Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Watching...



One day last week, the sunlight was shining nicely on our bird-feeding-table, otherwise known as our deck railing. I thought it would be a good time to take some nice photos of the bluebirds eating mealworms. We put out mealworms daily, ring a bell, and the birds come flying in. Usually nuthatches, titmice, chickadees and 2 families of bluebirds show up within seconds of the bell ringing. For whatever reason, the Carolina wrens haven't caught on to the bell signal. Instead, they tend to check the railing all day long, just hoping that there will be worms. Often they show up just after the mealworm bowls have been emptied by the rest of the gang.


So that day I was happy to see a wren show up first,


Carolina wren


before all the worms were gone.


Carolina wren eating mealworm


Then I waited, camera ready, for the rest of the birds to show. And I waited...and waited. For the first time in my memory, the feast of mealworms lasted more than 10 minutes. I rang the bell again - no response. Then I looked up and saw this guy waiting, just 15 feet from our railing. I'm glad the bluebirds were more observant than me.


red-tailed hawk

Saturday, September 15, 2007

Carousel of color



It's been awhile since I've posted photos of my gouldian finches, so here goes...


North Carolina gouldian finches


pastel blue male gouldian finch


orange head white breasted male gouldian finch


North Carolina gouldian finchs


gouldian finches indoor aviary


gouldian finches on feeder


Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Sugar addicts



Day ...


ruby-throated hummingbird drinking from feeder


and night...


raccoon drinking from hummingbird feeder


This is what happens if I forget to bring in the feeders at night. I don't mind too much if they just drink from them, but sometimes they chew off the plastic yellow flowers.

Monday, September 10, 2007

away from home



Mommy, I'm a little homesick...




but I really like Aunt Gail's polka dot pillows.