Bluebirds!!!

My husband made a couple of Bluebird houses and within 24 hours, we had a pair coming to visit and check them out. I crouched down on the front steps behind a big plant and was able to catch a few images. 

Dad's on the lookout while Mom investigates.

Mom says, "I think this might be the perfect home to raise our babies in. Come and see!"

"Honey, I think you might be right. There's plenty of room and a lovely view!"

"The tree back here will give you a great vantage point to watch for predators, too."

"I'll go try it out!"

"Yep. This is a great place to keep an eye out for intruders and my blue feathers really stand out among the white blossoms! I am one gorgeous guy!!" 

Matthew 13:32 English Standard Version (ESV)

It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”

Greedy Hummer

While shopping for a few odds and ends the other day, we decided to purchase another Hummingbird feeder because it seemed like the other one wasn't getting much attention, although we did have a beautiful Ruby-throated Hummingbird visit it a couple of times. 

He didn't stay around long and it would be days and days before he would show back up, then he disappeared altogether. The feeder is glass and metal so we thought maybe it was getting too hot, plus it doesn't have a lot of red on it. A friend told me to tie a big red bow on top and that would attract him back.

But, I am impatient so I found a new one I thought would work better. And it does!!! Now there is a Hummer visiting us every day and he/she stays around for up to an hour at a time, flitting over to the Crepe Myrtles and back to the feeder. I hung it from an ant guard, which is working really well. Hummer also preferred feeding out of the other side where I couldn't see him/her, so I put a tiny piece of clear tape over the opening, forcing him/her to feed from a flower visible to me and my camera! :-)

The video isn't as sharp as I would like because I have to video (and photograph) through the screen but you can still see how hungry he/she is! I'm not sure if it's a young male or a female since the throat is not red. Could be either one but I don't care. I'm just happy it likes coming here to feed!

Well, I hope you've enjoyed our little Hummer visit! 

What kind of birds do you have at your feeders? 

Morning Visitors

Genesis 1:20-23
Then God said, "Let the waters swarm with fish and other life. 
Let the skies be filled with birds of every kind."

My morning view is slightly obscured because of the screen but there is no getting by without it in the marsh! I know. You don't see Marshes in the photo but directly behind the homes across the street is dense Marshland and it's also right behind ours. The mosquitoes and yellow flies love to dine here so for our own comfort,
we must have screen! :-)

We've slowly been finishing our porch and landscaping our yard. As I'm not a big gardener, I don't want too much stuff to tend but I am loving our Black Crepe Myrtle. We have one on each side of the brick walkway and they are gorgeous. The morning is overcast after tremendous storms yesterday. Not the best for photos but I'm offering some anyway. :-)

We have many lovely birds but one of my favorites are the Mourning Doves who come by all day long. They love perching on top of the staff that holds our cage feeder and a thrifted wrought iron chandelier that has no votives. 

I have small peat pots, with big globs of hot glue on the edges so they don't fall through the holes but still drain well, placed in the votive spots and fill them with Safflower seed. The friendly birds aka 'songbirds' love them. The mean birds aka Cowbirds and Starlings, do not. 

Psalm 136:25
He gives food to every creature.
His love endures forever.

We keep the cage feeder filled with Wild Bird seed and the tiny birds just throw out what they don't want so the Doves, Blackbirds, and Ducks have plenty to eat. I usually fill the feeders every other day. We have a lot of  House Sparrows here. Some even live in the eaves of neighboring homes. But not ours. We made sure all entry points were repaired.

This morning was a great morning for bird watching. We saw a Ruby-Throated Hummingbird!!! I didn't have my camera handy when he came by the first time so we just sat super still and watched him feed from the Hummingbird feeder I JUST hung up on Friday. He then flitted over and landed on a tree branch not far off the porch. He stared and stared at us for the longest time. After he flew away I went immediately to get my camera. I am so glad I did!!!

What I failed to take into account was the fact it is 73* inside and about 80* outside and really humid. My lens immediately fogged up but he was back!! I had to snap the photo quickly or risk missing him. After getting the first one, I quickly wiped off the lens and got a second one.

Hazy but still beautiful!!!

As I was admiring Mr Hummer in one tree, a big Red-winged Blackbird landed in another.

Foggy lens and screen don't deter me though. I still enjoy capturing God's creation especially when the next one is the first I have EVER seen of this bird. I'm not completely sure what kind it is. I'm thinking either a Blue Bunting or a Blue Grosbeak. 

He looked over right at me. Wasn't that nice of him??

If you're a birder, what kind do you think he is?

That's my exciting morning bird watching from my screened in front porch.

Now it's time for food and devotions...one feeds the body and one feeds the soul.

Matthew 4:4

Jesus answered, "It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone,

 but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."

Have a blessed day in the Lord!

Getting My Crafting On -- DIY Tea Cup Bird Feeder

I have wanted a Tea Cup Bird Feeder for years. I've seen different ones for sale online but they are rather pricey. Since I collect tea cups and have plenty of extras, I decided to Google it and found numerous tutorials and style feeders to choose from. Knowing my sister was coming for a short visit this past Sunday, I let her choose a tea cup to have her bird feeder made from.

This is not a tutorial but I did follow this one -- Hanging Tea Cup Bird Feeder -- posted by Busted Button. It really is easy peasy! 

Two things I will do different next time are use less E6000 glue (it doesn't take much) and heavier chain. I bought a pretty good weight chain in the jewelry making department at ACMoore but I think it could use a heavier chain. I will try the hardware store for the next one. 

I left the lobster claw hook on one end of the chain so I could attach a cubic zirconia Cross from an old necklace because my sister and I share a love for tea cups, birds, and Jesus! Plus it gives it a little pizazz! Kind of pretty, huh?

The china pattern isn't marked on the bottom of the cup or plate but it is a solo set that I found at a thrift store years ago. It makes a pretty feeder for the birds. They have a little place to set their delicate feet and a pretty tea cup to feast out of to their hearts content.

Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. ~Psalm 23:5

 Ignore the yucky brick. We are in the process of getting a new roof and then it is on to pressure washing everything. Until then, the red brick still makes a nice backdrop for this Tea Cup Bird Feeder that is soon to be on its way to south Florida!

I have already chosen another tea cup and started making it a bit different from this one. The cup is tilted sideways and will be hung with twine instead of chain. I'll be sure and post pictures when it is finished. One of these days I am going to get really crafty and make a wooden birdhouse! :-)

Have you made your own bird feeder or birdhouse?

~Have a blessed day in the Lord~

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ~Matthew 6:26

Review ~ A Charm of Goldfinches and Other Wild Gatherings: Quirky Collective Nouns of the Animal Kingdom by Matt Sewell

Published September 5th 2017 by Ten Speed Press

About the Book

A charm of goldfinches, an ascension of larks, a bask of crocodiles, a cloud of bats, a wake of vultures--all of these colorful collective nouns and more are showcased in this enchanting illustrated book by beloved artist Matt Sewell.
Accompanying each illustration is a playful description of each group of animals' personality, quirks, and habits. Sewell's uniquely witty take on the subject and delicately vivid illustrations make for a lovely new addition to his series of collectible books including Owls and Penguins and Other Seabirds. Playing on the theme of collective nouns for animals and illustrated with Matt Sewell's inimitable watercolors, this book makes a great gift for nature and art lovers everywhere.

My Review
5 STARS!!!

A Charm of Goldfinches and Other Wild Gatherings is filled with entertaining depictions of animals and lovely watercolors. I found myself chuckling at the morsels of humor the author incorporates in each rendering but also learned a few things I did not know. Anyone who loves nature or is an artist at heart will enjoy this collection of illustrations. It is truly one of the most charming little books I have had the pleasure of reading. It would make a wonderful gift to share with others and more than likely bring some extra smiles and joy to their life. 

I was given a copy of the book from the publisher through the Blogging for Books program. No compensation has been received. 

~Happy Reading, Y'all~

Random 5 Friday

It's Random 5 Friday, where you share 5 random facts about you, your day, your pets, your kids, whatever! 

 

1. This Osprey swooped down on the beach the other day and snagged himself a big fish for supper. You can't see it in the photo but it's there, under the water. A few minutes later another Osprey came along and I thought there was going to be a fight over that fish but the one just stood off to the side watching this one eat.

2. House hunting is not for the faint of heart. We've had six homes that have been snatched right out from under us. My husband and I both dislike the competitive market here. If we had known how difficult it was going to be to find a home (and the actual cost of housing) before he accepted this position, we might not have done it. Seriously.

3. Most of the time it rains. I would have thought there would be more sunshine on the coast but our pastor's wife told me yesterday they usually get more than they've had. What?!

4. I'm really missing my children. Our oldest son was in Tech School last year when Mother's Day rolled around, and this year our youngest son is house sitting for our daughter and her family so they can have a vacation at the beach. Now, granted, they're coming here, but I thought I had a few more years before my youngest wouldn't be with me on Mother's Day. So many changes....

5. Living in an apartment has limited space. It's making me appreciate not having a lot of stuff up here yet. Less really is more!

I hope each one of you has a blessed day!

 Sharing @

 And in case any of you read Kindle books, I'm having a giveaway on this post--  In My TBR (To Be Read) + GIVEAWAY -- You Can't Hurry Love (an E-Novella) by Beth Vogt

 

Baby Mockingbird Update & Empty Nest Syndrome

I have enjoyed documenting the hatching and growth of these little birdies.

This photo was taken on May 19th, when they were both wide awake and loudly chirping. 

They are demanding little creatures.

 Look at those big mouths!

8 days old

 On May 23rd, the sun was high over head as I stealthily stepped up to the basket 

and peered over the side.

Awwww.....

They're sleeping!

12 days old

And they even look like Mockingbirds now!

Remember, this is only three days ago and I have not seen them flitting around or trying to get out of the basket. Not once. So you can imagine my utter dismay when my son comes in this morning and says they are gone.

WHAT?!

Gone? 

They can't be. They're still so tiny.

Of course I have to go look because they could be lying hurt on the ground and they can't get back to safety.

Or....

Maybe another bird dragged them out of the nest and has horrid plans for them!

My mind was racing with all kinds of disastrous scenarios.

(I might read a little too much fiction. haha )

But alas, They have just flown the nest! 

I came inside relieved that I didn't find them wounded or dead but with a heavy heart that I missed their triumphant flight to freedom.

According to allaboutbirds.com, by 13 days old they are ready to spread their wings and fly, baby fly!

Perhaps I will catch a glimpse of them frolicking among the bushes. 

I certainly see a lot of activity out there. 

I just kind of feel like an empty nester today.

I hope you've enjoyed my feeble attempt to document one of God's miraculous designs.

Genesis 1:20 (ESV)

 And God said, “...let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the heavens.”

~Have a blessed day~

Sharing with

A Gorgeous Spring Day

Weather-wise, it's been a beautiful spring as far as temperatures are concerned. Some years it seems like winter just runs right in to summer but not this year. Cool breezes and lazy days tooling around the yard. With the windows open, I wake every morning to the sound of the frogs, crickets, chickens and birds rejoicing in the sun coming up.

On May 9th, my son discovered these two eggs in a flower basket that I took out of the chicken coop and hung on the edge of our deck swing. I had every intention of planting something in it but it looks like it has made a safe nest for a Mockingbird family.

Then on Monday May 11th, they hatched! 

Aren't they the cutest?!

And boy does that one have a big mouth. Must be super hungry. :)

Moma bird was watching me from a telephone wire as I made the picture of her babies. As soon as I was done, she flew right down there to give them a tasty worm, as evidenced in the bottom left photo. 

Well, sort of. She had it in her mouth but it didn't show up well in the photo.

And as I was out strolling through the yard, I took some pictures of the different flowers and vines blooming. Above Moma bird is some sweet smelling Honeysuckle. On the top right are my Sweet Williams. I just love these flowers. They're so colorful and greet me first thing when I open the front door. The top left is some kind of flowering shrub that has a sickeningly sweet smell and I am highly allergic to it. It's pretty but oh my! It causes horrendous sneezing and itching. The only reason they are still there is because more birds nested in them and I hated to whack down their home. But come autumn, when they are all gone....

How is Spring in your area? 

I hope you are enjoying some beautiful weather!

~Have a great day in the Lord~

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Fledglings

These sweet baby birds were playing among some limbs and branches Wednesday evening while trying out their little vocal chords.

They flitted and fluttered, hopping up and down while catching the breeze in those fuzzy downy tufts on their head. 

 I sat on the front porch step, afraid to move too much for fear their mama (who was watching me like a hawk) would call them away. She was definitely giving out some warning trills. But this one stayed right up there on a limb, just like he knew I was photographing his cuteness.

They couldn't fly all the way up to their nest, so they hopped up the side of the tree. Those photos didn't turn out very well. 

Baby Carolina Wren's are adorable, aren't they?!

Matthew 6:26

Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?

Have a blessed day in the Lord!

Cowbirds

Brown-headed Cowbird

(from All About Birds.com)

The Brown-headed Cowbird is a stocky blackbird with a fascinating approach to raising its young. Females forgo building nests and instead put all their energy into producing eggs, sometimes more than three dozen a summer. These they lay in the nests of other birds, abandoning their young to foster parents, usually at the expense of at least some of the host’s own chicks. Once confined to the open grasslands of middle North America, cowbirds have surged in numbers and range as humans built towns and cleared woods.

: : :

These birds are NOT our friends. 

They are aggressive bullies. 

While the other sweet birds are being neat and polite by sharing the feeders, 

these meanies swoop in, making all kinds of noise and chasing all the other birds away. 

They then proceed to swoosh out all the food onto the ground, 

nit-picking to find just the particular seed they want.

They. drive. me. crazy.

I have even let my feeders go empty for days, sometimes up to two weeks, 
in hopes they would forget about them and fly away to another place. 

But noooo...

They just keep coming back. 

Has anyone else had to deal with these irritating birds?

Any ideas on how to get rid of them?!

: : :

Sharing with

in hopes that SOMEONE can help me!

I sound really desperate, don't I?

Well... I AM!!!

Have a blessed day in the Lord!

{Sunday}

I just love this photo! 

It seems like even this precious bird is thanking our Lord.

Psalm 84:3

Even the sparrow has found a home,

    and the swallow a nest for herself,

    where she may have her young—

a place near your altar,

    Lord Almighty, my King and my God.

Praising the Lord for His lovingkindness!

Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Are you posting my picture again?

Why, yes. Yes, I am. 

I never get tired of seeing these American Goldfinches. They are so pretty and vibrant!

Not much time for blogging this week. I'm keeping the grands for a couple of days. 

I hope y'all are enjoying some warm spring weather. The leaves are filling out most of the trees here and the flowers are emerging in glorious spring colors! Take some time to smell them :)

Have a blessed day in the Lord!