FINE FEATHERED PEACOCK

FROM THE ARCHIVES...A LITTLE DIPLOMACY GOES A LONG WAY

On these days of sheltering in place, I am enjoying going through old posts.  This one is from a very hot day in July 2013.  And so we begin.

Yes I am still feeding them. The squirrels are delighted, though I haven't bought any peanuts for a while, just sunflower seeds. There is a bit of a mess outside on the deck right now.

This little one seemed a bit out of sorts that day.

Oh dear!

And diplomacy too. Look at his tail Mr. Chipmunk, isn't it a fine looking tail?

He's thinking about it.

Now here's a case of the pot calling the kettle black. It never fails after eating a healthy helping of seeds, for the squirrels to collapse on the deck rail in such a pose as this. But then don't we all sometimes feel the need to nap after a bigger than normal meal?

And let's not forget to put out a cool, fresh dish of water outside for our furry and feathered friends. They need it at all times, but especially in very hot weather. 

And as I remember how hot it was that day, I could do with a little bit more heat.  Won't be long now.

Thanks for looking and enjoy the rest of your week.

THOSE CHATTY SANDHILL CRANES

DECK CAMERA PHOTOS

The Dark-eyed Junco's disappeared at the beginning of April, no doubt flying north for the summer.  I miss seeing them and they are always a welcome visitor. It is a sign that the cold weather is on the way when they return towards the end of the year.  In their place the Chipping Sparrows have arrived.  They are a very small bird.  The Mourning Dove is keeping an eye on them.  My photos today were taken on April 27th and April 28th (2019). 

An early visitor arrives on the deck rail the next morning at 5.14 a.m.  Each photo is time-stamped on the bottom, but I normally crop for a closer look.  Just a little light in the sky.  He looks like a male Cardinal.

There is more light for the Chipping Sparrow.  It is now 5.45 a.m.  Slim pickings as I am still asleep and there is no birdseed, just a few tiny leftovers.

At 7.26 a.m. the female Cardinal discovers the person inside the house is apparently having a slow start to the day. The dawn chorus is in full swing, and a favorite sound in the morning.  Some days, however, you just don't feel like hurrying to start the day, even if they do.

A welcome sight when I checked the photos.  I don't usually do that until the evening when all those feathered friends have gone to bed.  A Gray Catbird turned up at 7.52 a.m.  No seed to be found.  I do hope he will be back as I haven't seen one out there in a long time.

A female Cardinal leaves in disgust at 11.05 a.m.  There is still no food at this deck-side restaurant.

The Chipping Sparrow is back at 11.13 a.m.  Hungry birds have sent him to find out what is happening.  Where is she?

At 1.37 p.m. Big Bird has arrived.  "Sorry about the late start little dudes.  I had to go to the store to get more birdseed."  

And all's well in bird world, for now.

Have a great day everyone, and thanks for stopping by.

BIRDIE HUMOR

I came across these photos again recently, old but fun ones and they always make me smile.  Hopefully even if you have seen these before, they will still give you a smile.  

HOPE, GRACE AND CHARITY TEACH A YOUNG SQUIRREL AN IMPORTANT LESSON

This is from my archives but fits in with the season. I have a friend who enjoys reading my whimsical posts to her children. This is for her and for others who might want to do the same.

Life had confused this little squirrel.  He was trying to take more than he could carry away from his neighbors, and laughed as he hopped along the branch.  His intent was to add to the already large stockpile of acorns he had in his nest, already overflowing. He thought himself very clever, but there were those who were watching. 

 

No one taught him when he was a young squirrel, that it was important to treat every living thing with kindness, that it was wrong to just take. He would reap his own benefits and riches in his heart if he shared with those less fortunate and just as importantly, to never take advantage of them or mock them for being different. No one ever told him that even the poorest little squirrel could share what he had, even if it was one tiny acorn, and that kindness would not be his weakness, it would be his strength. 

Three doves called Hope, Grace and Charity had been the ones watching. They stopped him and taught him how to do the right thing. For once in his life he listened. They did not wag their wings at him, or sharply peck at his fluffy tail, no one nipped at his heels in anger. The difference between right and wrong was being taught gently. They told him that the world can seem a scary place and yes, life at times seemed out of balance. Perhaps when he had his own baby squirrels, he could teach them the lessons he had learned today. It all starts in the very young they told him, love had to be sown instead of fear and hate. At this very precious time of the year, Peace to you dear little squirrel said Hope, Grace and Charity.  Peace and Love to everyone and.... 

Life's lessons in the backyard.

Thank you for stopping by.

VANITY, VANITY, THY NAME IS DUCK!

A little humor while I am putting my Green Spring Gardens post together.

SQUIRREL CHATTER

Good morning!  I hope you all had a great weekend.  I got my laptop back yesterday so I have been playing on it today.  I hope this brings a smile.

THERE'S TRICKERY AFOOT!

SQUIRREL CHATTER

SO, THERE WERE THESE THREE DOGS....

Charlie and Fred discussed politics, world events and beer for the next three hours.   Eventually their wives called and each asked, "Where are you and whatcha doin'?  Dinner's ready and it's on the table getting cold!"   The writing was on the wall.  It was time to go home.