I believe this woodpecker is a Downy, based on its small size, small bill, and conspicuous tuft at base of bill.
A family of, two adults and one young, choose my yard to call home for the summer. They enjoy the suet stations I have placed around the yard. I love hearing their sweet call.
Happy Birding!
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.
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.
Note: If you would like to learn more about these pretty, tiny birds click here: Bushtits
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.
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
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.
~
~
~
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.
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.
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.
~
~
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 just might be the last selfie, not ride! HeeHee!
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.
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.
