Zephyr & Sandford News

by Pat Asling

Here we are at the end of a dreary month. Wasn’t there an old song that says, “What is so gay as a day in May?” Or similar? Well, we had that one day, and only about one day. Blink, and you missed it. Sadly, the heat of that day signalled to my evening grosbeaks that it was time to head north and off they went. Birder extraordinaire, Geoff Carpentier, had the same experience. There are still plenty of birds, but I miss those big bold ones. Goldfinches are thick as always. Then there are several pairs of purple finches. Why they are called purple no one knows, as they are crimsons. Then there are the beautiful cardinals that everyone recognizes, and the rose-breasted grosbeaks, maybe not so common and well recognized, but gorgeous. It is worth noting that the male collar can take many forms. One summer, my brother took pictures and discovered he had 14 different birds. My hummingbird has arrived, but no oriole as yet, although others do have them. There are several types of sparrows, pretty even if not sporting bright colours. Two kinds of woodpeckers appear each day, the downy and hairy, and today a flicker flew into the tree right in front of me. I hadn’t seen him for some time. Then there are the ducks. Every day, a group of mallard drakes show up to cruise leisurely around the pond while the females look after the nests. Even prettier are the wood ducks, all male again. On Saturday, when we had that torrential rain with heavy winds, ducks were all sheltering in the reeds. Who wasn’t sheltering was a big male raccoon wandering along the edge of the yard. I just hope he stays away from my bird feeders.

Being sick is the pits, but I have managed to get out and view the yard a couple of times. No doubt the heavy wind and rain damaged the spring flowers like tulips and daffodils, but most trees are in full bloom, most of the lilacs, pears and cherry trees, several varieties of apple, etc., looking at the quantity of blossoms, one could conclude there might be a big crop but a few months from that yet. And oh yes, rhubarb is up, and my asparagus is as beautiful and tasty as it’s ever been.

A few people have birthdays this week. Congratulations to Chandler Ball, 22 already. How these kids grow up. Also, another of Brad and Marcie Clark’s lovely daughters, Sylvie, celebrated 15 years of family fun and hard work in school and on the farm. Sylvia Kokkinen (daughter of Ross and Janice Risebrough) also celebrated. I am sure hubby Derek helped her celebrate. Birthday wishes also to Lynne Tindall, always so nice to see. A very special birthday will be celebrated on Sunday, May 31st, at the Sandford Hall, 2 to 4 p.m., when the family of Evelyn McGuckin invite you to join in celebrating her 100th birthday. I knew this lady many years ago and it will be so nice to see her again on such a momentous occasion.

The Uxbridge Genealogy Group enjoyed a very informative in-person/Zoom meeting on Thursday evening. The speaker was someone who has been with us several times via Zoom from B.C. If you are actively doing research, this lady can show you many ways to approach it using sources not usually considered. On May 28th,, the Bethesda WI is inviting you to a special meeting at the Legion at 7:30 p.m., with guest speaker Barbara Dixon. Barbara is best known for her book “Bomb Girls” but actually wrote a series of books about women in WW2. Admission is by donation. All are welcome. The Zephyr Scott Lions will hold their Spring Festival on Saturday, May 30th, at Zephyr Hall. There will be a BBQ, children's games, and a number of vendors selling a variety of items. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. On Sunday, May 31st, 3 p.m.,, you are invited to join friends and family at the Pine Grove Pioneer church for their spring service, always a lovely experience. North Durham Nature will meet at Scugog Library on May 26th. The speaker will inform us all about flying squirrels at 7 p.m. The Uxbridge Horseshoe Club meets on Tuesday, the 26th, at 6 p.m. at the museum. More spaces are available for both men and women. $30 to join; first one free; you are eligible for talks at the museum.

Church this past Sunday was lead but Rev. Dr. William Fritz, always a delight. There was a good attendance. Next Sunday will be our Annual Meeting, potluck lunch to follow.