Waiting for Spring

I know we have not been very diligent about keeping this blog up to date... sometimes I actually believe that I have made a post, just to find out months later that I did not. I guess I formulate them, and even take the pictures, then do not follow though with the posting. Sigh....
This "Winter" has been a bit of a let down. No snow and very little cold weather to speak of. The birds, however, are taking full advantage of the warmer temps - as are the chipmunks - but I digress...

The activity around the feeders has been consistently pleasing for several months. A couple of days ago we counted 15 pair of Cardinals! Of course, this was right around 5pm; what we call "Cardinal Hour". They tend to come to the feeders early and late and not so much during the middle of the day - that is the time for the Goldfinch. Boy are we covered up with these guys - and they are already beginning their molt.

Another thing that we have noticed that seems to be early is the activities of the Carolina wrens. Already they are carrying materials into their favorite nest boxes (gourds at our house).

Ever so patiently we are awaiting the Barred Owls. The squirrels still have possession of the nest box, but it should be any day that these squatters are force-ably evicted.

Thanks for reading... we'll try to keep up a bit better. :)

Splish Splash She's Taking a Bath

Blue Birds just love this little birdbath !!! You think they realize how fashionably color coordinated it is??? Probably not...but it sure makes fun photos !!

Blue Bird Roosting Time !!!

Family roosting time...wonder how they decide who gets the top bunk????

Hummingbirds 2011

Just can't seem to stop taking hummingbird photos !! :)

Juvenile Hummingbird

This juvenile hummingbird is very protective of my window feeders. He sits in a weeping cherry tree nearby and attacks all that approach - including me!! HAHA Luckily I have many feeders scattered around the yard, so the other hummingbirds passing through still have a fighting chance to get some nectar.

Sure will miss you when you're gone in a few weeks little fellas...

Summer's End

Well, it's mid-August and it's a good time to watch your feeders and take note of the changes that are ahead. The transition from summer to fall is in full swing. Over the next 30 days there should be some pretty drastic changes to the birds you will see. The Orioles and White-winged Doves are about to head south just as the Sharp-shinned Hawks and native sparrows are going to start showing up. As always let us know what you see.

We love hearing your bird stories! Happy birding!

Second Brood WBU Bluebird - UPDATE

Okay...second brood of babies are 8 days old today. Looks like they're progressing nicely, but the nest is VERY shallow, so we won't be opening the box again, I think. There appear to be 3 nestlings - even though there were 4 eggs initially. Mom and Dad are feeding them constantly, so hopefully they will grow and fledge by Sunday or Monday.