Cranky but Still Smiling

Might there be a rain cloud up there? Please?

We’re in a so-called “moderate” drought, approaching “severe”. I call it severe now since the grass under my feet is crunching out loud and it isn’t even July yet. Lawn irrigation just can’t take the place of a good, steady rainfall for a few days. Less than one inch of rain over two months just doesn’t cut it and the sun is getting increasingly hot.

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Before I let the dogs out, I say to them, “Now, don’t frighten the pigeons and blackbirds, OK?” How funny! The safflower is working at deterring the grackles and starlings but they are really after the suet. It will be a while before they stop stalking the feeders. The suet feeder is wiped clean and I don’t plan to fill it again for a long time :o( Winter and early spring was such a pleasure for me and I’ll miss the activity around the feeders. I just cleaned them two weeks and ago and now they are splattered with a mess that looks like Elmer’s school glue shot from a gun. It’s quite offensive! During the summer months, I think thistle and safflower seed should satisfy. I’ll know when it’s the right time to add more to the menu. Meanwhile, I'll go out to the birds instead of watching them in my yard.

Since there isn’t anything to look for around the feeders, I’ll have to find something else to do, I guess. Ho, hum.

This poor baby was frightened to death under the canopy ceiling at the back entrance of the building. As expected, I was the only one who noticed. For hours, it trembled and clung to the brick and of course, I tried to sweet talk him down. HA!

I went out and bought unsalted peanuts to lure the poor thing. Silly thought on my part, but very heartfelt. Later, someone with real brain power threw water and the little squirrel scampered away. Where is my mind?

I have camera worries. The hummingbirds were flying past my face yesterday and my camera lost power for no reason because I know it was charged. Hmmmm. Nasty dance! I can still see that bright ruby throat glistening in the sun in the most perfect hummingbird photo of all that I missed. Here’s a female. The male is quick and wary, switches to reverse gear, and darts into hiding but I am vigilant. The thrill of victory keeps me going and the agony of defeat only fuels my passion. I hope to be able to zoom fully when the hummers arrive. It takes practice and strategy!

If my cell phone hadn’t interrupted me, I would have gotten a hilarious series of this Mockingbird chasing a grape down the street. The birds are devouring fresh fruit out there that I offer occasionally but I don’t know who is – because I’m at WORK.

The Koi are spunky. June is their horny month and I’ve been seeing a lot of rigorous wrestling going on in the pond. The toads are still feeling amorous, too. At least the Koi don’t scream at the top of their lungs and there is quiet around here until dark.

I’ve been wondering how the ground and insect feeding birds are doing in this drought. Their food supply must be somewhat limited.

I wanted this bee in flight!

Things have got to improve around here! Dammit.