Summer Sightings

Hi, I know I haven't posted in quite awhile. The bird
action has been way down in my backyard and I've gotten
sidetracked with "this, that, or the other".
We (my husband & I) keep the food & water
out for the birds, but we have a young squirrel who thinks it's for him.

Look at this Robin above, he tells the story
of our extra early HOT Summer.
It has been so hot here that all the birds have
their beaks hanging open. It makes a person
wonder how they can survive.
Some manage to cool off while the sprinkler
is running on the garden. My husband got a shot
of a young Chickadee doing just that :-)
(pictured way below)

Pesky, the Squirrel

House Finch

Baltimore Oriole

The Oriole feeder looked like it had a whole
colony of ants floating in it...yuck! We are seeing the
occasional Oriole but not like we had in the Spring.

Tufted Titmouse
(where's his tuft?)

My husband captured this shot, too. We haven't seen
any Titmice for some time and "pop", there he is! Hubby
grabbed the camera and took a quick shot
before he flew away. Sometimes when you do that...
it chops off the top of their head :-)
I wanted to include this image in the post because
the bird life has been mighty scarce around here. I like
how the picture shows his pretty eye, beautiful plumage,
and clean conical beak.

American Robin

I didn't want to leave you in suspense regarding
the HOT and thirsty Robin. He finally worked his way toward the
water source and took a couple drinks.

Carolina Chickadee

Here is the Chickadee enjoying a shower :-))

Next, is a hodge~podge of photos from my
backyard. I'm happy about the flowers as I
started them from seed last year.

Notice the "itsy, bitsy spider" on the
Black~eyed Susan.

Happy Friday!! everyone!!

Wings on Wednesday

Eastern Kingbird

I know these aren't the best photos in the world but
an Eastern Kingbird is a lifer for me!
We were walking around the lake last evening and it kept
following us quite close. My "point and shoot" doesn't
work well without light but good enough for ID purposes.


Hackberry Emperor

That is my guess. Here is a link with
info on this butterfly.
http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Asterocampa-celtis

Happy Wednesday!!

Hummingbird Treat

Wordless Wednesday

Wings on Wednesday: May 18

House Finch Family

Ruby-throated Hummingbird Drama

Baltimore Oriole Family

In this photo the male is keeping watch while the younger
Oriole is drinking.

Sweet Little Visitor

He came right up to the window to check me out
whether I was friend or foe.

Wings on Wednesday

Beautiful Goldfinch

This Goldfinch has totally molted...it is just gorgeous!

How was everyone's Easter? Ours was wonderful!
I have some cool Spring sightings and photos but I've been too busy to get on here and post. We acquired a puppy on Easter weekend from our son and daughter-in-law. She's a very small Shih Tzu named Maisie. They have 2 other dogs and she was not working out. We have never had a house dog before and I'm pretty occupied with potty training her.

Spring in the Backyard

Eastern Bluebird
This is my first sighting of a Bluebird!! He seemed to be checking out my situation (food, water, habitat) and was eyeing a Wren Nestbox. I wish he would accept it! Regarding the nestbox, we attached it to the shed, close to the Rose of Sharon bushes. But, I didn't realize until today that the opening is open to the North wind...and we had a strong NW wind today :-(
...I think I lost him.

The weather is just awful today.
Overcast, cold, and strong NW winds...whereas yesterday we had
tornadic storms. But, it brought the E. Bluebird and some other little bird moving too fast (the wind helping it along) to be able to ID. I'm hoping it'll come back. It was a bit smaller than the finches with a yellow tummy, bluish on it's back & wings, and a black crest...a very tiny head.

Downy or Hairy???

Cotton Tale

Once upon a time, there was a hungry bunny.
He found a Black Walnut that the squirrel had buried last Fall.
He said to his friend, "Well, I found my lunch!"

He said a blessing over his meal,
thanking God for His provision.

He munched on this delectable
morsel until it was all gone...

...then, licking his fingers
he declared that Cindy's backyard "eats" were
the best in the neighborhood!

The End :-))

Mammals on Monday: Bunnies

Cottontail Bunnies
There are about 9 newborn bunnies in my Son's backyard. I guess they had a burrow in the same spot last Spring. The only problem is...they have dogs and baby bunnies and dogs don't mix. Our son is thinking about rigging up some chicken wire so the dogs won't bother them. This was my first time seeing bunnies in a burrow...and I grew up on a farm...go figure :-)

Backyard Birds

Here's a view of our April skies. It's been warm, humid and light showers off and on all day. I guess it's suppose to get up to 90 degrees tomorrow. I'm not so sure I'm going to like that.

Male House Finch

Tufted Titmouse

Hairy or a Downy Woodpecker?
I'm thinking...Downy.