moon, but Din was sure it was you. Your love and care for Grogu, like he was your own, tugged at his heart.

Many nights now, you share a bed, but so far only to sleep. He wanted more, he was sure he could feel you did too. He wasn’t sure what was holding either of you up.

“Ready?”

Din was brought back to the task at hand, but before he put the car in reverse he took your hand and squeezed it.

“Yeah.”

It really could not have been a better afternoon, it was cold but not biting, there was snow, but none on the roads. Din parked, shut off the engine, and looked over at Grogu who clapped and babbled happily to Seamus, very proud of his dad’s driving. Din handed you the keys and you pushed them back with a small smile.

Everyone clambered out of the car, you got Seamus on leash, while Din placed Grogu in a front carrier on his chest. Din arranged his coat so it didn’t completely cover Grogu. He wore the wool hat you had knitted with ears with the hope people would just think it was a cute novelty hat, that way Grogu could be out in the open to a degree. Din would have preferred his little one to be facing out so he can see everything with ease, but this was safest. So Din murmured to Grogu and encouraged him to peek over his shoulder or beside them, he’d turn sideways to help Grogu see. Whether the strings of lights, the decorations on a snowy tree, or the jolly man in red with a large white beard, ho-ho-hoing and taking pictures with the other children. (You had read Grogu a poem about the gift-giving old man at bedtime just the other night.) All of it made Grogu's eyes widen in wonder.

Just like the day at the pumpkin field, it was bustling with folks from town. This time around they were familiar to Din too, though now they could see his face as well. He occasionally took a breath and reminded himself to relax his shoulders. He was getting used to being without his helmet, but he had yet to be in large groups. He had been with the Dades or some other neighbors he worked for, even at the grocery you tended to pick off hours so it was quiet. You assured him it was as much for you as it was for him. Saying you hated going when it was busy. He appreciated it nonetheless. He knew he would never be like the unreadable black t visor, but he has discovered he doesn't have what you call much of a poker face at all, only now learning to marshall his expressions.

People were waving at one another happily, just as before, enjoying the company and festive atmosphere.

“You alright?” you asked hooking your arm in his. Din held on, squeezing your hand.

“Yeah, just practicing my um poker face.”

You laughed, and he smiled down at you. He will always love hearing you laugh and it made him swell when he is the one to make you do so.

You pulled him down a path between the fir trees, and when you were out of the hustle-bustle you pulled Din to you and kissed him. When Grogu squawked, you laughed again and kissed his head.

“Sorry, Jellybean.” You began unclipping the carrier so Grogu could walk around and see the trees.

“So what do we do?” Dins asked looking around.

“We pick a tree, cut it down bring it to the guy and pay for it. Easy Peasy”

“Easy peasy,” Din repeated looking around. “Well, there are so many, how do you pick”

“Well, there are different types, Fraser, Douglas, Spruce, Balsam, White Pine…and heights… and then there is the magic factor. You just know its right”

The snow crunched under your boots as you walked down the row, you told him you usually got a pretty tall tree, the ceilings were high at the cottage, and you liked to cut the extra lower branches for decorating the mantel and other things. You explained you weren’t a spruce girl, you preferred Fraser Fir and Balsams. Balsam smelled the best, but their needles fell fast. As you explained this you touched the trees as you passed them, just your hand out brushing them, sometimes giving the tip of the branch a squeeze as though you were closing it around an outstretched hand.

“So, how do you decide?”

“The Balsam/Fraser conundrum? Generally, I hem and haw about it, pick a different one each year, love it but wonder if I should have gotten the other, just a little. Then feel a little guilty. It’s not a perfect system. Since we have a little one, maybe we don’t want to have to sweep up needles constantly… so we’ll go with a Fraser this year.”

Din smiled and shook his head a little. You have really gotten inside, and there was nothing he could do about it. And truth be told, he didn’t want to do a single thing about it. You were adorable, and he knew it. He adored you.

You said, we have a little one.

You hoped all this wasn't too overwhelming for Din, all the people, your meandering way about, well, almost everything. You worked to not chase every rabbit down its hole. You knew he didn’t mind, but he was so… economical in his communication, that you felt flightier than ever sometimes. Of course, these days whenever you apologized he kiss your nose and told you it was fine.

Grogu made little tracks in the snow leading the way, Seamus dutifully by his side, to a tall Fraser, it was quite straight and full. He ducked under it, and Seamus sat looking at you. You could hear the little one babbling, little happy patos, and mrapps. You smiled.

“It’s perfect, Grogu.” you exclaimed walking around it, then added in mock suspicion, “have you done this before?”

You ducked your head under to look at him solemnly, “would you ask the tree if it is okay for us to bring it home? It’s alright if we have to continue looking”

Grogu smiled and looked seriously at the tree, placing his small hands on the trunk, he closed his eyes, and his ears lowered in concentration. Then his ears popped to attention and he nodded and cooed in the affirmative. You smiled back.

“Excellent! Please tell the tree to send its spirit down into the earth so we may cut it.” You then took one of the branches in your hand like before, “Thank you for becoming part of our midwinter celebrations.” You pulled some fertilizer sticks from your coat pocket and handed one to Din and one to Grogu and showed them how you tucked into the cold ground the best you could. Your boys followed suit. With that, you held up the bowsaw to Din, “Would you like the honors?”

Din knelt, scooped Grogu who had started climbing the lower branches, handed him to you, then started to draw the saw back and forth.

“Well, we’ll have to watch out for that!” You laughed.

You and Din dragged the tree to the farmer's son, he took your money and pocketed it, and offered to take it to the car so you may enjoy some cocoa in the warming house. You told him which car was yours and he started the short trek to the parking lot, while you, Din, Grogu, who was back in his carrier, and Seamus went to the warming house, it smelled of cookies and cocoa and evergreen. String lights hung from the rough-hewn beams over your head. Just as you made your way to the woodstove someone called your name cheerily-

“You’re under the mistletoe!”

You looked up and yes, you indeed were under a large lovely sprig. Din looked up nonplussed.

“Kiss her!” said the same someone, who turned out to be Jakob, Pansy’s husband. Din looked at you with a small smile. You smiled back, murmuring a short explanation of the tradition, and then gave yourself an internal pat on the back for its brevity- which had become a little tradition of your own.

“Well, if I must,” Din winked and mindful of Grogu joined you under the mistletoe, holding you close. He tipped your chin gently up and brought his pillowed lips to yours. It was warm and wanting but chaste in front of an audience, and when the cheers filled the space you both smiled mid-kiss.

Both your faces warmed at the reception, Din’s ears reddening with a dusting of color in his cheeks that had nothing to do with the cold. He looked down into your eyes, which he noted were twinkling.

After hot chocolate, a spice cookie (two for Grogu, for he had levitated one while no one was looking), a biscuit for Seamus, and some cheerful conversation, you bid farewell to everyone and made your way back to the car. It had started to snow gently as you piled into the car.

You listened to carols and holiday music in the car and before you knew it you were untying the tree and bringing it into the house.

After the lights and decorating the tree, you sat, the lot of you, Seamus leaning on Din, Grogu leaning on Tabitha, and Willow in your lap. All on the floor, just looking at the tree. With the living room lights off, the space illuminated only by the twinkling lights on the tree and the flickering glow from the fireplace. The only sound was the crackling fire and the cats purring. Your heart swelled at the thoughts of Grogu’s awe at the shiny balls. His big eyes turned to saucers. (Din made some very clear rules about the glass baubles)

The moment was broken when Grogu suddenly decided it was time to climb the tree again. You and Din exchanged lighthearted grimaces at his speed.

“Oh boy,” you said as you scooped him in your arms. “Okay, bub, another rule about the tree, no climbing.” You turned to the cats, “I am talking to you two too.” You pointed at them sternly, Willow just yawned and Tabitha blinked at you then walked away. Grogu laughed and held onto your shirt, he appreciated the rule including all parties.

“Here let me show you something. Din, you too.” you sat with your back to the tree, and Din raised an eyebrow. You laid back on the wood floor and pushed yourself with your feet like a mechanic going under a car, so your head is under the tree. Taking Grogu off your chest you placed him down on his back next to you. Again his eyes grew and he cooed in awe.

Din smiled and ducked under to lay beside you, as he looked up into the tree at this new angle, you wordlessly took his hand as you looked up at the faerie lights, the tiny animals of wood and felt, the shiny baubles and feathery limbs hanging above.

Quietly you began to hum, murmuring the words to O Tannenbaum.

Grogu was asleep before the last stanza. Din gave your hand loving squeeze and picked up his snoozing son to bring him to his room. You were still under the tree when he returned. He took a moment to just look at you before he clambered back under it.

Din was very aware of his immediate attraction to you, found himself very quickly wanting to protect you. You were so bright, beautiful, caring, selfless, and stronger than you knew. The times he got to hold you, he never wanted to let go. They say revelation is not a burning bush, big and flashy. But comes to you in a chink of sunlight, seen from the corner of your eye or within the space between heartbeats.

It happened that moment in bed, Din holding you while you held Grogu. He even had admitted it to Dave. And again, here with you on the floor, looking up into the tree.

The revelation… became words, between heartbeats, I love you. Beat. I love you. Beat. I love you.

“Hi.”

“Hey there, it’s been a long day. You’re not ready to turn in?”

Din brought his arm under your head, you rested it there a moment. The two of you just looked at each other in the warm glow, shadows of branches crisscrossing your faces.

“Nope.” He tightened his arm around your shoulder, pulling you close. His mouth found yours. It began as sort of giggly kisses, just playing a little. You rolled onto your side and raked your fingers in Din's curls, they were getting long, having not cut his hair since Navarro. Then you closed your fingers in them giving a little pull, lighting him up like the tree above your heads, he gave something between a hum and growl and nixed any and all plans to cut his hair anytime soon.

Suddenly Din pulled you out from under the tree and took the upper hand. You cried out laughing as he caged you under him. He looked at you for a moment, the tiny lights still reflected in your eyes.

Din's head came down again and captured your lips in a deeper kiss. His leg across yours. The warmth rolling through your pelvis made you wanted to open them, invite him to slot himself between them… as if he could read your mind, his foot nudged them, separating your calves. The muscles in your legs twitched as pleasure centers lit up. You opened for him and Din wasted no time positioning himself fully over you, nestled between your thighs his hands on either side of your head. He gently turned your face and brought his lips to the place he knew pulled the sweetest little sounds from you, below your ear. He decided to give an experimental suckle and was rewarded with a little gasp, your hips gave an involuntary buck. When you opened your eyes again, his brown eyes were on you soft, his brows perched with a question. A hand came up and traced your jawline. You put your hand gently over his and pressed your cheek into his hand.

“What is it, Din?”

“I- well, I hoped- I wondered if I might join you in your room. If you want-”

“Din," you smiled. "I most definitely want.”

“You do?”

“I do, I have wanted-”

“Me too.”

“Tell me,” you whispered.

“I want,” Din’s voice dropped lower.

You shivered at the words, at his voice. Din stood, pulling you with him.

Then without warning Din picked you up, arm under your knees.

You gave the smallest of yips in surprise, and wrapped your arms around his neck.

“Din, you- I- please don't hurt yourself!”

“I've lifted klatooinians, I can most certainly carry my cyar’ika.”

In a voice meant only for responding to the most romantic of statements, "I don't know what a 'klatoonin' is, but um thank you for not calling me Junebug just now.”

Din laughed and came in for a kiss, as he carried you down the hall to your room.

You knelt on the bed in front of him, the height of it gives you a few more inches, you looked at Din from this new vantage point. His patchy scruff, the dimple that was teasing, his curling hair. Putting your hands under the hem of his oatmeal Henley, you ran your palms up his body bringing the shirt up with them. When it came over his head it mussed that rich brown hair. You smiled. You looked at his shoulders and chest in the low light, while the beskar had protected him well, you could see many scars, perhaps from places it doesn't cover, where he only had the heavyweight canvas flight suit for protection. You leaned in and gently kissed one that sat outside what would be the safety of his pauldron, and then another, you lips meeting his warming body, you looked up at him, Din hooded eyes shined a little as he looked down at you his Adam's apple bobbed with a swallow.

“Is this okay,” you asked.

He nodded

You mapped his wounds, stopping at each to give it singular attention. When you got to his hip bone he gave a small strangled moan and pulled you up to him.

"I'm going to kiss them all,” you told him, cupping his cheek.

“I know you will.”

He looked into your eyes then down at the flannel pajama shirt you were wearing, unicorns with winter scarves and hats this time, and his hands came up to the first button, sliding it back through the hole and down to the next, and the next, this was when he stopped and looked into your face searching for silent permission. You smiled again, a silent yes. And he opened your top like he is carefully opening a gift from under the tree, that he knew was fragile. You shivered, and unbuttoned the last two buttons as he looked at your bare shoulders and chest. He pressed his plush lips into the juncture of your shoulder and neck, then trailed downward, you arch into his kisses. It's been so long, his lips leave tingling heat wherever they touched. Your pajama bottoms were slung low, showing your belly, long silver lines stretching over it left over from carrying Fiona. As he got closer you were momentarily self conscious, Din looked at them reverently tracing them gently and laid you back on the pillows so he may have access. His kisses, feather light on them. When he’d kissed each one his mouth traveled back up your torso, to the valley between your breasts. Your breath continued to quicken. When he took one into his warm mouth, your breath caught.

“Is this alright?” Din checked in as his heart hammered.

Din's experience has generally been focused on the endgame of release, there was little intimacy, and kissing was still brand new territory. When he had told you this, you laughed lovingly, telling him he was a quick study.

“Yes, it’s more than alright.”

It was still dark, feet tangled together, this time in rag wool socks. Sexy or no, it was winter in the foothills of a small northern town. The dim clock read 3 a.m.

“Are you awake?”

“Yeah.”

“That was-”

“Yeah.”

“Din?”

“Yeah.”

“I am really glad we are anatomically compatible.”

You thought for a moment you stepped into too weird an area because Din was silent, then the bed started to shake from his silent laughter, and it didn't subside before-

“Me too, Mesh'la,” he sighed. “Me too.”

“I'm sure we would have made it work, but, this was…” you turned and as there is no moon out you couldn't see, so your kiss lands on the corner of his mouth.

“How do you say I love you in mando'a?” You stilled, shocked at your own boldness.

But the tightening of Din's arms told you you're fine, more than fine. You felt his smile on your cheek.

"Ni kar'tayl gar darasuum, it translates to 'I will know you forever'."

"nee kar-" you test it on your tongue, "tile garh- "

"-darasuum." Din said again.

"dahrah-soom?"

"Dah RAH soom."

"nee kar-TILE garh dah-RAH-soom," you said

"Yes. Yes, cyar." Din kissed your forehead, then placed his forehead there.

“I will know you forever. I love you.” After a beat, “Junebug.”

You could feel him smirk. And you laughed against your will.

“Do you really not like Junebug?”

“No, I do… I've just always associate it with being little I guess…” grown-ups only ever called me that. Bev and Dave still do, they are allowed.

Din chuckled, “so am I allowed? Sometimes?”

“Yyyyeah.” You said in mock annoyance.

"What is a Junebug anyway?"

THANK YOU FOR READING 💚

You can find my masterlist here and my taglist form if you care to be tagged for fics like this.

#din djarin x you #din djarin x f!reader #din djarin x earthling reader #din djarin #grogu #the mandalorian #the mandalorian au #a galaxy far far away au #pedro pascal

[proton-wobbler]

Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)

"They look like oil spills in a good way"

We're just gonna skim right passed these guys being invasive species (they're found on every continent!) because they do have a home range and they are quite neat little creatures.

They're really good mimics! While not as noted as the Lyrebird or Mockingbird, the whole family of Sturnidae often make good mimics, and Common Starlings will often pick up other bird sounds to weave into their own song at times. I worked at one job where one mimicked a Gray Catbird so well the store employees thought that's what I was called in to catch rather than a starling.

These birds used to be referred to as "Stare", with "starling" only referring to the juveniles of the species. Some time in the 16th century :stare" had been replaced with "starling" to refer to all ages.

These birds are primarily insectivorous and eat a large variety of insects across their range, including species that are often pests to humans and crops. They will, however, readily eat grains, seeds, and fruits as well, and will raid crops such as grapes or cherries.

Unpaired males find a suitable cavity and begin to build nests in order to attract single females, often decorating the nest with ornaments such as flowers and fresh green material, which the female later disassembles upon accepting him as a mate. The amount of green material is not important, as long as some is present, but the presence of herbs in the decorative material appears to be significant in attracting a mate. The scent of plants such as yarrow acts as an olfactory attractant to females.

Sources:

Image Source: eBird (Josep del Hoyo)

#in memoriam (joke) #Sturnus vulgaris #european starling #european birds #common starling #sturnidae #eurasian birds