Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

  • About MHC
    • Disclosure
  • Dollhouses/Minis
    • Hummingbird Cottage
    • The Studio (Formerly TSP)
    • Dove Cottage
    • The Lake House
    • The Folk Art Dollhouse
    • The Modern Dollhouse
    • Dollhouse Source List, Information and Tutorials
  • On the Road
  • Collecting
    • Roseville Pottery
    • McCoy Pottery
    • Egg Cups
    • Bakelite
  • Press
  • Privacy Policy
You are here: Home / birds / Waiting

Waiting

October 9, 2024 at 7:25 am by Claudia

Yesterday, around 10 am, there were tons of birds near and around our birdbath. Sparrows, probably about 40 of them, at least two Northern Flickers, some bluejays, and Northern Mockingbirds. They were everywhere, often sharing space on the rim of the birdbath, bathing, drinking, on the ground eating. It was amazing.

Clearly, they were migrating and decided – seemingly en masse – to visit this particular rest stop. It was extraordinary half hour or so. And then, in a second, they were gone. How fortunate we were to witness this. It took me a while to grab the camera so I missed out on some great shots.

Northern Flicker.

Northern Flicker and two Northern Mockingbirds (appropriate, don’t you think?)

And a local.

I’m going to keep this brief as I can’t really think of anything but Hurricane Milton, my sister and her family, and everyone in its path. This is terrifying.

Prayers for everyone in its path.

Stay safe.

Happy Wednesday.

Filed Under: birds 21 Comments

Comments

  1. kathy in iowa says

    October 9, 2024 at 8:31 am

    glad you saw the group and shared such sweet photos with us. thanks too for providing them all with a peaceful rest area and still water to enjoy.

    prayers for everyone.

    kathy

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      October 9, 2024 at 9:40 am

      Thank you, Kathy.

      Stay safe.

      Reply
  2. Ellen D. says

    October 9, 2024 at 8:54 am

    All of those lovely birds stopping by was a sweet break from your worries about Meredith and her boys. Thinking of them and hoping they stay safe.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      October 9, 2024 at 9:40 am

      Thank you so much, Ellen.

      Stay safe.

      Reply
  3. Patty Andrews says

    October 9, 2024 at 9:16 am

    Good morning Claudia!
    I don’t usually comment but wanted to share what I watch on YouTube regarding the hurricane, Milton.
    There is a channel “Ryan Hall Y’all. He goes live during severe storms and he’s covering Milton. Not sure what exact time in the morning he starts but he will stay live with minimal commercials or none at all.
    My prayers are with all those in the path of this monster storm. I hope your sister and family are safe. This is so scary!

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      October 9, 2024 at 9:40 am

      Thanks so much, Patty! Much appreciated.

      Stay safe.

      Reply
  4. Verna says

    October 9, 2024 at 9:43 am

    Good morning Claudia. I have always admired your birdbath. Northern Flickers are beautiful birds. We don’t have mocking birds. They look lovey. I really like that last visitor. Water is so important. The orange leaves in the bath! Your pictures started my day with calmness. Thank you for that. Hopefully your sister is well prepared and will stay out of danger. It will be a long day for you. Remember to take some deep breaths and calming Don hugs through the day.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      October 9, 2024 at 4:58 pm

      I’m glad I provided some calm for you, Verna.

      Thank you.

      Stay safe.

      Reply
  5. Barrie says

    October 9, 2024 at 10:25 am

    Nice to see all those birds that you don’t typically see up close. The hurricane is so frightening…I hope all who needed to have evacuated. So devastating on the heels of Helene. Thinking of your sister and family!

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      October 9, 2024 at 4:58 pm

      Thank you so much, Barrie.

      Stay safe.

      Reply
  6. Shanna says

    October 9, 2024 at 12:42 pm

    Love watching birds at a birdbath. If we had one here it would always be full of squirrels and worse! We’re hunkered down and waiting for Milton. Should hit us here at about 3 in the morning, after it has done it’s worst on the rest of the state. Fingers crossed for power to stay on and trees to remain standing. Going back to San Francisco via number 7 of the many Women’s Murder Club books.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      October 9, 2024 at 4:59 pm

      It’s hitting the west coast around 8 pm. Worried.

      You stay safe, Shanna.

      xo

      Reply
    • kathy in iowa says

      October 9, 2024 at 8:24 pm

      hej, shanna.

      praying for you and fred, and everyone else in milton’s path (that includes you/ brendab!). hope your power stays on and that book offers a break. be safe.

      at some point in the future, when you have power, a fully-charged cellphone and more than a minute to hopefully relax, will you please let us know that you’re okay? thanks much.

      xo
      kathy

      Reply
  7. Elaine in Toronto says

    October 9, 2024 at 1:41 pm

    You and Don provided a lovely rest stop for the migrating birds and your pictures are beautiful. Prayers and thoughts for Meredith and her family and everyone in the path of the storm. Hugs, Elaine

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      October 9, 2024 at 5:00 pm

      Thank you so much, Elaine.

      Very worried, but all we can do now is wait.

      Stay safe.

      Reply
  8. Donnamae says

    October 9, 2024 at 4:25 pm

    It’s nice that you are on the flying south route….lots of activity to provide a diversion for you. Great pics.

    Wishing and hoping that everyone who desires to get to a shelter or safe place is able to. It’s an unbelievably powerful and gigantic storm. Prayers to your sister and her family. ;)

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      October 9, 2024 at 5:01 pm

      Thank you, Donnamae.

      All three of Mere’s sons are with her as well as my nephew’s fiancee. Glad they’re all together.

      Stay safe.

      Reply
      • Donnamae says

        October 9, 2024 at 5:15 pm

        Glad to hear that. Have they evacuated?

        Reply
        • Claudia says

          October 11, 2024 at 8:57 am

          No. They aren’t in an evacuation zone.

          Reply
  9. Irene dykstra says

    October 9, 2024 at 10:35 pm

    Praying for your family. Please keep us informed. A few days Mabel (I think) really rocked her Beatles tee and red and white high tops. Claudia, I’m begging you not to quite the blog. It’s something I look forward to every day. We all love you!

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      October 11, 2024 at 8:57 am

      Thanks so much, Irene.

      Stay safe.

      Reply
Please check back to follow the conversation!

Leave a Reply to Elaine in Toronto Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Email
  • Instagram

Welcome!

Welcome!

I live in a little cottage in the country with my husband. It's a sweet place, sheltered by old trees and surrounded by gardens. The inside is full of the things we love. I love to write, I love my camera, I love creating, I love gardening. My decorating style is eclectic; full of vintage and a bit of whimsy.

I've worked in the theater for more years than I can count. I'm currently a voice, speech, dialect and text coach freelancing on Broadway, off Broadway, and in regional theater.

Thanks for stopping by.

Searching?

The Dogs

The Dogs

Scout & Riley. Riley left us in 2012. Scout left us in February 2016. Dearest babies. Dearest friends.

Winston - Our first dog. We miss you, sweetheart.

Lambs Like to Party

Lambs Like to Party

A Note

Thanks for visiting! Feel free to browse, read and enjoy. All content is my own; including photos and text. Please do not use anything on this site without permission.

Disclosure/Privacy Policy can be found in the Navigation Bar under ‘About MHC.’

Also, I love receiving comments! I do, however, reserve the right to delete any comment that is in poor taste, offensive or is verging on spam. It’s my blog. If you’re a bot or a troll you’ll be blocked. Thanks!

Archives

All Content © 2008 - 2025 Mockingbird Hill Cottage · Log in

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Reject
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT