Fine Sunday

This photo of a Carolina Chickadee isn’t the only reason it’s a fine Sunday. We had some rain last night. Tropical Storm Barry sprinkled us for a while – just enough to clean the outdoors and give a feeling of freshness. He didn’t help our water deficit much but it was good. The sun is just now breaking through the clouds.

Gina and Billy will be homeowners tomorrow! We’ve already treated them to a lawn mower, weed whacker, garden hose, and various other necessities. Today we all piled into my car and headed for Lowe’s Home Store and bought them a garage door opener. It’s so exciting but overwhelming for them, too. We've all been there. After we treated them to lunch at the clubhouse, we wished them a good night’s sleep and a smooth settlement tomorrow.

I thought I’d make a list of the birds I’ve been seeing here lately. Everyone told me Spring would be interesting and they’re right. I don’t see exotic birds like most of my blog friends do, but I enjoy what I have.

Two nights ago, just before dark, I was throwing golf balls and hula hoops for the dogs and noticed this dove-sized bird. It’s a poor photo so I’m not going to try to ID the bird. I’ll take suggestions and if you think it's a mocker, I don't want to hear it! LOL! It...Just...Doesn't...Look...Like...A...Mocker...to...me. (Well, not quite.)

I’m seeing loads of Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, Chipping and Song Sparrows, Cardinals, Mourning Doves, Goldfinches, House Finches, Mockingbirds, Red-Bellied Woodpeckers, Horny Pidgeons, Brown Headed Nuthatches (missing the suet), Brown Thrashers (not lately since the suet is gone), Common Grackles, Starlings (the latter two have decreased in numbers), Bluebirds, Red-Winged Blackbirds, Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds in larger numbers, and the Cooper’s are always supervising.

Our pond is going to have some major reconstruction in about two weeks so I haven’t added any flowers or foliage. I’ll wait until the work is done.

I learned that if I stand in my bathtub long enough, I can get a shot of a hummingbird through the window! The male hummers visit this one. Oooo, I can’t wait! I'll be spending a lot of time in the tub from now on, but I won't be soapy.

Squirrels, Doves, and Pidgeons. They have hefty appetites. I am not going to fuss anymore and will just keep buying the safflower seed. I ran out of it this weekend and gave them what they wanted – a nice songbird mix.

It’s song isn’t very soothing but they remind me of Delaware when they would arrive in huge flocks. I like them.

By all means, PROTECT THE GRAPES!

By all means, HELP YOURSELF TO THE GRAPES!

Lady Cardinal is having a bad hair day, just like me. My hair sucks today.

NEST NEWS: The nest I made with my own little hands is occupied and not by a Barn Swallow, but by a Housefinch again. It was intended for my sweet swallows. Sigh... At least I know what I made is worthy of a brood.

Good job, guy! We need to keep populating the feeders with MORE housefinches. Yes, I'm being sarcastic.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I just learned that Dale passed away early this morning. My heart is broken for Laurie at Don’t Make Me Get My Flying Monkeys. I went out back and took this picture for her. Stop by and visit her. I think she'd like that.