Close ups

Hello friends!

This weekend was the first one without rain.

I was outside for quite a bit.

Being outside you get to see lots around you

that you normally don't see.

The Crows, Grackles and Blackbirds 

greeted the morning with great fanfare.

The piping calls of the Woodpecker
had me looking up as well.
It was a Redheaded one that flew near me.

While the Mourning Doves

echoed their sentiment.

A Bald Eagle flew his domain back and forth

above me. What an awesome sight that was,

as we normally do not see these majestic birds

this time of the year. 

We know there are 7 pairs that live here 

all year long, but in the Summer months,

they usually stick to the islands where the 

ducks hang out.

Entertaining me 

were the black and gray squirrels. 

They would grab the maple seeds

[helicopters as we call them]

hold them in their hands and break them open

with their teeth to eat the seed.

Then I was spooked by a squirrel 

who joined me on the porch.

Not sure who was more scared...me or the squirrel.

He/ she was trying to get more helicopters.

He scurried to our pear tree where

the wrens were not too happy with the presence either.

Each morning the freighters would blow

their horn 5 times warning

 the fisherman in the river to

"GET OUT OF THE WAY"

Then I noticed two planes who crossed paths

directly above me at different altitudes.

Those who visited the birdbath were the Bluejays,

Robins, House Wrens, Sparrows and Cardinals.

A  Yellow Goldfinch paid a visit as well.

The Bumblebees and Hummers took turns

eating the nectar from the Honeysuckle vine.

Then the Northern Flicker landed in our yard.

Once he saw me, he flew away showing off

his white butt as he left.

The bunnies continue to feed off the clover
that appeared in our grass.
We even have a baby one this year.

The Ribbon Snake gave me a fright as
I went out back to start the grill for our dinner.
They only get 3 ft and are non poisonous.
They keep the mice in check.

Towards the evening 

the Dragonflies made an appearance. 

Then the the Heron flew by heading back

 towards the water for his evening feeding.

The Tree frog and Leopard Frog sang together. 

The Crickets began their evening song...

and the mosquitoes chased us back inside

after dinner each night.

Hope you can take the time to get outside.
One never knows what is right out there
under your nose and up in the sky.

Close Up Blessings To All!
Janice