. . . . . . still hanging out in the potting shed.

I've just realized that the potting shed is now 17 years old!

For those who've followed me a while, you will recall I've told many stories

of its life in the garden. . . . . . and the hours of enjoyment it has brought

me over all those years.

After repairing the door with our good neighbor's help, I did a 'Spring cleaning' 

 and also made a little purchase for my comfort when bird watching/photographing. 

On a recent trip to Charlotte with the usual look around IKEA, I found this folding

 wood chair which is now my 'perch'. I can see the feeders and bird baths 

without the visiting birds, squirrels and rabbits seeing me!

View from potting shed.

American Robin : Turdus migratorius

This female came for an afternoon bathe on a very hot day 

last week. I've noticed robins seem to enjoy a dip more than any 

other backyard songbird.

Gray Catbird : Dumetella carolinensis

A secretive bird that the Chippewa Indians named Bird That Cries With Grief

due to its raspy call. The call sounds like a house cat's mewing, hence its 

common name. It will only nest in thick shrubs and is more often

 heard than seen. . . . . . except it does seem to enjoy coming to my feeders

and the birdbath!

I plan to spend some my holiday weekend out here as more rain is forecast

 and this is a shelter where I can enjoy the backyard visitors.

My painted/stenciled floor has held up quite well all these years -  I recall

the hours I spent on my knees completing that project.

Oh for the days of a strong back and pain-free kneeling again!!!!!

 Mourning Doves : Zinaida macroura

A gentle pair enjoying their perch on the potting shed roof.

Enjoy your Memorial Day, USA and Bank Holiday, UK weekend.

Birds and their offspring. . . . . . . .

The garden has been exceptionally busy these past few weeks - many new

 family members now learning the ropes regarding eating, bathing and doing

whatever parent birds teach their youngsters. We keep the feeders filled - not cheap

 by any means - however we love our birds. The birdbaths are cleaned and refilled for both

 the birds and squirrels during this hot weather, and to get rid of pesky mosquitoes.

Gray Catbird - Dumetella carolinenis

Handsome slate-gray bird with black crown and long, thin black bill. 

Often seen with tail lifted exposing a chestnut-colored patch, 

just visible here.

This young catbird is busy learning its way around my garden with
 a parent (male and female have same appearance) close at hand
 on the suet feeder.

A secretive bird, the catbird was named 'Bird That Cries With Grief' by

 the Chippewa Indians due to its raspy call.

Brown Thrasher - Toxostoma rufum

A baby Brown thrasher perched on a birdbath considering a drink or

 a dip perhaps. . . . . . . . 

. . . . . . . . while one parent watches from the bench. . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . and the other checks out the food supply!

Again, male and female are identical, a little larger than the American robin,

 with streaked breast, rusty coloring, and yellow eyes. The male has the largest

 documented song repertoire of all North American birds with over 1,100 song types.

This pair have either two or three youngsters - lovely to watch them interact.

I actually parked myself in a chair - with a camera of course - on the back deck

 for a while yesterday morning to watch the busy birds and squirrels.

Guess what? Cute squirrel photos coming next time!