Birds of Summer

The birds of summer have flown the coop.  I miss them more than they'll ever know.

But I do have my old picture files to go back to and I've decided to post a few of my favorite birdbath pictures from July.

Oh how I love the bluebirds whether they're staring at me.

Or drinking water.

Male and female are equally beautiful.

Even when she's doing all the talking.

I love the vibrant colors of the goldfinch.

 

And I'm not sure what kind of birds these are - some kind of sparrow maybe - but I love how the pictures turned out and the kind of unusual poses.

And now I wonder where all the birds have gone.  Is it possible they're gone by this time every year.  Or did they look for better bug hunting when we were having our drought.  I'm a little worried about them.

And I can't believe I'm already looking forward to Spring.

You Capture - Drinks

Beth's You Capture challenge this week is Drinks.  At first I hesitated, knowing I hadn't really indulged in any especially beautiful drinks this week and then I looked out at the birdbath and reminded myself it was really more for drinking than it was for bathing, and I knew I'd participate.

Before I get to the birdbath and other fortunately pertinent pictures, I'll share this one of a bird and a tree drinking simultaneously while I attempted to combat the unrelenting drought we were experiencing.

And then I'll move on to a more civilized Mr. and Mrs. Goldfinch enjoying a cool drink.

And these bluebird siblings sharing a drink from a pool of water that obviously needed replenishing.

And finally, I looked at the pictures that that we took Sunday morning as we said goodbye to our youngest and her family as they departed for their home in Louisville.

In this first one, I asked Mr. Right to hold my coffee so I could take a picture then I included him in the picture - coffee and all.

And finally the one of my sweet daughter (who timed her visit to help me celebrate my birthday) enjoying her coffee before she left.
 

For more 'Drinks', visit Beth at I Should Be Folding Laundry.

You Capture - Summer

Beth's You Capture subject this week is Summer and it's one I've been excited about since she announced it last week.  Everybody knows I enjoy photographing our backyard birds and I determined that I would re-double my efforts to catch some good shots.

But first I had to think about the koi pond.  It used to be my all-time favorite hobby before the birds took over.  I still enjoy these guys but I spend a lot less time watching and photographing them than I used to.  They are, however, definitely a summertime source of pleasure.

And here's an overview of their summer time home.  Of course it's also their winter home but it doesn't look anything like this in the winter.  


Next I turned to the birds.  Like almost everywhere else in the country, we've just gone through an incredibly hot spell.  One day I carelessly allowed the bird bath to go completely dry.  I hate to say such a terrible thing, but it was almost worth it to watch the parade of birds that visited as soon as I filled it with fresh cool water.

The first one was this rather prissy little bluebird.  She landed on the edge and looked it over carefully.

Before she stepped in to begin her toilette.

But once she was in, she bathed with relish.  And I'd like to say she emerged looking refreshed and beautiful, BUT

Not so much.  Poor girl.  I wonder if she knows what she looks like after her bath.

I think she might because as soon as she saw me taking her picture, she flew off.

Then I watched this interesting fellow.  I'm not sure of his breed so if anyone knows, I'd be grateful if they shared.  Anyway, he landed at the bath with his lunch in his mouth but first he apparently had to wash it.  I could post a dozen or more pictures of the steps he took to either wash it or beat it up, but I'll settle with two just so you get the idea.

This little goldfinch was a colorful visitor.

Also a colorful addition but not a very pleasant or desirable bird to have around was the blue jay.
 
And sometimes things even got a little crowded.  Here two fledgling bluebirds tried to get their baths in but were intruded on by this female cowbird.  (A cowbird is also a most undesirable feathered visitor.  Would you believe they don't even build nests or take care of their babies?  They lay their eggs in somebody else's nest after removing some of their eggs and allow an unsuspecting bird to not only hatch the eggs but raise the young.)

And speaking of undesirable, these blackbirds are not only unpleasant but I don't even think they're pretty with their beady yellow eyes and cantankerous ways.

So just to get back on an even and pleasant keel, we'll finish the birds segment of our post with this most desirable, delightful, and beautiful little bluebird singing in the sunshine.

 And finally, nothing says summer like fireworks.

 

For more 'Summer' shots, visit Beth at I Should Be Folding Laundry!