Mid-Week Frustration with Nature and a bit of Good News

Since record-keeping in the 1870’s, we’re in the driest year. I found these Juncos enjoying a parking lot puddle on campus after less than a quarter of an inch of rain fell on Monday. Many of us forget about the water deficit when the nights and days are cooler. I admit to spending a little extra time in the shower on cold mornings, too.

A muddy puddle is all they have. They should move to my house where there is

fresh, clear water - every day.

Often, I rush around town buying twenty pounds bags of black oil sunflower seed and everything else the birds eat. Will I need to find a part-time job to afford their increasing appetites? If necessary, I would. What irritates me is that I rarely see the birds lately. By the time I get home from work, I only have time to fill their damned feeders while the shadows are getting deep and dark. It’s like putting your dollar into a vending machine and pressing B-6 to see your candy bar get lodged inside and you get NOTHING in return. Arrrrrgh.

Tonight, I’m enjoying seeing my oh-so-common birds that I saw over the weekend.

I like this photo, even though there is not one thing outstanding about it. A variety of locals. (click to enlarge)

One of twenty or more (woo-hoo!).

The following photos are of birds being patient and also feeling a sense of entitlement while waiting for me to finish filling their feeders. I dragged my feet purposely, making the chore last longer than usual.

When I get home in the evening, it’s “Mourning Dove Time”. They are thirsty and oodles of them cover the feeders and pond.

It’s odd to see a White Throated Sparrow perched in a tree. Sweet.

For about six hours last Saturday, I was in Lifer Heaven. I was absolutely and undoubtedly certain I photographed a Red-breasted Nuthatch and I just couldn’t wait to post about it!

Ahhhhh, the despair. No such luck! After downloading and examining ten photos, I sunk in my chair. The wings revealed a Carolina Wren. It was a nice thrill, although short-lived. Pout. It was dark.

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Referring to my recent post, When Your Photos are Violated, there is good news. I don’t have PowerPoint at home, so I spent extra time at work to make my own slideshow. It’s been chosen to be presented at the graduation ceremony next Tuesday! It’s a nice dedication, consisting of over one hundred photos that tell a chronological story of their training and I added a Police Officer’s Prayer at the end of the show. With help from others, I’m adding some great music. Each Cadet will receive a copy of it – a very nice keepsake.

The slideshow made by another, with the clip art, shooting guns, and bombs blasting, will be an additional keepsake for them. Hilarious.