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?

Wake up, it's almost gardening time!

Yesterday, in warm sunshine, I spent some enjoyable time at my favorite

Raleigh garden center. 

Located in a former small railway station on the outskirts of downtown

 it never ceases to disappoint.  In fact I was almost overwhelmed at all

 that was displayed this early in the year, a veritable feast for both the

 eyes and the senses!

Employees were scurrying around unloading plants and setting them out.

Handsome garden furniture was being unwrapped ready for seating displays,

and the little café was humming with late lunch customers, some dining outside

on a perfect day - as long as you remembered a sweater or jacket!

There were a few of these gentle reminder signs (above), especially around the

 vegetables and hanging ferns. I'll buy mine later as it's not really spring yet . . . 

. . . in fact we may get more freezing nights in the coming week.

Shelves were neatly stocked with interesting and useful garden items, 

all so clean and shiny.

Garden centers aways attract birds of course and this Mockingbird was happily

 singing one of the many songs in his repertoire. . . . . . .between berry nibbling

 in a huge holly tree.

It was hard not to load up a wagon with beautiful plants, pots and such.

  I will do that another day!

Purchased fertilizer for my shrubs and soil acidifier to keep my hydrangeas blue,

several packets of seeds, basil, parsley, morning glories, alyssum, and those 

gorgeous sky-high sunflowers which hopefully will brighten up the garden come

summer, and then feed the birds and naughty squirrels!

Also bought a new 'welcome flag' to hang at the front entrance, it's pretty and

 perfect, I'll share later after I take down the green shamrock flag hanging now

 for St. Patrick's Day.

We then stopped at Home Depot and purchased a new patio umbrella to replace

 the one destroyed by the heavy snow/ice storm just prior to last Christmas.

Bob is heading into the garden right now to do the first cut of the front lawn 

with his recently serviced mower. He's actually smiling knowing it will be his

 exercise for today! The grass is very thick and green and needs attention

 before tomorrow's possible storms. The sun is out and temperature

 should hit a high of 74F this afternoon, perfect!

Anyway, just sharing these colorful glimpses from my area - those of you still

shoveling snow need some reminders perhaps that spring is definitely 

going to head your way soon. I hear the mower running, all is well in our 

little patch on the planet.

Thanks for stopping by.

Snippets of life as we await Spring. . . . . . .

Hope your day is full of happy moments.