Thursday, March 21, 2019

Wild beauty---------------------


Our large fig tree, and the bird bath beneath its now budding branches, is a haven
for so many garden visitors. Squirrels chase one another through the branches and
eat at the suet feeder (the seed feeder being squirrel-proof - they know it by now
 so rarely try!). A herd of white-tailed deer, despite their silent loveliness standing
 on the lawn at dusk and dawn, now come at night. They are unwelcome visitors
 at the feeders, and now are chewing on the bright green shield-shaped leaves
 of the bluebell clumps pushing up under the tree.  

Yesterday, under chilly, overcast skies, and prior to a nice light rain falling to
 water the garden, I took these photos of just a few of the many birds visiting.
All but a pair of Brown-headed cowbirds, and a pair of European starlings, are
birds which frequent the garden constantly - but I never tire of trying to get a
 perfect photo showing off their beautiful colors, feathers and expressions.


Female Northern flicker 

Male Eastern bluebird 

Male Brown-headed cowbird

Female Northern cardinal

Male Northern cardinal

Male or Female European starling 

Male House finch

Female American robin

Hope you enjoy 'my birds'.
Who's flying in your garden these days?
Are you waking to birdsong now that spring is here?


16 comments:

  1. Fabulous photography and the sculptural aspects of the tree branches show so well. My favorite here is the bluebird, but all the birds are all truly beautiful.

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    1. Our fig is so beautiful even when bare - people stop and ask about it often. I now longing for it to leaf out - whispers of yet another possible freeze next week hangs in the spring air - hope they are wrong!

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  2. I always admire your lovely bird photos, Mary. They are intriguing as we don't see your bird types here.

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    1. Thanks dear - the birds are a big part of my day when home - I know I take far too many photos of them!!!!!

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  3. Dear Mary - you have a wonderful variety of birds in your garden - they are a delight to see, but I know that you care for them very well and that you look after all of their needs.

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    1. Yes, a chunk of the food budget is for bird food!!!

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  4. Your birds are beautiful Mary! I hear all sorts of bird songs lately, but we're still buried in snow. My favourite of all are the Mourning Doves...their song just steals my heart and I heard them this morning, that's a sure sign that spring is NEARLY here! :)

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    1. Oh Rain, so much snow and for so long. Hoping you soon find your dream home in a place with a less harsh winter - happy hunting!

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  5. Wonderful photos! We still have a bluebird couple hanging around the bluebird house. We are seeing purple finch, pileated woodpeckers, chickadees and cardinals as well.

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    1. Our bluebirds have not starting nesting yet - hoping they return to that birdhouse where they were last year - it's the new one and I was happy that we could clean it out easily last fall, it was loaded with twigs and such, so is clean and ready for them to start building again!

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  6. I love seeing your bird pictures as some of yours are different than what we get. Yes, we have robins and starlings (Jim does not like those starlings). Your flicker looks different than our flicker too. Your photographs are most wonderful.

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    1. I don't want starlings either - they are very aggressive and destroy the eggs of other birds, displacing the cavity nests of woodpeckers and even sweet chickadees. When I see them in the fig I go out and scare them off - but they are back this morning, grrrrrrr!

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  7. Mesdames Northern Flicker, Northern Cardinal and American Robin are my faves!
    You are lucky to have such a variety of feathered visitors.
    I can imagine there has been much tweeting and twittering about THE best garden in the neighbourhood.
    Mary, I'm sure yours wins the vote every time! The seed feeders filled daily and water available too! Plus pretty bird houses to make their nests and raise their young.
    I always look forward to your lovely bird posts!
    Enjoy your weekend.
    Shane xxx

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  8. Hello Mary, what a wonderful selection of birds are visiting your garden. They are all so attractive, and must be a delight for you. We have our cockatoos and lorikeets every day, and we hear the butcher-birds which sing a very fancy tune. I think I need to lift my game, and try to attract more variety.

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  9. Gorgeous photos, Mary. That Flicker and Bluebird are magnificent.

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