Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 28:52

"Take time to relax and rest on your day in the intimate comfort of Jesus' unchanging love."

That happy thought graces the front of one of my birthday cards from last month. I still have it propped up on my desk to remind me to take the time, if not physically, at least mentally, to rest in His love throughout the day.

It fits nicely with my goal of learning to pray without ceasing this year. Another big shift for me has been my sleeping habits. I'm in bed a lot earlier these days and subsequently up earlier. I've never been a morning person, I like to start my days slowly.... but getting up earlier has truly been a blessing. The extra time to sit and reflect on Him and observe nature has been a balm to my soul.

Who can resist rising early to experience seeing this guy bathed in the gold of the morning light?

And this sweet little white-winged dove who has been greeting me each morning for the last few days. 

I finally have a couple of halfway decent shots of the black-chinned hummingbirds to share with you this week. These are for you, Floyd!

Warning! If you spot one of these near your hummingbird feeders, get a stick and safely relocate them to another area of your yard. Adult praying mantis can kill a hummingbird. This guy was on my butterfly weed and nearly snagged a pipevine swallowtail earlier in the week.

The Black-crested titmice are another bird that can be difficult to capture. I was happy to get this picture. He looks like a youngster since his crest isn't fully black yet. Always on the move!

We have two families of cardinals that come to feed and bathe. I never get tired of them. It's fun to watch them feed their babies and their mates.

My Dreamer says I only get excited about the colorful, exotic birds and never post about the sparrows. This isn't true of course, I love all the birds.

But who doesn't get excited about seeing a Vermillion at the water trough?

A-hem, lest you think I don't love the sparrows . . . Here's a sweet lark sparrow inspecting the branch for his next meal.

And the sprinkler brought out a host of field sparrows the other day.

It was so fun to watch their little puffed up bodies playing in the pools. They are so sweet.

Once again, the cardinal made the final splash.

What are you seeing through your lens this week?

Stay cool, peeps!

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

Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 22:52

Hello, friends!

I'm a little late posting this week due to my #ReadUpstream post from yesterday. If you're interested in what I'm reading this month, click through and have a look.

There has been a lot of activity around the cottage this week! Our cottonwood tree is in bloom. Which explains my runny nose and the intoxicating smell in our front yard!

Queen Butterfly

The Mockingbirds have been around with their babies the last few days. It's amazing how quickly they grow! They look just like mommy and daddy except for their speckled chests.

Here they are learning how to navigate the suet by themselves.

There have been a lot of cardinals around, too, with their families. This is a young female.

Items of interest can always be found if you're looking for them.

At least that's what this Carolina Wren tells me as he searches through the flower box for bugs to feed his mate. She is still sitting on a clutch of eggs.

Carolina Wren as taken through my living room window

Summer is here! Whoot-woot!

I hope you're staying cool like this male house finch!

What are you seeing through your lens this week?

Have a wonder-filled weekend, friends!

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

Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 32:52

The Mockingbirds have built another nest. They built in the same tree last year, but the nest was destroyed during a storm. I was excited to see the second nest because I'd missed fledge day from their previous nest in the cottonwood tree. So I've been keeping an eye out, checking the nest a couple of times a day, from the ground.

Once I started to hear little peeps, I decided to climb up and get a closer look. Following correct nest-watching procedure, I waited until momma had flown away. Unlike other species who don't seem too interested, Mockingbirds do not like you messing with their babies!

Momma was back in a flash and let me know, in no uncertain terms, that I had gotten too close.

Note the motion in this picture, yeah, she is talking to me! I retreated and she calmed down.

We both decided to call it a night.

But I was back the next day, with my zoom. See the little orange beak on the left, under the leaf?

Now they're getting excited about dinner!

I think there are at least three, but I haven't been able to get close enough to confirm.

These were taken late last week and I noticed this morning that they are getting their feathers already. So I need to take more pictures for you! Last year only one chick fledged from the nest in my front yard. So I'm really pleased to see at least three of these little guys this year! Stay tuned!

We had a new visitor to the yard this week! I've had three sightings so far. But the elusive Painted Bunting has been a bit camera shy. This photo was taken through my kitchen window and he was pretty far away. Not the best shot, but you can still get a glimpse at their amazing coloring! This bird is aptly named!

In honor of the stellar Olympic performances this week by Team USA, I leave you with some bathing beauties! {Go USA!}

Lesser Goldfinch

What are you seeing

through your lens this week?

Blessings,

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