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Showing posts with label #backyardbirding. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #backyardbirding. Show all posts

Thursday, August 27, 2020

Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens Revisited, Vol. V


A brief dip of overnight temperatures into the low 60's last week gave us a hint of the changes to come. Yet a scroll through the 10-day predicts September arriving in the triple digits. While other regions are enjoying the last of the sunflowers and the first of the pumpkins, summer shows no sign of lessening its grip on central Texas.


Since it's too hot for a walk, let's just sit here on the porch and enJOY the birds, blooms, and flying flowers.



It's hard not to be impressed by the Vermilion Flycatcher. We don't see him in the yard often, he prefers a copse of trees further on. A few times every summer he'll visit the birdbath and it's always a treat!



We had some rain last week which caused our Texas Sage to burst out in joyful bloom. This Pipevine Swallowtail took full advantage!


I just love these sweet little Inca Doves. They come to feed in the evening and are always together. As ground feeders, they are constantly moving and it is difficult to get a clear shot!



Finally, the female Summer Tanager! She has been alluding me all summer. 



Are you tired of seeing pictures of butterflies on zinnias? Sorry. Not sorry. I could chase this Painted Lady from bloom to bloom all day long.


I have so many Cardinals this year! Based on their behavior patterns I'm pretty sure one pair had two hatches. This immature female is from the second hatch. It is beyond entertaining to watch them feed. The younger males wait their turn while the older males feed. I think they may deserve a post all their own!

Thank you for stopping by and letting me share my porch view with you. I pray that you catch a glimpse of His majesty in these images and feel His love surround you as you go about your day.


Have a wonder-filled week, friends!











Friday, May 31, 2019

Inspired by . . . Bird Blinds Vol. 2

Pedernales Falls State Park
As promised, more pictures from my first bird blind experience at Pedernales Falls State Park. I'm blessed to see most of these birds in my own front yard but I still enjoyed watching them in a different environment.

Woodhouse's Scrub Jay

Ladder-back Woodpecker

Northern Cardinal (female)

Ladder-back Woodpecker

Ladder-back Woodpecker

Northern Cardinal (male)
Lincoln's Sparrow

Carolina Wren
Sitting in the quietness of the blind I am reminded . . .

"Life is this simple: We are living in a world
that is absolutely transparent and the Divine
is shining through it all the time.
This is not just a nice story or a fable.
It is true."
~Thomas Merton

Blessings,

Friday, May 10, 2019

Inspired by . . . Bird Blinds Vol. 1

Pedernales Falls State Park

Any of you who have been visiting this blog for a while know how much I love birds and photographing birds. So you may be surprised to learn that, until recently, I had never been in a bird blind.

I have been hearing for years about the birding opportunities at Pedernales Falls State Park but had never taken the time to visit. This past January, we finally made it!

The park is beautiful and hosts two bird blinds! 

What an amazing experience!

Rather than blog-bomb you with an overabundance of photos I thought I would share over two or three posts.

Let's start out by cleaning things up a bit!









Blessings!


Wednesday, June 13, 2018

Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 24:52

"Don't pray for patience!" Our Pastor jokingly admonished us a few weeks ago. Anyone who has ever received an answer to that prayer knows why . . . You learn patience by learning to trust God in all circumstances. The circumstances that teach us best are ones that are clearly outside of our control.

Be careful what you pray for.

Some lessons in patience are more enjoyable than others. I prefer to learn patience from the hummingbirds.



The hummers in my yard tend to be a little camera shy.



Add that to the speed in which they fly and getting just the right shot can be a challenge.



It took me about a week to get these three images. I hope you enjoy!


Have a wonder-filled week, friends!

PS This post is for you, Floyd!
Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Through My LensBird D’pot,
Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens,
Wild Bird WednesdayOur World Tuesday,
Community Global, Photo Friday, Little Things Thursday

Thursday, May 17, 2018

Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 20:52

This past week was for the birds, in more ways than one. Even though things are a bit busy for me right now, I still find time to sit in wonder of all He has made.

Here's what I've been seeing . . .

The sweet Phoebe pair wakes me every morning. They have a nest somewhere behind the house.


Eastern Phoebe

I was glad to see this flycatcher back this year. He is a bit tricky to ID but his song gives him away!


Great-crested Flycatcher

Now that the lizards and snakes are more active I'm seeing more of this guy. They are so fun to watch!


Greater Roadrunner

The mockingbirds are just crazy this time of year! They seem to nest later than the other birds. Lots of showmanship going on right now!


Northern Mockingbird

We have a pair of scissor-tailed flycatchers back this year. They prefer a copse of trees down in the field but they often come up to the cottage to visit me.


Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

 I spotted two females before this guy arrived for a bath!


Summer Tanager

One of the most breathtaking birds, this little guy never fails to delight. 

All four of the flycatchers pictured here are part of the Tyrannidae family called the Tyrant Flycatchers. It's so thrilling to have them all here! 


Vermilion Flycatcher

Next week I'll show you what's blooming in my garden. And some other friends that came to visit!

What are you seeing through your lens this week?


Have a wonder-filled week, friends!

PS Click on the bird's name to find more pictures and listen to their song!


Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Through My LensBird D’pot,
Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens,
Wild Bird WednesdayOur World Tuesday,
Community Global, Photo Friday, Little Things Thursday

Sunday, May 6, 2018

Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 18:52


Four cheery yellow breasts 
clinging to a sock full of seed, 
red cap above a speckled back, 
bird-song and Pheee-be calling, 
Lady-girl dozing in the shade.

This is Saturday to me. 

Choosing stillness over stirring
watching rainbows on the wing
gazing heavenward
puffy whites floating 
on a sea of blue.
Eating manna
sipping wine.

This is Sabbath to me.

Don't worry, I'm not turning poet on you. I'll leave that to those of you who have the gift. These are just some words arranged in lines. Snapshots of my world. Here are a few more. 








What are you seeing through your lens this week?

Have a wonder-filled day, friends!

Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Through My LensBird D’pot,
Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens,
Wild Bird WednesdayOur World Tuesday,
Community Global, Photo Friday, Little Things Thursday

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 16:52

Hello, friends!

It's been a busy week but I did manage to capture a few delights to share with you! I know many of you are still under snow and ice. Perhaps a bit of spring gardening will encourage you!


The knockout roses are doing wonderful this year. All my lantana came back and most of my milkweed has sprouted. The Mexican Bush Sage which bloomed through the snow we had in December hasn't shown any signs of green yet and I'm afraid I might have lost it.
     

Ready to plant is more Mexican Bush Sage, butterfly weed and two "pow-pow" coneflower plants - excited for these to bloom! I also planted a few pentas for instant color.


The creeping jenny I planted a couple of weeks ago is doing well despite the high winds we've been having. With gusts up to 30mph here lately, you've got to wonder if the experience inside the birdhouse is a bit wilder than being out on a limb!

Carolina Wren

This Woodhouse's Scrub Jay posed nicely for me the other day.  


I haven't spotted any ruby-throated hummingbirds yet. I wonder if they got a memo about the weather y'all have been having up north?  I'll close with this week's shots of the current Yard Boss.




It's easy to see why they call them black-chinned hummingbirdsOne of these days I'll catch him with the sun on his chin and you'll see his pretty purple throat. 

What are you seeing through your lens this week?

Blessings,

Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Through My LensBird D’pot,
Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens,
Wild Bird WednesdayOur World Tuesday,
Community Global, Photo Friday, Little Things Thursday