Writing will resume soon

Haven't had much time with family and work obligations to write.  Plus, we became much more involved with our new cat, with new cichlids in the fish tank, and our semi-wild polish bunnies in the backyard.  Just started refilling birdfeeders again now that the weather has dipped to the 40's and hope to see the birds return.  We really haven't seen any birds around except an occasional woodpecker and lots of vultures.  Stay posted!

Perfect birding morning--blue skies, comfortable temps!

We are still watching this Osprey carefully!

I'm not sure why an Osprey would be hanging around our suburban neighborhood.  The pond is over a mile away and their are no good fishing rivers nearby.  He's enormous and beautiful, but a little scary when circling over and over.  We keep checking on the bunnies!

Caught Daddy Cardinal and the Kinglet in flight.  Pretty awesome how they maneuver in between the feeders : )

We're so happy that a pair of Goldfinches has decided they like our backyard this year.  Of course they get along well with the other finches in the yard, too!

I have never seen a finch this shade before and wonder if it is the elusive Purple Finch we've been reading about.

This Carolina Wren is the life of our backyard.  Always in a good mood and usually singing!

Savannah River loneliness

While waiting for my son to finish his stint with the Augusta Rowing Club today, my daughter and I marveled at the Great Blue Heron who was looking so lonely on the dock.  It was almost as if he, too, were waiting anxiously for the teens to return ; )

Bluejay Extravaganza

My son had just been complaining that there were never any colorful birds in the yard other than the Cardinals when we had an explosion of color.  Not only did the Ruby Throated Hummingbird reappear repeatedly at the feeder in the front and back yards yesterday, but we had a paid of Goldfinches lighting the trees yellow.  But, the highlight this morning was the Blue Jay.

I heard him long before I spotted him in the yard.  He went right to the nut feeder.

Look at how beautiful his wings are.  Like, wow!!!

He was almost too big for the suet feeder.  I just wish he had turned around!

Oh yeah, and Mama Eastern Towhee was brave and came out into the yard.  Something rare for her.

Osprey!!! Wow, and over suburbia!

I cannot believe we saw an Osprey.  First thought it was a white headed-Vulture, then thought it was a Cooper's Hawk.  But, then there were two and they circled lower and lower over our yard and neighborhood and I caught two photos!

I bought a new camera--first time trying it out!

Chipping Sparrow

Hummingbird in Flight 

I know that these photos are nothing too too interesting.  I mean, everyone has sparrows, finches, mockingbirds, and squirrels in their yard.  But, these are the normal rhythms of the morning for us and typical of who would be visiting the feeders between 8-9am while I'm sitting by the back door and drinking a cup of tea.

Female House Finch 

Male and Female Chipping Sparrow; she's yelling at him for hogging all the seeds!

A typical image of squirrels in our yard. This feeder has nuts in it.

This female Cardinal is very small and I'm wondering if she is a juvenile. 

Do you see the mockingbird debating on whether or not to go for the suet?

Nature has been exceptionally beautiful this month!

 Wish I knew something about butterflies and moths (or, well, anything at all really).  This was next to the Savannah River near the lock and dam at the Rapids.

This little guy keeps coming back to visit, and with friends.  I swear he's coming to this feeder, because he "matches".  I mean, is it really all about the style of being lemon yellow?  Really!

 I was so happy that the mums bloomed early and was thinking to take photos, when I realized that my son's rabbit, Willow, had found a chosen spot right next to them.  So, here's Willow in the flowers.  Where's Maple, the other bunny, you say?  She was hiding under the shed.

I don't care what my neighbor, Ms. Alice, says about how Mimosa is a terrible plant, that it drips, that I should never have it in my yard, etc. etc. etc.  I think the blossoms are beautiful, the butterflies and the hummingbirds love it, and it gives us shade.  This happens to be in the yard of the neighbor behind us (not Ms. Alice), but it hangs over our fence and it's branches house some of our feeders.  See the black butterfly up towards the top right?  Also, heard that it's related to the Acacia tree, so maybe we'll take some to feed the giraffes at the zoo next time!