Ooooh, questions! I miss doing a monthly Q&A!
Many of you had questions about my post yesterday.
First, the bird is the Western Meadowlark, the state bird of Wyoming (and many other states, as well).
I tried to upload this yesterday, but I gave up. Tonight the stars have aligned… this song happens to be my ringtone! Enjoy!
The other questions pertain to the tree.
This hillside is dotted with junipers. Often around here, if an older juniper bush grows more tree-like, they get called cedars, even though true cedars are only found in the Mediterranean. Rocky Mountain Junipers can have the stringy bark, red and white wood, and heavenly cedar scent. They also produce berries used in the production of gin. My dad used to tell a story about birds getting drunk on the berries, but I’m sure he made that up… juniper berries taste AWFUL and I’m more likely to throw them at other cowboys than use them to flavor anything!
Find me here!
Your dad might have been right. Birds don’t taste things like we do. maybe they like gin! But why are they called cedars when they’re really just big junipers? The scent? But do they have to be big to smell like cedars?
I do love your blog and thanks for the sound of the meadowlark!