Baldwin's Birds

"Each of us has a community, and most of us have ideas about how our community can be helped to be stronger and better," said Doug Anderson, CEO of Peavey Industries LP.

"The Peavey Industries Community Agricultural Grant exists to nourish the entrepreneurial spirit of the people and organizations within our communities with a focus on agriculture. We have been proudly serving Canadian communities since 1966, and most of these communities have a long, rich agricultural heritage. The Peavey Industries Community Agricultural Grant is one more way that we can connect with the land and help realize tangible benefits for all."

Jest Sidloski, Vice President of Marketing at Peavey Industries LP, stated, "The grant is open to community groups across Canada, from food security to ag societies, community spaces, conservation learning programs, youth in agriculture, indigenous programs, and more. Applicants must operate within 350km of a Peavey Mart location and must demonstrate a clear understanding of how their project will positively impact their community. We encourage your group to apply.’

Applications for the 2023 Community Agriculture Grant are now open and will close on May 31, 2023. Winners will be an-

Widow they wash her body for his soul to rest shackled in rituals long past their time wrap her with punitive measures bind her cut her locks smudge her makeup no one must talk to her she is an outcast even after his death she must serve she is evil they wash her body for his soul to rest nounced in August 2023, and the grant funds will be distributed in September 2023. Peavey Industries is proud to support Canadian communities and help bring their innovative agricultural projects to life. For more information on the Community Agriculture Grant and how to apply, please visit our website at peaveymart. com.

Hairy, But Not Scary!

On this miserable snowbound day, which isn't at all cheery at the moment, but as the day is drawing to an end, it is starting to look a bit more like things are starting to look up! At least I can do that now without getting an eyeful of snow and so can the birds, as they continue to come in to my feeders, or to gather the seed scattered on the ground. I am still getting quite a variety of them including a couple of Crows and some Starlings, with their iridescent plumage still in evidence. Of course, these birds, being of a larger variety are not able to use the suspended feeders, so gravitate to ground feeding or using my larger feeders, as do the Pigeons, Doves, Bluejays and Cardinals, who feed at either place depending on what appears to be available for them to eat. Our timid Redwing Blackbird partakes when it plucks up enough courage, but never lingers in one place for very long, as opposed to our two types of Woodpecker, the "diminutive" Downy and the 'huge" Hairy, who enjoy their feeding suspended above the rest and are never in too much of a rush! Both types seem to relish their visits and, at times, seem almost to be asleep, as they cling to whatever hanging feeder they are on, and remain motionless for quite long intervals. Of course, I don't think that they actually drift off to sleep ,but are keeping a vigilant look out for any unwanted intruders wishing to do them and the other birds harm. Fortunately this is a very, very occasional occurrence, so is a very safe spot for them all.

Nari shakti (woman power)

Celebrate the woman here she comes dragging her feet across the wet fields beaten, ten times, maybe more

Celebrate the woman who may cry often but never let you know what is hurting her

Celebrate the woman who wants to conquer the world but is not allowed stopped at each juncture she wants to cross all boundaries

Celebrate the woman the overachiever, the nari shakti inside her, a raging fire within lifts her spirits burns to aspire leap across greater heights

If you are wondering about my cryptic title for this article I am referring to my picture of a Hairy Male (Aren't we all!?) Woodpecker, giving a close-up view of its face, which, if the paper's version is clear enough, shows how the feathers surrounding the base of the beak look to be quite hair-like in looks and structure. These fine facial feathers, however, do not give it its name, which comes from the long thread-like white feathers that run down the middle of its black back. This fact I have just "Googled" so it must be true, mustn't it?! (tongue in cheek!). It is certainly something I shall be looking out for the next chance that I get. Perhaps you may be lucky enough to see it too, if you haven't done so already. Stay safe and well.

Cheers, John Baldwin