Sunday, May 29, 2011

Planting flowers, and birds, birds, birds

We've had so few good warm and not-rainy days this spring, I feel I'm behind on everything.  I had scheduled Alberto to mow the lawn every week in May, but due to weather, it turned out to be just twice.  Wednesday was sunny and warm, and I took the day off work to go nursery hopping with best friend Celia.  We found some lovely things!  Today I spent a good part of the day planting in both pots and in the ground and doing weeding which I've been working on for a couple of weeks.

The yard is green and lush and everything is growing like crazy (including the weeds).  Most wonderful of all, the yard has become something of a bird sanctuary of late with an incredible variety of birds.  Some of the photos below are from earlier years, but all are birds visiting recently.  The most thrilling would have to be the lazuli bunting.  The most charming and heart-winning are the chickadees who are nesting for the second year in a row in my decorative blue birdhouse.

Buntings:  Just a few at first, and now a whole flock of them.  They are small but feisty.  Females are a yellowish-brown.




Black-Headed Grosbeak: Adult male in the first pic.  The second is either female or young male, but I think young male by the strong markings.


Scrub Jay (a couple years ago)
 Goldfinches (April)
 House Finch and Goldfinch (April)
Flicker (Feb)
 Chickadee defending his territory.

There are also the doves and quail which I've failed to photograph.  And of course, robins, And the occasional hawk.  Whom have I missed?

4 comments:

Intelliblog said...

Beautiful photographs Bekkieann!

Bekkieann said...

Thanks, Nick. I feel lucky to have such beautiful visitors.

troutbirder said...

Marvelous. What I would give to see a Lazuli. My son and family are moving to Arizona so I might get a chance someday. Some housekeeping.... I deleted your old "political" blog from my favorite links (now all on Troutbirder II). Then replaced it with this one. The interest in politics is somewhat muted on my part these days. Basically, with the teapartiers so noisy I find it all pretty depressing.

Bekkieann said...

In Arizona you'll probably see a Painted Bunting as well, although I believe I remember seeing photos of those from your trip to Florida, if I'm not mistaken. Those are more rare around here.

I'm with you on the political blogging. I can hardly bring myself to post there any more.