The Black -throated Green Warbler visits Songbird Prairie Bed and Breakfast here in Northwest Indiana in the spring. Easy to identify both by sight and by voice, the black-throated green warbler brings spring, summer, and fall cheer to many birders. Listen for its wheezy-zee zoo zee or zee zee zee zoo zee song. Both the male and female black-throated greens are colorful and easy to identify. This bird often appears in trees high above your head, but even a quick side or belly view reveals important identification clues, such as the bright yellow head framed from below by sharply contrasting black on the breast (and throat on the male) and from above by olive green. The sides are streaked in black and the birds sport two white wing bars. They also have a yellow bar that runs across their white under-tails, or vents. The warbler breeds primarily in coniferous and mixed forest from as far as British Colombia, east through the Northwest, and down into the Appalachians. A few winter in southern Florida but most migrate to Mexico and Central America. During migration black-throated green warblers are among the most conspicuous migrant warblers, actively foraging along woodland edges. While nesting black-throated green warblers eat insects, particularly caterpillars, they capture prey by snatching it from leaves but also by hovering at the tips of branches to locate and grab insects. During migration poison ivy berries are among the fruits eaten. There are plenty here at Songbird Prairie Bed and Breakfast to our dismay but to the warbler's delight! Male and female black throated green warblers share nest building duties, making a cup of grassy stems and twigs, spider webs, and bark which they line with softer materials such as feathers. This construction may take up to eight days and the female seems to choose the nest site, which is frequently between three to nine feet off the ground in a conifer, where two or more branches meet the trunk. Only the female incubates the four eggs, usually for 12 days. The eggs are grayish or whitish drizzled with reddish brown markings. Females feed the young initially, joined after a number of days by the male. Young leave the nest after about 11 days, following one of the parents for about a month. During migration the black-throated green warbler flies in flocks with chickadee and titmouse. We would love to have you come to Songbird Prairie here in Northwest Indiana to see all of these marvelous birds. The apple trees are in full bloom the  last week of April around the windows of the sunroom. Pansy faces greet you as you come up the walk as well as daffodils and bleeding heart. Bring your walking shoes and binoculars!

Spring brings new flowers with the anticipation of juicy fruit to follow. Fruit not only provides our body with nourishment, but also brightens our skin. Blending cherries with a yogurt mask, such as the Goji Berry Yogurt Mask will create a blossoming facial sure to brighten and hydrate the skin. Exfoliate and brighten the skin with the antioxidant and brightening benefits of the Cherry Enzyme. Contains 5% lactic acid, 5% mandelic acid, and 1% arbutin and 1% kojic. Perfect for normal and combination skin. It promotes deep hydration that protects from environmental damage while relieving the surface signs of aging. Arbutin and kojic provide extreme lightening capabilities. Goji Berry Yogurt Mask will nourish the skin with Goji berry and yogurt resulting in a beautiful, healthy glow. Call to Schedule your spring facial today 219-759-4274

October 16-17 Fall Festival in Valparaiso

'FALL' INTO FUN AT THE FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL:

Fall is here! The leaves are turning, the air is a little cooler, the scenery is a little more colorful, and of course, the Fall Harvest Festival is almost here! Coming October 16-17, our annual celebration brings together some of our favorite traditions for two days of fun! What will you see? Here's a look:

Friday, October 16: Join us from 4:00-6:00 p.m. for trick-or-treating! Dress up in your spookiest or silliest costume and get treats from some of our local retailers, restaurants and businesses. 

Visit Central Park Plaza for more fun, including free hay rides provided by the Valparaiso Parks Department. 

Saturday, October 17: Your day starts with with the Valparaiso Parks Department's 3rd annual Monster Dash 1K. Don your favorite costume and have a blast as you run through this spooky and festive course. 

From 9:00-12:30 p.m., enjoy activities such as free face painting by the Valparaiso High School Art Club, pumpkin painting, taffy apple station by Wildflour, Valparaiso Market vendors, live music by Leonardo and the Makin' Waves Band, and more!

For more information on the Fall Harvest Festival, click here. 

                                       

                                   Cranberry Raspberry glazed pear at Songbird Prairie

Vist the quilt gardens and stay at Songbird Prairie

 

Make your reservation now for your guest room and plan your trip to visit the quilt gardens. 18 super-sized quilt inspired gardens from May 30 to Oct 1 Songbird Prairie is just a short 45 minute day trip away to Amish country. Take along a picnic lunch to enjoy as you stroll the gardens.

The quilt gardens tour is a free, self-guide...d tour that takes visitors to 16 locations throughout Elkhart County. Gardens range in size from about 80′ by 80′ and can include more than 80,000 blooms. Along the way you will find 16 large-format murals painted in patch-work quilt designs on the sides of buildings. Get more information on the Quilt Gardens Tour, including directions and maps at quiltgardenstour.com

When you return back to the Inn, you may relax in a whirlpool with chromotherapy after your day visiting the quilt gardens. This northern Indiana getaway will charm you with their gardens and native prairie also. 

Bring your glass of lemonade and relax while watching and hearing many species of birds and small animals. We provide the binoculars and guide-book. You can just sit back, relax and watch the sun set. www.songbirdprairie.com 877-766-4273

Visit the Quilt Gardens and stay at Songbird Prairie

Make your reservation now for your stay and plan your trip to visit the quilt gardens. 18 super-sized quilt inspired gardens from May 30 to Oct 1. Songbird Prairie is just a short 45 minute day trip away to Amish country. Why not take along a picnic lunch to enjoy as you stroll the gardens. You won't want to miss even one!

The quilt gardens tour is a free, self-guided tour that takes visitors to 16 locations throughout Elkhart County. Gardens range in size from about 80′ by 80′ and can include more than 80,000 blooms. Along the way you will find 16 large-format murals painted in patch-work quilt designs on the sides of buildings. Get more information on the Quilt Gardens Tour, including directions and maps at quiltgardenstour.com

When you return back to the Inn, you may relax in a Ultra Bain whirlpool with chromotherapy after your day visiting the quilt gardens. This northern Indiana getaway will charm you with their gardens and native prairie also. 



Bring your glass of lemonade and relax while watching and hearing many species of birds and small animals. We provide the binoculars and guide-book. You can just sit back, relax and watch the sun set. www.songbirdprairie.com 877-766-4273

Deer sleep in the woods at Songbird Prairie

We enjoy seeing the animals in their natural habitat. These two spent the night and most of the day here resting. We feed them apples and bread. It was so comical first thing in the morning the squirrels were running around and the doe raised up her head as if to say "really you two, I'm trying to sleep here" then she put her head back down.  Come to see them. We would love to have you!

www.songbirdprairie.com 877-766-4273

A Better Way to Stay Songbird Prairie Bed and Breakfast

Oct 28, 2010

A Better Way to Stay
A Grassroots Campaign for the B&B Industry

September-October Updates
PAII has coined the phrase “The Better Way to Stay”. This campaign is phenomenal and it is poised to launch with a website dedicated to showing the industry all the components of the campaign.  This temporary site will soon be taken down and BetterWaytoStay.com will become a resource room for innkeepers to learn about the campaign, its supporters and its tools.  Look forward to learning about the launch of this site any day now.  

Many travelers are finding out that B&B’s give such personal service that even the finest hotels are not able to accommodate! The relaxation that comes from staying two or more days at a B&B cannot be matched at a hotel.  Owners of B&B’s care for you like friends, yet give you privacy at the same time.  Many have acreage with places to walk, talk and reconnect. Find your perfect place and make a reservation today. www.songbirdprairie.com 877.766.4273 Read our reviews and find a Better Way to Stay!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged BEST IN THE MIDWEST BY BEDANDBREAKFAST.COM, biking, birding, Chicago Romantic Getaway, Indiana Dunes Hotel, Luxury Bed & Breakfast, Metro Indy Girls, Midwest Living featured in"Out and About Chicago", Midwest Living Out and About Chicago, Northern Illinois Getaway, Romantic Bed & Breakfast Songbird Prairie in Northwest Indiana Online Reservations 877-766-4273, Southern Michigan Getaway, Taltree Arboretum, ultimate relaxation | Leave a  

Sandhill Cranes migration and stay at Songbird Prairie

Explore the Jasper Pulaski sandhill preserve where you will see and hear thousands of sandhill cranes. Then return from your adventure to a Whirlpool/Fireplace guestroom where you can review your pictures and videos and upload to your friends on Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare! Then awaken to your plated three course hot breakfast in the sunroom where you will hear and see songbirds as they entertain and serenade through our outdoor microphones.. Stay two days and visit the nature center at the Dunes National Lakeshore.

 Beyond the Beach Discovery Trail Now is the time! The first official count for the fall sandhill crane migration from DNR is 5,846! Cranes began arriving in September. They will continue to arrive and build to a peak population in late November of 20,000 or more. http://www.beyondthebeachdiscoverytrail.com/BeyondBeach_searchdetail.asp?SiteNumber=50

 

Beyond The Beach

www.beyondthebeachdiscoverytrail.com

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged BEST IN THE MIDWEST BY BEDANDBREAKFAST.COM, birding, Chicago Romantic Getaway, dunes national lakeshore, hiking, Indiana Dunes Hotel, Indianapolis Romantic Getaway, Metro Indy Girls, Midwest Living Out and About Chicago, Northern Illinois Getaway, Romantic Bed & Breakfast Songbird Prairie in Northwest Indiana Online Reservations 877-766-4273, Romantic Getaway, Sandhill Cranes, Valparaiso B&B, What to do In Northwest Indiana | Leave a Comment » 

Jellybath at Songbird Prairie! Experience it here!

Enjoy the original Jellybath at Songbird Prairie: a truly unique spa experience. Jellybath turns water into luxurious encasing comfort providing the ultimate relief for stress and aching muscles.

 

Experience a Jellybath which is a virtual blanket with aroma therapeutic benefits. Jellybath exfoliates with vitamin c, black tea and reduces swelling and pulls out toxins. Enjoy a bath with Jellybath which retains its heat up to four times longer than water!

 

Enjoy a 45 minute bath and 30 minute massage for $125.00 -- and then enjoy a 30 minute relaxation with hot tea, neck wrap in a warm cozy robe. Bath only without massage is $99.00

www.songbirdprairie.com
219/759/4274 or 877/766/4273

Stay at Songbird Prairie and visit the Dunes National Lakeshore

Dog Day Greetings

from the Dunes!

Awaken your spirits and fill your lungs with fresh air in the Dunes this month. Enjoy everything from misty morning walks through the back dunes of Trail 2, to picnics on one of over 500 picnic tables in the park, to magnificent evening sunsets over Lake Michigan. Of course, no visit to the park is complete without a trip to the park Nature Center to take in one of many diverse, educational, and fun interpretive programs. Take a beach break this month and join us for any of the great programs being offered.

Here's a quick glimpse at some of the fun and educational programs coming up this month:

·         On Saturday, August 7, join Park Naturalist Jenna for “Campfire Stories on the Beach!”  Meet at the main beach, by the pavilion, for an evening of storytelling. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on.  In case of inclement weather, we’ll be at the Campground Shelter.

·         The 4^th Annual Perseid Stargaze is approaching fast. Come Saturday, August 14 to the Tremont Shelter Picnic Area (parking at Duneside Shelter) to watch the annual meteor shower. Special constellation talks and sky storytelling will also take place. Activities begin at 8:30 p.m.

·        Join us Wednesday, August 20 at 7:30 p.m. for “Who Pooped in the Park!”  Meet at the Campground Shelter for 45-minutes of fun as we explore the facts on feces and the data on dung. Test your scat knowledge for prizes!

·        Meet at the Nature Center at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 4, for “Beautiful Blowout” a 1-hour moderate hike to see one of the most beautiful sunsets in the Midwest from atop Beach House Blowout.  We’ll also be exploring the twilight time for our nocturnal animals on the walk back.

Want to stay even more updated on park happenings, park news, and more?  Become a fan of the Indiana Dunes State Park Facebook page. Check out photos and videos from other Dunes visitors, take part in discussions, or just let others know about the dunes. Visit Facebook.com/indunes to join more than 7,100 current fans.  

The complete August Interpretive Schedule can be found at http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/files/sp-Dunes_August.pdf.

Stay at Songbird Prairie Bed and Breakfast while you are in the dunes area 877.766.4273

$169-$249 Whirlpools in every room 3 course plated breakfast

 

Stay at Songbird Prairie and visit these gardens and plant sales this summer

Places to Go and Things to Do Summer 2010

Saturday, May 1

 Native Plant Sale, Wild Ones Garden Club – Gibson Woods, 6201 Parish Ave., Hammond, 219-844-3188

 

LaPorte County Master Gardeners Symposium – 8:30 am- 3 pm, Best Western Hotel, 444 Pine Lake Ave., LaPorte, $28 in advance $33 at door, includes lunch 219-324-9407

 

Rise and Shine Seminar,   8:30 am, $5, Gardens on the Prairie   “A Plant Preview for 2010 and Garden Maintenance. 3242 W. 169^th St. Lowell, IN   219-690-0911

 

Friday, May 7

Spring Bird Migration Hike, 8 am, Wild Ones Garden Club, see over 300 species, registration is required, 6201 Parish Ave, Hammond 219-844-3188

 

Saturday, May 8

Lake County Master Gardeners Plant Sale, 8 am – 2 pm Plants are selected to maximize drought tolerance, disease resistance and deer and slug resistance. Master Gardeners will be on hand, pre-orders picked up. Lake County Fairgrounds, Fine Arts Building, closes at 4 pm, Crown Point, 219-755-3251

 

Lowell Garden Club Plant sale, 9 am – 3 pm, Olde Towne Square Park 219-696-8282 or 219-696-6464   www.lowellgardenclub.com

 

Portage Plant sale 9 am – noon, Woodland Park, Willowcreek Road,   Portage   219-762-1732 or 219-762-0861

 

Wednesday, May 12

Rain Gardens, 7 pm, Master Gardener, Dolly Foster, provides information and tips on how to utilize and set up Rain Gardens, Munster Library, 219-836-8450

 

Saturday, May 15

Miller Plant Sale,   9 am – noon, Miller Beach Home and Lumber Center, 875 Lake St. & Rt. 20, also selling garden books, tools, baked goods and knick knacks, 219-938-6880 www.millergardenclub.net

 

Build an Annual Container Workshop, 8:30 am, $30, Garden on the Prairie, 3242 W. 169^th St., Lowell 219-690-0911    www.gardensontheprairie.com

 

International Friendship Gardens, Opening Day and Plant Sale, Mothers in free all weekend, 2055 U.S. Hwy 12, Michigan City, free admission to plant sale, master gardeners on hand. 219-879-3564 or 219-878-9885   www.friendshipgardens.org  

 

 

 

Tuesday, May 18

New Plants to Try, Central Library, 7 pm, 1919 W. 81^st Ave., Merrillville, sponsored by Lake County Library, Master gardener, Zann Wilson. Pre-register

 

Thursday, May 20

Rose Gardening, 6:30 pm, Master Gardener, Wayne Barnes will talk; meet the 3^rd Thursday of every month at the Highland Branch Library, 2841 Jewett St.  Field trips are planned for June-August, call 219-838-2394

 

Friday, May 21

            Munster Plant Sale 8 am-1 pm, 1101 Oriel Dr., Munster   219-923-1255

 

Saturday, May 22

Rise and Shine Seminar, 8:30 am, $5, “DIY Paver Projects to Enhance your Home and Maintenance” at Garden on the Prairie, 3242 W. 169^th St., Lowell 219-69 0-0911, www.gardensontheprairie.com

 

Friday, May 28

Wildflowers Walks – 9am-2pm, Wild Ones Garden Club, see over 300 species, meet at parking lot kiosk, Gibson Woods, 6201 Parish Ave., Hammond,   219-844-3188

 

Saturday, June 5

Rise and Shine Seminar, “Behind the Scenes of garden Design, Planting & Maintenance”, 8:30 am, $5.00, “DIY Paver Projects to Enhance Your Home & Maintenance”, Gardens on the Prairie, 3242 W. 169^th St., Lowell, 219-690-0911

 

Sunday, June 6

Art in the Garden, $5 per person, Art Fair 10 am – 4 pm, Taltree Arboretum & Gardens, 450 West 100 North, Valparaiso, 219-462-0025, www.taltree.org/events

Wednesday, June 9

Shade Gardening, 7 pm, Master Gardener Daryl Dorton provides information and tips on how to grow a shade garden.  Munster Library  219-836-8450

 

Friday, June 11

Wildflower Walks, 9 am – 2 pm, Wild Ones Garden Club, see over 300 species, meet at parking lot kiosk, Gibson Woods, 6201 Parish Ave, Hammond, 219-844-3188 

 

Tuesday, June 15

Hydrangeas, 7 pm, Central Library, 1919 W. 81^st Ave., Merrillville, sponsored by Lake County Library in cooperation with Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service. Preregister at 219-769-3541 x317  www.lakeco.lib.in.us

 

Thursday, June 17

Lawn Care, 6:30 pm, Master Gardener, Jim Colias will talk about fertilizing, aerating and organic lawns. Highland Branch Library,  2841 Jewette St., meet the 3^rd Thursday of every month. Field trips are planned for June-August so call 219-838-2394.

 

Saturday, June 19

Rise and Shine Seminar, “Reclaiming Water in Landscapes,” 8:30 am, $5, “DIY Paver Projects to  Enhance Your Home and Maintenance”, Gardens on the Prairie, 3242 W. 169^th St., Lowell  219-690-0911

 

Friday & Saturday, June 25, 26

Crown Point Garden Club Garden Walk, Sat – 9am - 4 pm, Sun 12:30 pm – 5 pm, Crown Point, 219-663-0386 or 219 -663-7678

 

Saturday & Sunday, July 10, 11

Lakeside Garden Walk, Saturday, July 10, 11 am – 5 pm. Lakeside, MI, for more info see

 www.thelakesideassociation.org

 

            Lowell garden Walk Sat-9 am – 5 pm and Sun 11 am – 5 pm. Tickets are $8, children under 12 free.  Includes historical museum tour at Homestead Museum.  There are 7 gardens. For more info call 219-696-8282 or 219-696-6464   www.lowellgardenclub.com or  jsmutt@att.net

 

Sunday, Monday & Tuesday, July 11, 12, 13

Day Lily Days, Garden Open, 1:05 pm– 6:35 pm (eastern time), Twin Starz Gardens, 10072 North 650 East, New Carlisle  574-654-9124

Wednesday, July 14

Herb Garden, 7 pm, Master Gardener Karen Hix provides information and tips on how to grow and give herbs as gifts. Munster Library, 219-836-8450

 

Saturday & Sunday, July 17 & 18

Sat., July 17 Porter County Master Gardeners Garden Walk, 9am – 4 pmmaster gardeners will be on hand at each location to explain plantings. For more info www.pcgarden.info  219-465-3555 x26

 

Miller Garden Walk,  Sat & Sun 10 am – 3 pm both days, $8 in advance, $9 at the door, featuring 6 gardens.  Shuttle busses from the Aquatatorium at the National Lakeshore Park.  10 am – 3 pm, box lunches available at Miller Bakery Café, tickets at Ayres Realtors at 646 S. Lake St., combines with Miller Art Fair Miller Beach in Gary, IN  219093806880  www.millergardenclub.net

 

July 18-24

            LaPorte County Fair, LaPorte, IN

 

Heirloom Kitchen Garden, Master Gardeners plant and display a Heirloom Garden at Pioneer Land during the LaPorte County Fair.  219-324-9407

 

Tuesday, July 20

            Attracting Hummingbirds, Central Library, 7 pm, 1919 West 81^st Ave., Merrillville, IN, sponsored by Lake county Library in cooperation with Purdue University Cooperative Extenstion Service. Pre-register at 219-769-3541 x 317,  www.lakeco.lib.in.us

 

July 22 – August 1

            Porter County Fair, Valparaiso, IN

 

Friday, Saturday & Sunday, July 23, 24, 25

Living Watercolours Pond Tour, Fri 8-10pm, Sat 10 am – 5 pm, Sun noon – 5pm.  Visit 12 ponds and gardens in Northwest Indiana and Illinois Southern Suburbs.  www.illianagardenpond.org or

219-663-2365

 

August 6 – 15

            Lake County Fair, Crown Point, IN

 

 

 

 

Sunday, August 8

August Tea, Classic high tea, classic music. Gardens benefit, $25, International Friendship Gardens, 2055 U.S. Highway 12, Michigan City  219-870-3564 or 219-879-9885  www.friendshipgardens.org         

 

Monday, September 13

Plant Swap, bring your perennials and take perennials, 10 am Lake County Parks Greenhouse, 8305 Randolph St.,  Hobart    219-947-1958 or 219-769-PARK

 

TBA

 

Mid June  Whiting in Bloom, please call for dates 1-4pm, 6 homes, advance tickets $10, day of tour $12.  Tickets available at corner of 119^th & Calumet Ave., sponsored by Arts Alive   219-659-0292

 

Annual Fall Plant Sale, Portage Garden Club, 9 am – noon, Walgreen’s on Central Ave.,  Portage  219-762-1732 or 219-762-0861

 

 

Songbird Prairie says if the early-bird gets the worm, then the guest who plans ahead enjoys the hot deal!

Mother DaughterSpecial

Moms are special
Whether she’s a “Red Hatter” or a “Tool Belt Diva”, Plan a night reminiscing with Mom at Songbird Prairie Bed and Breakfast. Remember those breakfasts in bed where you served her burnt toast and cold tea? Let us serve you both our Three Course Hot Breakfast in our sunroom where songbirds serenade and entertain.

Stay at Songbird Prairie with your mom during the month of May and make her a bracelet of hand-blown glass beads and silver-plated metal beads which are topped off with a touch of rhinestone bling. Bracelet is included ($17.50 value) in package with beads of your choice up to $50.00 retail value

Starts @ $219.00. Children 12 and over welcome. Can’t make an overnight? Come just for Breakfast or Afternoon tea (4 person minimum) Call for reservations.  Special for the Month of May.

www.songbirdprairie.com 877/766/4273 

 

 

Memorial Day Special

Make an early-bird reservation for Memorial Day Weekend and get a hot deal!! At Songbird Prairie the early-bird gets the worm !

Stay 2 nights in a luxurious whirlpool/fireplace suite and get the 3rd night 1/2 price or a certificate for a future free night's stay call 877.766.4273 www.songbirdprairie.com

Trails.com features Songbird Prairie a Bed and Breakfast near the Dunes National Lakeshore

Songbird Prairie Bed and Breakfast

cardinal image by mansa

Songbird Prairie Bed and Breakfast is a colonial country home in Valparaiso, Indiana, which is 40 miles from Michigan City. Bedandbreakfast.com named Songbird Prairie "one of the top 25 best undiscovered . . . romantic inns based on guest reviews." The rooms are decorated with Ethan Allen furniture in a songbird theme. The guest rooms have queen or king beds, fireplaces and private bathrooms with Jacuzzi tubs. Amenities also include heated floors, luxurious robes and slippers, bath salts, hairdryers and ironing boards. Rooms have TVs with DirectTV and DVD players or VCRs with access to the video library, as well as wireless Internet capability.

Every evening guests receive a confection and beverages. A three-course breakfast is provided each morning that features fresh bakery breads, fruit fresh from the farm, an entree and a rich dessert in the sunroom where you hear the operas of songbirds through the microphones. Rates range from $169 to $249 per night in 2010.

Songbird Prairie Bed and Breakfast
1740 N. 600 West
Valparaiso, IN 46385
219-759-4274
songbirdprairie.com

Dunes on Lake Michigan shore NW INdiana image by Steve Johnson

Songbird Prairie has a new look for the Purplefinch Suite

 The same shabby chic furniture and rosey accents grace the green walls in the Purplefinch suite.   Featuring Ultra Bath Whirlpool and Fireplace

The Purplefinch Suite will charm you with its cottage style. An enchanting rose theme creates pure elegance in this classic country room. The Ethan Allen queen size bed’s shabby chic, yet refined style rests against a backdrop of white bead board.

Located on the second level, this suite offers a fireplace, television with DirecTV, DVD/VCR, wireless internet access, complete on-site video library and European bed linens.

The Purplefinch Suite bathroom is highlighted with bead board walls, hexagon tile radiant heat floor, shower, Ultra Bath whirlpool for two with light therapy, Dead Sea bath salts, luxurious Italian towels, plush robes and slippers, and hair dryer.

Enjoy complimentary confections and endless beverages each evening.

Rate: $179 - $199 per night double occupancy plus tax

Red-winged blackbirds at the feeder yesterday at Songbird Prairie B and B

Bird Watchers digest says:It's a sure sign of spring here in Northwest Indiana when you hear the conk-a-ree of the male red-winged blackbird. As he gives his call, announcing himself loudly to rivals and potential  mates alike, he spreads his shoulders just so, showing bright red and yellow epaulets against his black wings. Redwings are medium-sized (8 3/4 inches long) blackbirds with an all-black body, and orange-red and yellow patch on the shoulder and nearly conical black bill. Females are streaky brown overall, but their longer bill helps separate them from the sparrows. Wet meadows, cattail marshes, upland grasslands and pastures are all breeding habitat for the redwings and we have all of those habitat terrains here at Songbird Prairie Bed and Breakfast here in Northwest Indiana. Songbird Prairie is a certified wildlife Habitat. The redwing's diet is mostly plant matter-weed seeds, grain, sunflower seeds, and tree seeds-along with some insects, all of which are gleaned from the ground. They will also visit a feeding station, and they do just that here at Songbird Prairie. The nesting habits start early for the red-winged blackbird, with males singing from an exposed perch on their territories as early as April in Northwest Indiana. Females choose a nest site on a male's territory and build a cup-shaped grass nest that is suspended from vertical supporting vegetation. Mud forms the foundation of the nest and soft grasses are the inner lining. Clutch size is three to four eggs, and the female alone incubates them for 10-13 days. Both parents care for the nestlings for about two weeks, until they are ready to leave the nest.

SEO Songbird Prairie Bed and Breakfast located in Northwest Indiana near the Dunes National Lakeshore. www.songbirdprairie.com

 

 

6 Bluebirds at Songbird Prairie Bed & Breakfast

Cornell Lab of Ornithology writes:

How Many Birds Are in Your Backyard?

The Great Backyard Bird Count - four days dedicated to counting as many birds as you can in your backyard. Enter your counts on our simple, free online forms, and you’ll be helping Audubon and Lab scientists see an up-to-the-minute picture of wintering bird ranges. And collecting this kind of data year after year is key to tracking long-term changes in bird numbers and distribution. It’s a great way to share in the scientific process.

Grab your binoculars and cameras - we’ll see you at your feeders!

www.songbirdprairie.com 877/766/4273

We have a webcam inside

the nesting box to view

the brood. I know we have many bittersweet and other

berries here in the woods, but what else are they eating?

http://www.audubon.org/

 

Olympic Gold Special at Songbird Prairie Bed and Breakfast

Olympic Gold Special

 

Capture the gold metal service at Songbird Prairie. Friday February 26 and Saturday February 27  Stay both nights and receive 25% off of your room rate. You will be jumping in your sleep like Evan Lysacek did on the ice, at the chance to stay in the Suites for up to $50 off this weekend only.  You will finish your final spin after enjoying an olympic sized breakfast, and we hope you will be roaring with approval! Book online now!

http://www.nbcolympics.com/news-features/news/newsid=429679.html#lysacek+brings+home+gold?__source=msnhomepage&GT1=39003

 Reserve your favorite room today! 877/766/4273  877/SONG/BRD www.songbirdprairie.com

The Review Lady visits Songbird Prairie Bed and Breakfast

The Review Lady

Opinions on food and travel from the life of a perfectionist

The Review Lady's Rating Scale:

 

1 - Abysmal
2 - Needs Improvement
3 - Average
4 - Exceeds Expectations
5 - Perfection!

 

Wednesday, April 15, 2009 

 

Songbird Prairie Bed and Breakfast: Valparaiso, Indiana

 

Last month I decided to break up a Wisconsin-to-Kentucky drive by staying at Songbird Prairie in Valparaiso, Indiana for one night. It is only 10-12 minutes off I-65 and provided a welcome retreat from bad weather and a boring drive.

 

 

Tucked in a rural area with large residential lots, the inn’s landscaping looked well-kept even in the dead of winter. I assume the terrain and trees in the backyard are beautiful in the spring and summer.

 

 

Entering the inn feels more like entering a friend’s home than a commercial lodging property. There is a living room past the foyer where guests can relax. A snack and beverage center is off the living room just past the stairs.

 

  

A snack and beverage center is off the living room just past the stairs.

 

The entry to the breakfast room/sunroom is just before the snack area. Too full from dinner, I passed on snacks or drinks and headed up the stairs to my room. There are a total of 5 rooms/suites. With the solo midweek traveler rate, I was booked in the well-appointed Purplefinch Suite. Be sure to check photos online before booking a stay if decor is important to you, since each room has a different style. (Based on what I have seen on their website; I didn’t see any of the other rooms in person.) The Purplefinch Suite is very feminine and if my husband is my traveling companion on a future trip, I'll ask about some of their more masculine rooms. The innkeepers did their homework when designing the property as the lighting is some of the best I have ever experienced. Whenever I needed something like a hook, light, or towel, it was right there in the perfect place. There were even spot reading lights in the ceiling and most (if not all) switches had a dimmer.
The bathroom was very spacious, with a huge two-person air jet tub - my favorite kind. (Air jet tubs are known for being more hygienic than their whirlpool counterparts and I wish more lodging accommodations with whirlpools featured them.)

 

One of the best features of the bathroom was the heated tile floors - talk about being spoiled! I have only seen them on HGTV and they were a pampering touch on a cold night.

 

 

Other notable aspects of the room included your own thermostat controls, satellite television, a reading chair, fireplace, sound machine for sleeping (loved this - first time I have seen one at an inn), and a bedside candy truffle (almost too pretty to eat). Since the inn seems best suited for couples, there was not a work desk in the room. Not a problem since I was passing through, but worth noting if you are a business traveler. You may want to ask about one of the other suites or take your work downstairs to the sunroom since it has plenty of tables and chairs. If you snack while working, you may also want to go downstairs since the in-room information advised not to eat in the room. The only other thing to mention, in case it is important to you, is that there were two scent diffusers in the room - one in the bedroom and one in the bathroom. If you are sensitive to smells you might want to ask the innkeeper to remove them during your stay. They were fine for me, I just moved the bedroom one to the bathroom overnight.

 

The comfortable atmosphere continued the next morning when I went downstairs for breakfast served in their sunroom. The room overlooks the landscape on the back of the property and includes windows on three sides. Thanks to their sound system (piping in sounds from just outside the windows) and a plethora of bird feeders, there is quite a show while you enjoy breakfast. I saw bird species that I had never seen or heard of before that morning. It was a relaxing way to start the day. 

Breakfast was amazing. Barbara, the co-owner/innkeeper, creates fare that is not only delicious but also artistically presented. Ice water is waiting when guests arrive with juice, coffee and hot tea available once you take a seat. The room features individual tables so guests have plenty of privacy while dining if there are other people present. The highlight of the morning was the cranberry-glazed poached pear with fresh fruit on the side. I do not normally like pears, but I would eat this every morning if I could. There was also a sweet bread pastry coated with orange icing on the plate. An omelet stuffed with fresh produce and cheese followed; it was filling and flavorful with a biscuit and bacon on the side. There is normally a third course, which likely would have been equally as delicious as the preceding two, but my stomach was much too full to keep up. I apologized to the expert chef in the kitchen, but let her know so that she did not plate it and waste any food since I was already one satisfied guest.

Unfortunately, after breakfast I had to get back on the road and leave such a lovely sanctuary. Barbara was very kind and I enjoyed chatting with her for a few minutes while I checked out.

I definitely recommend this inn to other travelers. Not only is it clean and comfortable, but breakfast is worth the trip alone if you are in the area. I am actually surprised that it is not included in Select Registry Distinguished Inns of North America. It is on par with other member properties that we have visited and certainly goes above and beyond standard bed and breakfasts. I hope to be back if we are in the area again.
Rating: 4
Songbird Prairie Bed and Breakfast
174 North 600 West

Valparaiso, Indiana 46385
(219) 759-4274
www.songbirdprairie.com

 

Posted by The Review Lady at 11:50 AM

 

 

 

Birdlife: Spring hummingbird happenings at Songbird Prairie Bed and Breakfast in Valparaiso, IN

Birdlife: Spring hummingbird happenings

By Marcia Davis
Sunday, March 29, 2009

If you're an April fool for hummingbirds, it's easy to remember April 1 as a humdinger of a day - the day to hang the hummingbird feeders every year.

Ruby-throated hummingbirds keep to their schedules. Spring's first migrant hummers usually arrive in East Tennessee in early April. Be ready.

The same individual hummers that visited your yard last year may come back this year. They'll be looking for the feeder in the same place where it hung last year. Don't let them find an empty space.

Nectar-bearing flowers can be in short supply this early in spring.

Hummers need high-energy sugar-rich fuel for migration.

The formula for homemade nectar is 1 cup white cane sugar dissolved in 4 cups of water. Boil gently two or three minutes to retard spoilage and to fully dissolve sugar. Store in refrigerator up to a week. Don't use honey or artificial sweeteners. It is not necessary to use red food coloring.

After the feeders are up a few days, most of you will probably start wondering why you haven't seen any hummingbirds yet. Check the hummingbird migration map at www.hummingbirds.net to see just how far along the ruby-throats are on their journey to nesting sites as far north as Canada.

Ruby-throat enthusiasts across eastern North America report their earliest hummer sightings. Different-colored dots on this year's 2009 migration map show early arrival dates so far. Look at prior years' maps for the complete picture. Over 5,000 people reported their first hummer sightings in 2008. Report yours in 2009. This year ruby-throats were sighted in Middle and West Tennessee by March 20. They usually arrive later in East Tennessee.

Between now and late April - when courtship and nesting activities begin - plant some flowering perennial hummingbird plants. Select some plants that bloom in April, when large numbers of hummers pass through on migration every year. Next April your yard will be even more attractive to migrating hummers.

April-blooming, nectar-rich hummer plants include wildflowers like wild columbine (with drooping pendants of orange-red and yellow tubular flowers) and blue woodland phlox. Dwarf red buckeye is a small native tree with red tubular flowers. Early-blooming crossvines, coral honeysuckle and yellow Carolina jessamine are April-blooming vines.

Flowering quince shrubs with red flowers start blooming in late March.

Piedmont and flame azaleas are native shrubs that attract hummers.

Offer water in a way that helps migrating hummers take a bath. Hummers wet and preen their feathers to keep them in top shape for flying. They don't bathe by splashing around in bird baths. They shower.

Hummingbirds prefer to hover as they shower in a fine mist. Special leaf-misters for hummingbirds and other small birds connect to outdoor faucets. About 50 feet of small plastic tubing connects to a low-flow nozzle that creates a mist. Attach the nozzle to a tree branch to provide mist for hummers and to wet leaves for small birds that bathe in water held on leaves. Hummers will fly through the mist. You can also use a garden hose with the nozzle set to make a fine mist. Attach the nozzle to a tree limb or a stake in the ground.

Many people position a mister or garden hose nozzle to wet foliage above a ground-level bird bath. The sound of water dripping into the bird bath attracts more birds.

If you find baby wildlife, go to www.vbspcawildlife.com.Click on "The first thing to do...if you've found a baby bird" or "if you've found a baby mammal or duckling."

Make your reservation today call 877-766-4273 877 SONG_BRD

www.songbirdprairie.com