Red-winged Blackbird

New to my feeders!

Just one male came to the feeders this morning.

He had a few seeds and went on.

I have seen the Red-winged Blackbird in the country just never at my feeders.
So far in May I have seen 42 different species of birds either in the yard or flying over the house.
Backyard birding is fun!

White-breasted Nuthatch

The little White-breasted Nuthatches
were hungry today.

There are two little ones.

This one was very friendly.

She was very curious.



I am as close as I can be and still focus.
The male and the female parents came as well as the offspring.
Today was Nuthatch day.

A little rain

It started to rain.

The White-breasted Nuthatch brought the little ones to the deck.

They showered and feed.

I think she is very pleased with her offspring!

Security guard

While I was keeping the Squirrels and Grackles and Starlings away
a Tufted Titmouse flew in.

The Brown Thrasher little one came out

as did the little Chick-a-dees.
As long as I am outside the big birds stay away and the little ones have a chance at seed and nut.

Waiting for rain

The storms keep going around us.


We need rain.

I put water out for the birds and the butterflies.

I have watered all the deck pots.

I am waiting for rain.

Meadow

I've been to the Meadow
where the butterflies feed,

I've laid in her grasses
and harvested seed.

When I long for the Meadow
and the cool summer breeze,

I go to my gardens
and there, take my ease.

The Meadow

I do not live in the meadow,

where the wild flowers grow.

I live in the city,

With Grackle and Crow.

A turtle, a frog...

My son gave me a tiny painted turtle he found.

My husband found a tiny frog to go with.

I am so happy to have tiny painted turtle
and tiny hopping frog come to the ponds.

I have an idea.
I will plant lettuce seeds in all the garden paths.
Some for the bunnies and some for me.

Morning Meditation

After feeding the birds in the morning
I like to walk about the yard.

Watching the Baltimore Orioles I am filled with gratitude.

Watching skippers in the chamomile reminds me to laugh.

Watching the Hummingbirds tells me anything is possible.

Watching the Monarchs I am filled with awe.

The Monarchs are back

I have seen a few Monarch Butterflies fly over the house
in the past few days.

None had stopped until today.

The Chinese Lilac is in full bloom.

It will provide plenty of food.

The Monarchs have returned.

Oh Good!

I am smitten.

I think we have everything for a well balanced diet.

Please stay and tell your friends.

I am ready for another party.

Orchard Oriole

An Orchard Oriole flew in.

I had never seen one.

I was pleased he found the orange slices and the nectar.

One of the last
to arrive in my area and the first to leave,
only staying four months.
I hope he has a mate.
I can put out more oranges.
I can set up another jelly bowl.
Oh joy, an Orchard Oriole!

Giant Swallowtail

I went out to work in the front Peonies.

I glanced up from my clipping down
and saw the Giant Swallowtail butterfly.

She is the motivation I needed.

This is why I do what I do.

I will plant more seeds.
I will water and mulch.
I want to feed the butterflies.

Songs and Chats

The Gray Cat bird is coming out more often.
He has a distinctive voice, a cat like mewing.
He is the smallest of the Thrashers that are in my area.

The Red Bellied Woodpeckers call to each other.
The male and the female are very comfortable at the large peanut feeder.
They come in often during the day.

The Hummingbird also has a chatter.

Bewick's Wren song is loud and clear.

The backyard is full of birds.
The babies are out of their nests.