The Birds subcategory honors the winged messengers who grace Crossing Hedgerows Sanctuary with movement, song, and seasonal rhythm. From bluebirds balancing on dogwood branches to migrating flocks passing overhead, birds remind us that the sanctuary is part of a much larger living tapestry.

Birds are among the most visible indicators of ecological health. Their presence reflects the strength of native plant communities, the availability of insects, berries, seeds, and safe nesting habitat. When native plums blossom, pollinators gather. When dogwood berries ripen, bluebirds arrive. When thickets mature, shelter and food become abundant. Each interaction reveals a network of interdependence.

Here at the sanctuary, we observe birds not only as wildlife but as teachers. Their migrations follow celestial patterns. Their nesting cycles align with seasonal shifts. Their songs mark the early light of dawn and the quieting of dusk. In this way, birds mirror the order of the heavens and the earth — living symbols of harmony between sky and soil.

Posts in this category include photographic journals, seasonal sightings, habitat reflections, and simple moments of wonder. Whether documenting a single bird in mid-flight or exploring the relationship between flora and avian life, these writings celebrate attentiveness.

Through careful observation, we learn patience. Through stewardship, we encourage biodiversity. Through gratitude, we remember that every flutter of wings is part of a greater design — one that invites us to live in awareness of both earth and sky.

American Woodcock

By |2026-03-10T02:03:29+02:00January 31st, 2026|Birds|

Yesterday while we were walking in the woods, we came across three American Woodcocks sitting quietly in the leaf litter. They were so quiet in fact, that they almost got trampled. It looked like they were perhaps a mama and her two young chicks. In the photos, you best can see the length of the Woodcock bill on the young bird. In the last photo you can try your luck seeing if you can spot the two ...

Fledglings

By |2026-03-01T03:30:34+02:00January 31st, 2026|Birds|

Some of the baby birds are beginning to fledge now. This whole nest of sparrows came down at once the other day, moving about in a little group while the parents continued to watch over them. It's a little hard to tell, but there are four of them here.Being a haven for birds is something we're quite keen on here at the farm and sanctuary. We love that we can provide an excellent habitat for them. Even ...

Happy Mother’s Day!

By |2026-03-01T03:30:34+02:00January 31st, 2026|Birds, Events & Celebrations|

In this photo, the white banty hen is trying to shelter all her grown chicks under her wings. A banty hen is a type which is smaller than regular hens. The chicks in the picture are not bantys, but the banty mama sat on the eggs from other hens and raised the chicks as her own.Happy Mother's Day to all the Mamas of the world!

All in its Own Time

By |2026-03-01T03:30:34+02:00January 31st, 2026|Birds, Events & Celebrations, Flora|

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.   ~ Lao TzuYesterday we had another lovely Member Walk and Bonfire, which I will share some pictures from soon. We had a small ritual in the woods together, while the Red-Winged Blackbirds loudly serenaded us. A big thank you to members, such as Alissa Addy, who have spread the word to friends so that more people can be aware of all that we are offering here at the Farm and ...

Making Nest Boxes for Kestrels and Screech Owls

By |2026-03-07T05:19:28+02:00January 31st, 2026|Birds, Events & Celebrations, News|

This past Saturday, Dan, Caitlin, and Brennah had a fun time working on making nest boxes for kestrels and screech owls. We've seen these raptors around occasionally and would like to make a place for them to raise their young each year. Not only are they lovely birds in their own right, we're hoping they'll help keep the farm rodent population under control. We have regular work days every Thursday and Saturday (however we haven't had much interest ...

Sky Over CHFS

By |2026-03-01T03:30:34+02:00January 31st, 2026|Birds, Musings|

There are a variety of bio-regions at the Sanctuary. We have perennial gardens and annual gardens. We have a windbreak of spruces we planted, and we have an enclosed hoop-house area. We have a woodland region, a pond region, wetlands, meadow, and shrubby areas. We have a creek that runs the length of the Sanctuary and then on out to Lake Erie. It's called the North Branch of the Swan Creek. We have a planned food forest ...

Season of Imbolc

By |2026-03-01T03:30:34+02:00January 31st, 2026|Birds, Musings|

Last week this bird's nest was full of snow. This week the snow is melting fast. And a couple of days ago when I stepped out onto the back patio, I saw the biggest fattest robin I have ever seen. Imbolc gives us the promise of springtime as the light continues to grow. Blessings from the Sanctuary,JeanPhoto by Brennah Cavanaugh 

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