Stewart Family Eye Care

01/28/2026

Blog Update: What Does 20/20 Even Mean?

One of the most commonly asked questions in an eye exam comes right after the refraction, or glasses prescription check: “What is my vision?”Almost invariably, people know the term “20/20”. In fact, it’s a measure of pride for many people. “My...

01/28/2026

A Simple but Powerful Way to Help Wildlife Access Water When Winter Locks Everything in Ice

When temperatures drop below freezing, finding drinkable water becomes one of the biggest survival challenges for wildlife. Snow and ice may be everywhere, but they are not an easy or safe water source. A simple setup can make a real difference.

CARDINAL — A year-round resident that does not migrate. Cardinals need access to fresh water every single day to survive winter cold and maintain body function.

CHICKADEE — This tiny bird loses up to 10% of its body moisture every day just from breathing cold, dry air. Without liquid water, dehydration happens fast.

SQUIRREL — Despite their teeth, squirrels cannot break through solid ice. When ponds and bowls freeze, they rely entirely on open water sources left by humans.

DARK BRICK — A dark-colored brick absorbs sunlight even on cold days. When placed in water, it can warm above 50°F (10°C), slowing the freezing process and keeping nearby water liquid for much longer.

SHALLOW BOWL — A dish only 1–2 inches deep is safest. It allows birds and small animals to drink without risk of falling in or drowning.

OPEN WATER ZONE — The area of water directly surrounding the warmed brick stays unfrozen for hours longer than the rest of the dish, creating a reliable drinking spot.

FROZEN EDGES — Ice forming around the rim is actually proof the method is working. The frozen outer ring shows that the center remains liquid, protected by the brick’s stored heat.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Eating snow forces animals to burn valuable calories just to melt it inside their bodies.
Drinking liquid water costs them almost no energy.

One simple brick can become the only drinkable water source for wildlife across an entire neighborhood.

A small action. A huge impact.

01/27/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher in the Forest 🐦🐦

A striking collage of the Vermilion Flycatcher captured in three different poses—perched calmly, calling out, and spreading its wings in motion. Set against a natural forest backdrop, the vivid red plumage contrasts beautifully with the greenery, highlighting the bird’s elegance and energetic spirit. 🐦✨

01/26/2026

The Plywood Hack: Saving the "Snowbirds." ❄️🪵

We always think about filling the hanging feeders. We forget the "Ground Crew." Dark-eyed Juncos and Sparrows cannot use tube feeders. They eat what falls to the ground. When 8 inches of snow falls, their pantry disappears. Here is the pro-tip to open an exclusive restaurant for them.

🛑 1. The Problem: Anatomy The Junco is an "Obligate Ground Feeder." Its feet cannot grip feeder perches. It waits for seeds to drop. But if the snow covers the ground, the bird has to dig. If the snow is deep or crusted, the bird burns more energy digging than it gains from eating. That is metabolic bankruptcy.

✅ 2. The Solution: Plywood This is preventive terrain management.

Before the storm: Lay a piece of plywood, a heavy cardboard box, or a rubber car mat on your lawn.

Let it snow: The snow piles up on the board.

After the storm: Lift the board. Magic! ✨ You have a square of pristine, accessible grass/dirt in the middle of a white ocean.

🔋 3. The Energy Profit For a 20-gram bird, scratching through frozen snow is exhausting. In your "Magic Square," the search effort is zero. Throw seeds (White Millet or Cracked Corn) right on the dirt. The birds will swarm this oasis. It is the most calorie-efficient spot in the neighborhood.

The Bonus Tip: If you forgot the board, just do the "Junco Stomp." Walk in a tight circle to pack the snow down hard. This creates a firm "table" where seeds won't sink in, allowing them to peck without digging.



📌 QUICK FAQ
Q: Who will show up? R: The Ground Crew. 🐦 Mostly Dark-eyed Juncos, but also White-throated Sparrows, Mourning Doves, and Cardinals. These species often ignore high feeders.

Q: What if I don't have plywood? R: Use a tarp or cardboard. 📦 Anything that covers the ground works. Just be sure to weigh it down (with a brick) so it doesn't blow away in the blizzard wind.

Q: What food should I put on the ground? R: Millet and Corn. 🌽 Juncos love White Proso Millet and Cracked Corn. It is often cheaper than sunflower seeds and is their preferred high-carb fuel.

01/25/2026

Birds rely heavily on certain foods during the winter months. Providing these high-energy sources like sunflower seeds can help them survive the cold. These small, yet powerful, snacks support birds in maintaining their body heat during chilly days.

Suet, whether plain or nut-based, is an excellent fat source, which helps birds thrive in freezing temperatures. Offering unsalted peanuts also boosts their calorie intake, crucial for survival in colder months. Dried mealworms and cracked corn are also favorites.

Supporting birds through the tough winter months ensures they stay healthy and active for the spring migration. Simple actions can make a huge difference to local wildlife. 🌰🐦