Goldfinches

It's that time of year.  The flowers are going to seed and the goldfinches are gorging themselves.  I did read somewhere that as seed eaters they hatch their eggs late in the summer so there are seeds to feed them.   I caught this pair on the purple cone flowers outside my bedroom window one afternoon.

And the spider webs have been profuse of late.  This was an unusual web and spider outside Dan's shop door.  

Watch Out for That Window!

We have many windows and despite the special reflector decals I've put on them, birds continue to make contact with mixed results.  These two were lucky ones.

This red bellied sapsucker was quite stunned by his hit.

After many minutes I coaxed him to climb the beam.  It was a good two hours before he finally flew off.

Sunday we found this Kentucky warbler.  I had to look him up in Peterson to identify him and then added him to my list.

He also was gently coaxed to flight.  Since it was dusk we were afraid the fox would get him if he stayed on the ground.

Joining WBW.

First Day of Spring

This morning in honor of the first day of Spring there was a coating of ice on the pond.



The sun was bright enough to coax the first daffodils to open.  These are miniatures that I purchased last year in the supermarket to have a touch of Spring inside.  I'm glad I transplanted them outside because they are a delight to see. 

These daffodils won't be long in opening.

Birds are busy.  This woodpecker has decided to use the fence corner to hold the sunflower seed while he pecks it open.

Crocuses are still in bloom but some are fading fast. 

Frogs have laid eggs.

Bluebirds are laying claim to the birdhouse.

A few other critters allowed themselves to be photographed.

Mourning Doves

Today was a cold blustery day.  Strong winds made it feel so much colder than it was and these mourning doves chose to congregate under the bird feeder this morning and early into the afternoon.  Some of them napped in the sun using their coloring to hide from any soaring hawks.

This one chose to sit on the frozen pond.

In the afternoon more had gathered.

Below the gold fish are just visible through the ice.

Joining Wild Bird Wednesday &  Our World Tuesday