birds — Page 41

A Dove

May 16, 2017 at 9:13 am by Claudia

Morning moon as seen through the branches of the catalpa tree. The catalpa is always the last to get leaves, but you can see them here. Soon they’ll be huge, heart-shaped beauties.

Indulge me. I saw my lone dove on the birdbath yesterday and took about 40 pictures. No, I won’t post all 40, but here are some of my favorites:

He liked to flick his tail in the water.

And then he took off for some dining on the ground.

You know how I feel about mourning doves. So beautiful. This one did a lot of preening and taking care of business, not in a hurry, just enjoying the time at the bird bath.

By the way, the other day in the pouring rain, and I mean pouring, a catbird was taking a bath in the birdbath. It made me laugh.

Today, no more wind, thank goodness. I’m going to work outside, run some errands and just plain enjoy a day without rain and wind.

Happy Tuesday.

Sadness and Anger

May 10, 2017 at 8:42 am by Claudia

I’m just throwing this in the post to have a photo and not just text.

I’m sad today. And frightened. And angry. These emotions are a response to two entirely different occurrences.

First, I was outside yesterday, mowing and doing yard work (too much of course) and I decided to check on the nest. What I saw was heartbreaking. One unhatched egg remained. Along with what were clearly some baby birds, but to be frank, all I could make out was a mass of fluff and part of a beak. It was as if they had been smashed.

Hoping against hope, I watched to see if they were breathing. But they weren’t. And I waited on the porch to see if mama or papa would visit the nest. No visit. The last time I saw the five eggs was last Wednesday or Thursday when I was mowing before it rained. Mama flew out of the nest when I passed by and I saw the eggs.

I have no idea what happened in the meantime. Was it a predator? Another bird? Was it the deluge that fell over the weekend – was it too much for them? Was it the cold? Was there something wrong with them causing the parents to abandon them?

So sad and so heartbreaking. I’ve left the nest alone. But it drew me back at least three times yesterday as I tried to figure it out and as I said a prayer for the babies.

Second – the firing of the Director of the FBI, James Comey. Despite the spin put on it, it’s abundantly clear that he was fired because he is investigating Trump/Russia. Trump is obstructing a Federal Investigation, enabled by Jeff Sessions who is recused from anything to do with Russia and Rod Rosenstein, whose claim of impartiality in his hearing is now laughable.

Our democracy, our republic, is in danger. Grave danger. This was the act of a dictator, a Fascist, a banana republic. In less than four months, he has taken everything we hold dear and desecrated it.

I woke up before 5 am this morning and couldn’t get back to sleep. I’m feeling about as frightened as I can be about the state of our country.

I’ll be back with something cheerier tomorrow. I debated whether I should tell you about the baby birds, but you were a part of the discovery of the nest and the eggs and I thought you’d want to know.

Say some prayers for our country. Take action.

Happy Wednesday.

Birds, Bunnies & Little Z

May 6, 2017 at 9:00 am by Claudia

I’m doing my best not to be daunted by a weather forecast that shows no sunny days until May 16th. Ahem. That’s ten days from now. And our temps look to be in the fifties, which is cooler than normal at this time of year.

Ah well. What can you do? Absolutely nothing.

Rain all day yesterday and more headed our way today. I’m hoping I can find a pocket of dry weather because I have to load up the car to recycle today.

I know. My life is very exciting.

This morning:

Right outside the living room window.

When he turned in this direction and proceeded to head into the big garden bed, the front door was opened and a voice said “Ummm….No.” And he obligingly took off. I don’t kid myself, though. Someone, who shall be nameless as he could be any one of a number of bunnies, ate my hyacinth flowers and chomped on a day lily.

There are plenty of weeds, my friend. Please limit your dining to them.

Outside the kitchen window:

A tiny sparrow.

A tiny female goldfinch.

And her flashier partner, the male.

All three of them were dining on dandelions.

Be my guest!

Don has had to grow his hair long for this role he’s playing. He sent me a selfie the other day and I nearly gasped. Wow. It’s long. In fact, when he face-timed with Little Z the other day, Z said, “What happened to your hair?”

Yep, Little Z, it’s a bit too long for my taste, but the actor’s life involves sacrifices. (I think Don is actually enjoying it.) I had a long conversation with my little nephew last night. He was unusually chatty and made me laugh out loud several times. I love that boy.

Well, off to tackle exciting things like recycling (aka going to the former dump which is now called the Transfer Station) and running to the grocery store.

Happy Saturday.

A Dove

Sadness and Anger

Birds, Bunnies & Little Z

Lambs Like to Party

A Note

Archives