Busy Birds

I love this time of year, when the birds come back and start building nests and raising their young. I think they're pretty used to me and my camera by now.

1. I have no idea what kind of bird built this nest. I just discovered it this morning. See the entrance at the left? I'll be watching to see who comes and goes. This is a first for us.
2. Mr Bluebird taking a break in the shade, near one of the bird baths. Him and Mrs B are in the process of building a nest. We have another couple that built a nest on the far end of the garden. I tried to take some photos, but they didn't come out good. It's one of our older bluebird boxes. Our new ones have a view window we can look through.
3. Mockingbird eggs. They built this nest in a red honeysuckle bush, about three feet off the ground. Not smart at all. It's dark in there. I had to lighten the photo up quite a bit just so I could see the eggs. I didn't want to stick around too long, so I snapped a few quick shots and split before the birds came back. Mockingbirds don't like anyone messing around their nests!

Bird Wars ~ Day 3

The Cedar Waxwings are still here, trying to eat the berries. And Bill is succeeding at keeping them away. Every now and then, they'll storm the Foster Hollies and grab a berry or two before Bill returns to chase them away. When I hear the commotion, I grab the camera. I still haven't been able to get any good shots, but the sun is out now, so the ones that I did get are a little clearer. I'm not crazy about posting bad photos, but at this point, it's all I have to offer.

They're at in again, right now. This time Althea is up in the window, watching the show. It's

going to be an entertaining day~

I've got to transplant our broccoli and cabbage seedlings today. I think I'll bring the camera with me. Maybe I'll get lucky and can finally get the money shot.

Hope your weekend is filled with simple pleasures.

Until next time.....

Cedar Waxwings vs One Mockingbird

Yesterday, while working in the office, I heard a commotion outside the window. I got up to see what it was and saw at least 100 Cedar Waxwings flying around. Every spring during their migration, they stop here to eat the berries from our Foster Holly trees. Every year but this one.

It seems that our Mockingbird that lives in the front yard doesn't want anyone eating his berries. These berries have been here all winter and this bird has hardly touched them. But, this is where he sleeps, so these trees are his. All three of them. M'birds are very territorial. Ever see one harass a cat or a hawk? Sassy birds! I can not believe that a flock this large is afraid of one little ole cat bird.

I've had my camera out, ready to photograph the birds if they ever get a chance to land on the trees to eat. We'll be eye to eye. I know that I could get some great shots, if only Bill (yes that's what we named him) would learn to share. I did take a few shots of them this morning, waiting patiently in the Bradford Pear, but it's dark and rainy and they didn't come out too good. I'll post better photos, if I get some.

Do you plant trees/bushes to feed the birds in your area?

Until next time.....

Because the Mockingbird Said So

Well, whether I like it or not, it's official. Winter is nearing the end and Spring is just around the corner. I do enjoy Winter and all it has to offer and I love the down time. But yesterday, one of the mockingbirds started to sing. And before we know it, they'll be pairing up and having babies.

Time to start ordering seeds and getting ready to plant broccoli and cabbage seeds for the Spring garden. I need to tune up the tiller now, so it's ready when I need it. Ole Troy and I have been together longer than me and John. Note to self: buy ingredients for my seed starter mix.

In my jewelry shop, I added new sections to reflect the change in season. The Cottage Garden and the Beach Bum section are new. I need to work on a Winter/Spring banner also.

Part of me wants to go back into hibernation, but that too shall pass. I think I'll spend today cleaning out some beds. And possibly, I'll tackle the garage. I said 'possibly'.

Have a great weekend~

Until next time.....

In The Garden

I went out yesterday morning, while the sun was out, in search of shadows for this week's Shadow Shot Sunday photo. We've had a week of on and off clouds mixed with rain. Love it, especially for July. Here's a few things I found:

Baby Mockingbird. The look on his face is priceless. He did not move a muscle the entire time I photographed him.

Volunteer Sunflower with honeybee.

Sunflower against the bluest of blue skies.

Corn with ears.

Enjoy the weekend.

Until next time.....

Somebody is in Trouble!

A little background first. For those of you that don't know or forgot.....our Spring garden rotted or washed away. Twice. The Summer garden was late getting in the ground due to all of the Spring rain. That means that our tomatoes are late this year. Last week, they finally started ripening. I am so ready for my first tomato of the season.

We have an Eastern Box Turtle that has a Summer home in the main vegetable garden. He's been there several years. Last year he returned, but was not alone. I know that the Dude and his Mrs. eat tomatoes. I've caught them with seeds on their face and juice dribbling down their chins.

We have several families of mockingbirds that live around us. We love them and look forward to the day each year when they start singing again. (usually around Valentine's Day). We put out apples for them. They bring their young to the swing, where the apples are. We got along fine for years.

Yesterday, I was working in the garden and what did I see? This!

I also saw a bird fly out of the tomato patch, but wasn't really paying attention, so don't know what kind of bird it was. We never had a problem with birds eating tomatoes in the garden, but I did catch Bill (the bird) eating this one, after I brought it up to the house. Coincidence? I don't know who's doing this, but it has to stop. One dozen tomatoes, mostly green with just a splash of color, pecked on. Even though I hate to do so, I may have to start picking the tomatoes way under ripe.

Honestly, I don't mind sharing, but I'd like to eat a ripe tomato already.

Somebody is in trouble!

Until next time.....