We had a few thunderstorms late yesterday. When I came out on the porch this morning, it was still quite humid, but it seems to be decreasing, thank goodness. There are white catalpa blossoms all over the grass.
Little Nigel is eating some of my Big Garden Bed plants. Ummm….No. I’m going to put some white wire fences around the bed later today, like the ones I have protecting the Memorial Garden, etc. He’s already chomped on a volunteer coneflower.
Tsk. Tsk.
I’m not going into the city today because I have things to take care of here and Don has an especially busy week ahead, with rehearsals on two afternoons for their performance on A Capitol Fourth on PBS. As I’m going in on Saturday to be there to celebrate Don’s birthday on Sunday, I’m fine with not going in today, as is Don.
I spent some time yesterday shooting these pictures from inside the kitchen. This male goldfinch hung around the memorial garden for quite a long time.
The female was around, as well, but she never got within range of my telephoto lens.
So beautiful. And tiny!
Happy Tuesday.
Oh the lovely goldfinch! He is our state bird. (Washington) Down the street from my sister there was a home that had a tree where all the goldfinch lived. It was a big tree and was just full of them. Then the house was sold and the new owners cut down the tree. She doesn’t know where the birds went, but we hope they found an even better tree.
I hope they did, too! I always feel badly for birds and wildlife that live in a tree that has to be cut down.
Such a pretty bird! I love the photos. I’m meeting up with a new friend today and going junking. We met and had so much in common so we are hoping to get to know each other better. It’s hard to make new friends, so I’m pretty excited about this! Hugs!
It’s so hard to make new friends when you’re older. I have a lot of acquaintances, but my best friends are two people I’ve known since I was a young girl.
I just love birds! And those with beautiful colors, like your little gold finch, well, they melt my heart.
Oh, Nigel! “You naughty boy!”, I say, as I stifle a smile. Hope you two can come to terms. (Don’t make me stop this car!)
HaHaHa LOL Shanna! -Judy A-
I told him NO!, but I don’t think he understands the meaning of the word.
Such a pretty little bird; amazing photos from you as usual.
Thank you, Vicki.
Oh…the goldfinch is so pretty. I could sit here in my kitchen all day and watch the birds. We feed the Orioles grape jelly…but, you’d be surprised (well, I certainly was), at the variety of birds that also snack on grape jelly. Even had a Morning Dove contemplate making an attempt…but, I think he’s too large, and he figured that out….poor guy or gal. Bird antics…great distractions! ;)
Yes, they are. Thank goodness for the distractions! I’ve been watching catbirds in the birdbath on these hot days. Love watching them.
beautiful photos of beautiful birds (our state bird, too). thanks.
though i understand your likely need for a fence, i am glad you know nigel’s just living his groundhog life and you haven’t tried to get rid of him and the others.
we found a couple holes in the ground at work last year and a pest control company told us that they were from groundhogs … and that a state law required us to make sure the holes/ nests were empty before they were filled in (a good thing to do, for sure). i hated that the holes/nests were filled in (after found empty), but it was for the best … they were in a high-traffic area close enough to our door that even i could have thrown a rock from the holes/nests to the door. too close to too many cars and elderly people.
sorry you couldn’t get to nyc and don now. know that will make the weekend visit extra-sweet!
rain forecast here every day this week … i love it! hope you get cooler weather, too. and no rain while you’re in nyc.
kathy in iowa
I don’t know how I would know if a groundhog was out of his hole, or if he had family inside. They dig tunnels under things, like the tree and our shed. I wouldn’t know where to start!
No rain today – still hot and a bit humid, but better than yesterday.
i think my employer had to pay for them to send down a camera on a cable to make sure the groundhogs were gone. and i am glad they had to do that.
hope you get cooler weather.
bit of rain dropped our temperature by 15-plus degrees today, but it’s still too humid for my liking. i love rainy (and sometimes sunny) cool spring and fall weather best!
kathy in iowa
Thanks, Kathy.
We had about 2 inches of rain overnight and it is 64* right now!!!! Nearly -30* from yesterday!! The windows are open which makes the cat oh-so-happy, and me, as well. So, good to know that there is an end to the heat and humidity in sight!!
I am always amazed at the muted colors of the goldfinch in the winter compared to their vibrant summer colors. My daughter has always loved finch (of all kinds) because she says they look like they are on a rollercoaster when they fly. And, as Donnamae said, I, too, am always surprised by all of the birds who love the grape jelly we keep out. The finch are all frequent diners.
Naughty Nigel! Fencing seems like a good solution. Have a good Tuesday, Claudia. I know you are looking forward to the weekend with Don.
I can’t wait until the temperatures drop! Still in the high eighties today.
I agree with your daughter. I love watching them fly. They dip and soar and dip again.
Claudia, we have had the western version of your goldfinches in our back yard here in Tucson for the past month. They come in and take over the humming bird feeders. That’s ok though. I love seeing them.they are larger than yours and a bit more yellow orange. Really beautiful. Having them around just makes the day a little brighter!
It does, doesn’t it? I haven’t seen one linger as long as this guy did. I had time to get my camera, change my lens and take a lot of photos.
That Goldfinch is beautiful. It is so relaxing to watch the birds. We had only a light rain last night,not even enough to get any lasting moisture.
Marilyn
We had a big storm, but it was sudden and then it was gone. We need a lot more moisture as well.