OCCASIONALLY....

 you get an interesting photo on the trail cam (in this case, my squirrel cam).

This is actually a screen shot from a video.  The first few frames were of the squirrel's legs as they disappeared up the pole where I attach my trail cam.  It made me laugh out loud.

Thanks for putting up with those legs, and I hope your day brings you a good chuckle.

(squirrel photo on signature is from pixabay.com)

RAMBLES, PLUS PHOTOS...

 I am sharing a photo our son took a couple of days ago.  He often sees deer on his walks, and he always shares them with us.  

It rained today but we went to a store we don't always go to.  I don't mind rainy days, and this wasn't a heavy rain, one of those rains where you can put your hood up and not have to get the brolly out, just avoid the puddles and maybe put on a pair of jeans that are not too long for my short legs.  The bottoms were dripping wet by the time we got home.  Note to self, get your needle and thread out dear and shorten those jeans!

I had fun walking around the store.  We didn't buy much but came out with a couple of loaves of bread (sour dough and whole grain), celery, pine nuts, a container of coleslaw and a piece of salmon for tonight's dinner.  I will be sharing the recipe next Monday.  

Our son and daughter-in-law came over to help dad celebrate his birthday. Always lovely to see them at the best of times, but this was even more special and they are such great company.  I had chats with my dear niece in Germany, and another Facetime with my brother-in-law over there. We had a phone call from an old friend who is moving back to Virginia soon, to this area, and we will be making plans to see each other.  I have loads of letter writing needing to be done, sadly lagging behind, but I get some comfort that this blog is a good way for family and friends to catch up with us in the meantime.

After last week's walk around the nature refuge, we went back to Green Spring Gardens.  I wanted to check out this particular plant to see how the blooms were progressing.  Still not fully in bloom but it's coming along.  This plant I have mentioned before, "Edwordia Chrisantha", which I have shared photos of, and will be sharing again in a post.  

A young lady started chatting to me about it.  It is the 'friendly' plant I call it, and is the second time someone has come up to me when taking photos of the soon-to-be-in-full-bloom-but-not-quite-yet blooms. We chatted for about 15-20 minutes.  She told me she only lived three-quarters of a mile away and came often.  She was drawn to the plant just like I was. Neither of us had seen it anywhere else. She also told me what a lovely scent it had, which I wasn't aware of, and I checked it out.  Yes it has a delightful scent.  She also told me about another favorite of hers and where to find it.  It is called Korean Spice Viburnum.  It was in one of the small alcove-type gardens we walk by and quite often sit in.  It also blooms but not yet.  The leaves were only just starting to grow.

 I will be going back in another couple of weeks to take more photos of the Edwordia Chrisantha, and this one now. The rain is going to hang around for a couple of days, so will have a rest from walking.  We want to go to Huntley Meadows to see what birds are visiting on their way up north. 

And as far as our own birds are concerned, the Grackles have arrived!  They are a bit naughty!  There is a large flock, at least a couple of dozen of them, that stop by twice a day.  They are voracious eaters but I am enjoying their interactions.  It's like everyone is a boss, no one seems to back down, all lay claim to their own patch and refuse to give it up. Lots of fluffing up of feathers and strutting around going on.  And the Cardinals come round well after they have gone.

I have started Spring cleaning and got into some closets, but before I bore your socks off any more, I'll quit now.  It has been a good week and has gone quickly.  

Thanks for listening to my rambles and I do  

hope all is well where you are.

MR. AND MRS. DOWNY WOODPECKER HAVE A CONVERSATION.

 

CONVERSATION AT THE FEEDER...

 

Camera Lady says to husband, "It's too high, I have seen them try.  They can't get up there."  

Today's Quote: "Famous Last words!"

Thanks for looking.  Have a great weekend.

ONE MORE STORY MAMA?

 

BIRD CAM VIDEOS FROM 12-7-21 TO

A few bird cam photos for you!  

Thanks for looking and have a great day!

 

MORE BIRD CAM PICS...

 At least the sun is shining in these photos.  

Okay, so I will start off with the cheeky one again.  I don't think it's an opinion!  

I have a direct line of sight to them all from where I sit when using my laptop.  There was a Carolina Wren out there a few moments ago, but I only saw it on the deck and not the rail.  Here's hoping that was his first stop and I just missed it.

Yes, I still think you are adorable!

A female Cardinal close-up, and definitely checking the camera out!

Her mate next photo.

One of the many reasons I enjoy this outside camera, it picks up the most interesting sights. For instance, the Cardinal in flight.

Next, we have a male House Finch.  He seems to be getting along with the Mourning Doves.

I do like to look at the feathers up-close, so pretty!

A few more joined in.

The White-throated sparrow was a surprise.  I haven't seen any sparrows in a long time, let alone a White-throated.  It came back for several days, always on its own.

I thought this one might be a Goldfinch, but then those that I have seen online don't appear to have that little white eye rim.  Any ideas?  Anyhow, it appears to have moved on also.  Fun for a while to see this little bird.

Added photo: 12-11-21 

Martha Ellen asked what kind of birdseed we use, and I thought I would take a photo and put it below.  I am not sure where it came from as Gregg brought it home on a solo errand run some time ago.  I will ask him next chance I get as the bag is almost empty.  Thanks for asking Martha Ellen.

And thank you for visiting today's feathered friends. I appreciate all your comments.  I sometimes forget to mention that, but they are always very welcomed and enjoyable to read.  

Have a great weekend everyone!

BIRD CAM IS UP FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MONTHS

 The Dear Man putting out birdseed.  Thank you Dear Man!  We moved the hanger pole nearer the camera.  I have to get new bird feeders as it's a double hanger.  The other was getting a bit worse for wear.

It was not 73 degrees Fahrenheit that day.  Our temperature gauge seems to be a bit off.   The House Finches were the first to feed.

Then a Crow.  Two or three usually turn up at a time.  

The Red-bellied Woodpecker appeared and startled the Finch.  Interesting effect on the wings here.

This cheeky little thing was next.  A bit blurry.

A Downy Woodpecker next.

A Cardinal and further along a Grey-slated Junco and a Finch.  The Junco turned up a couple of weeks ago.  They stay in this area until spring.

A closer photo of the Red-bellied Woodpecker.

I am looking forward to a bit more sunshine.  It's been rather gray these last few days.  Even though the photos aren't as sharp as I would like, it feels good to have the bird cam up again.  It is always fun to see what appears when I download the photos, blur or no blur.

Has anyone had a problem downloading videos onto blogger?  I used to go through YouTube but I am wondering if you have to pay a subscription to download videos now as I can't seem to find how to do it.  The icon used to be right there on the page and it was easy. When I put my videos straight onto blogger, they don't seem to work.  I think I am doing it the right way.  I don't think it's operator error but won't rule it out, says I smiling.

I hope your week has been going well. 

Thanks for taking a look.

THE GRACKLES HAVE FOUND US

I haven't seen these in a long time but recently they started visiting again.  First one, then two and then the whole family.  If you would like to learn more about them click here.

Also sharing a couple of videos from the deck cam.  (Just to remind you that I have no say in what pops up afterwards - advertising and new videos.)

If you look at the end of the rail near where the birdhouse feeder is, you will see a squirrel standing its ground, if a little bit out of the way.

Smart fellow!

Hmmm.....

Enjoy your day everyone and thanks for stopping by.

A NEW TOY FOR THE DECK

One of my birthday gifts last month from my brother-in-law, niece and nephew in Germany, was a trail cam.  I am having so much fun with it.  I am experimenting with settings right now but am very happy with what I captured with my delightful gift.  Thank you my Darlings!

Two Blue Jays staring at each other.

Blue Jay.

A Red-bellied Woodpecker, cropped from the original photo.

Male Cardinal

Cropped version of the above photo.

A squirrel this time.

He stayed around longer than the birds!

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