Category Archives: At Home

When not traveling in our coach we are at home in Loveland

At Home, Photos-Birds

~Birds-meet Scratch

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~Loveland, CO, September, 2017

 

Scrub Jay (Scratch)
Western Scrub Jay

We named her Scratch. She visits Howard and I several times a day when we sit outside. In the morning we have coffee and in the evening we enjoy a glass of wine out on our deck. Sometimes, during the day, I will sit outside and read, she has been keeping me company. I have never experienced a Western Scrub Jay being so friendly.

Scratch likes when we are out on the deck. She comes flying down and perches on the deck railing not more than two feet away. Sometimes, she will sit there and sing. Her song is a very soft, pretty twitter. Of course we sing along, chirping the best we can!

We were surprised the first time she begin singing, because her voice was so soft. If you have ever heard a Scrub Jay you know they have a powerful, loud voice.

A few weeks ago she looked horrible, we thought something was wrong with her. We started calling her Scratch, because she was always grooming and preening her feathers. The feathers around her neck and upper chest were sparse. We now believe she was just molting; her feathers are looking very nice now.

What a cutie she is!

 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who follow my blog. To all new followers – Hello!

I hope you are enjoying seeing the birds I love to capture with my camera. Hopefully, once we begin traveling again, I will have more nature photos to share.

To those who comment, thank you very much. I don’t always answer as quickly as I should, but know each and every comment is enjoyed! I love learning bits and pieces of who you are and what you enjoy doing. Take care and happy blogging!

 

At Home, Photos-Birds, Poetry

~Birds-Bushtit

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~Loveland, Colorado, August, 2017

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Eyes of grey,

the color of clouds,

on a rainy day.

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Cheeks highlighted in rusty hues,

the color of old,

weathered horseshoes.

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Gathering in forests,

agile and quick,

eating insects until rest.

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Songbirds we are,

our symphony of song,

sung from the heart.

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When you see us around,

smile to yourself,

loves abound.

💞💜💞

 

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Bushtit

 

These tiny birds travel in flocks. This summer we have enjoyed seeing them in our yard, but I haven’t seen them for the last several days. They swoop down into the trees, moving rapidly, hunting aphids and other tiny insects; constantly chattering to each other.

They are attracted to the suet feeders I have around the yard, but not the other feeders.

 

Happy Birding!

 

Note: If you would like to learn more about these pretty, tiny birds click here: Bushtits

 

At Home, Photos-Birds

~Birds: A pretty little American Goldfinch

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~Loveland, Colorado, August, 2017

While sitting outside with my camera, this little girl flew into the yard. She perched at the top of a dead branch in the apple tree, then dropped down to a lower branch. Sad to say, but she found a worm nest in the tree.

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American Goldfinch (female)

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“What have I found here?”

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“Anything in there I can eat?”

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“Yes”

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“Yummy”

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“Okay, take my photo so I can be on my way.”

 

Well that was fun, having my camera ready when an unexpected visitor arrived. Now we need to get rid of the worm nest.

Happy Birding!

 

 

At Home, Photos-Birds, Poetry

~More Beautiful Hummingbirds in my yard

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~Loveland, Colorado, August, 2017

oOo-Broad-tailed Hummingbird

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Drinking nectar from a potted plant.

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oOo-Black-chinned Hummingbird

I  have been trying to capture this male, Black-chinned Hummingbird for awhile. He is very shy, and smart about staying hidden in the trees. These photos aren’t the best, but show his black chin and purple band around the neck.

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Black-chinned Hummingbird

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Purple band appears black without the right light.

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oOo-Broad-tailed Hummingbird

It is late evening and a time for rest.

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In the photo below a female Broad-tailed Hummingbird is sitting on a pine branch looking east. Perhaps she is reflecting on her day or contemplating her upcoming, long journey south.

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Last light before night

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evening’s last light

before darkness descends

stay safe and warm

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Black-chinned

It makes us feel good to provide these tiny birds with energy, in the form of syrup, to assist them along on their long, difficult journey.

 

Happy Dreams, Good Night

 

At Home

~Sunday Bike Ride

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~Loveland, Colorado, August, 2017

Howard and I decided that we need to add another activity to our current list. We are going to bike ride more often. We enjoy riding, and need the added exercise it will give us.

We had my bike “serviced” including getting the frozen right gear shift fixed, and all the rust removed from being on the back of the coach when we travel south. Rain isn’t nice to exposed bikes. She is looking good. Now Howard needs to have his serviced. I was very happy with the service from Breakaway Cycles here in Loveland.

Last week we had a hitch put on our Ford, Edge. Felkers, here in Loveland, did an excellent job. On Friday, we are hoping to pick up a bicycle rack for the Edge. No excuses now baby!

Sunday we went for a 10 mile, roundtrip, ride on Loveland’s excellent bike trail system.

Sunday bike ride.
A beautiful day for a bike ride.

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Beautiful day in Northern Colorado
Longs Peak and Meeker to the left of Howard’s head!

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Well it’s a first! We are not in the habit of taking “selfies”, but no one was around to get a photo of us.

It's a first!
“Oh my”

It just might be the last selfie, not ride! HeeHee!

Happy Trails, Life is Good!

 

At Home, Photos-Butterflies, Photos-Flowers

~Butterfly in the Garden

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~Loveland, Colorado, August 2017

 

I just happen to look out one of our upstairs windows yesterday and spotted this butterfly enjoying the blooms on a Butterfly Bush! I removed the screen from the window and tried to capture her as she moved from flower to flower. The sun was in the west, which backlit this little girl.

I believe she is a Variegated Fritillary, but I can’t be sure. Years ago I found a great web-site that helps you identify butterflies. Here is the link: Identify Butterflies.

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Look at her eyes!
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Watching for harassing bees.
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Beautiful patterns

She had a hard time trying to stay away from a yellow jacket that didn’t want her there.

Let me know if you ca identify this butterfly.

Get out and Enjoy Nature!

At Home, Photos-Landscapes

~Devil’s Backbone

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~Loveland, Colorado, August, 2017

A mile to the west of us is an open space area called the Devil’s Backbone. This area is very popular with locals and visitors, offering seven miles of trail for hiking, biking, horse back riding and picnicking.  And, of course for taking photographs.

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A path heading toward the unique rock formations.

For the last week or so we have had unusual rainy days. It has been nice for our dry environment turning the landscape green.

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A green, lush meadow. Notice the bench for relaxing and enjoying nature.
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A fallen Cottonwood Tree along the trail.
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Looking west toward the Rocky Mountains
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Great environment for birds and other wildlife.
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Bullock’s Oriole nest hanging high in a Cottonwood tree. Good job!
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I hope all the babies are somewhere else enjoying life.
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A cloudy day in northern Colorado.

~Back in October, 2015, I took a night sky photograph workshop at the Devil’s Backbone. Here is the link to read about my experience.Night Sky Workshop

~Here is another one of my previous posts on the Devil’s Backbone. This one, a poetry challenge. Writing a Kyrielle-Sonnet

Enjoying Colorful Colorado!