I took all these photos off the internet. The woodpeckers and grosbeak I see in my yard. The Kingfisher eats fish, so lives near ponds or marshes.
There was a pond in the backyard of my childhood home. A pair of Kingfishers made a nest in a nearby tree every year. Now I go to the Rachel Carson Wildlife Sanctuary in Maine in order to see them.
The Rose-breasted Grosbeaks come this far north every May… have their babies and raise them… then leave for warmer climes in August. They are one of the brightest birds to visit my feeders.
The Pileated woodpecker can be found only in wooded areas. Since I live in the woods, I'm lucky to see them in my yard. They are the largest North American woodpecker… 2 ft. wingspan. They are a spectacular site.
The Red-bellied woodpecker is a daily visitor to my bird feeders all year long. I LOVE woodpeckers.
Renee, beautiful birds. Serendipitously, we saw a woodpecker in our front yard tree this morning. He was not as colorful as the two you posted. We had a woodpecker in ARK that looked just like your first picture. We had an upstairs bedroom that looked out on a big beautiful tree. We loved mornings sitting in bed watching all the wildlife just outside our window.
My friend brought Fiddler to the Vet. She is a neutered male not a female. No wonder she never had kitties. Also her leg was a bite wound that was infected, not a break. That was lucky.
Thought I posted it but it wasn't on the last post. My neighbor, who was feeding Fiddler texted me that her leg was broken. It was just dangling. I'm glad it wasn't
Renee, Thank you so much for look at some wildlife. I love birds. So colorful and they make lovely music. I love the quote in "To Kill a Mockingbird" but cannot for the life of me remember it. Maybe Chloe will remember it.
Carol… glad to read that Fiddler is being well cared for.
Jan… is this the quote you want?
Remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.” That was the only time I ever heard Atticus say it was a sin to do something, and I asked Miss Maudie about it. “Your father’s right,” she said. “Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy . . . but sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.”
Love the pictures and the quote, Renee. The birds couldn't be more beautiful and the quote says so much. It's always simple things said in simple ways that mean the most.
Thanks for bringing so much color into the holiday.
It's better that his leg is not broken. He is being harassed by this black tom cat. I was wondering why that cat always picked on just Fiddler. It was because he is also a Tom.
Went to the movie to see Philomens. It's good and probably won't come to my hometown. tW wants to see it and she said it wasn't coming there. I see more movies when I'm with sis. She loves movies but hates TV
Philomena is playing in a nearby theatre… I wanna go see it.
We got a good foot of snow… the light and fluffy kind. I just cleaned off my bird feeders and refilled them. The birdies eat like they're starving in this type of weather.
Don't like to hear about animals that are hurt...& you already know my thoughts on letting cats roam outside, nothing good comes of it...but hope that Fiddler recovers...
Snowstorm is gone, it was only in the teens yesterday, very unpleasant...several inches of snow, that wound up with a 1/2 crust of ice overnight since it rained on top it...
the sun is just trying to come out, should be about 40, but the warm up will be short lived...driveway was plowed, streets too, so passable, not that I intend to drive anywhere today...
Renee, that light fluffy snow was yesterday, but the top froze, so all the birdseed today is just sliding on top of it...I went through a ton of birdseed this weekend will need to get more this week...usually I go 2 weeks with 3- 20# bags of peanuts, small chunk seeds, dried fruit mix, 2 - 20# mix of sunflower & tiny seeds & 1 -25# bag of black oil sunflower seeds...
Coreen, I feel same way about cats roaming outside since I read about how they kill birds. I think the laws that apply to stray dogs should apply to stray cats for the above reason.
Coreen, sorry about the ice topping off the snow. That does cause problems. Stay warm.
My DIL went home yesterday afternoon. She is doing well but will need PT for several weeks. Her neurosurgeon told them that this tumor can grow back. We are keeping their dog, probably until we leave on 12/26. Their bedroom is upstairs, a problem for them. They are planning to sell their house and get a single story house.
Around here other than homes built in the 1950s, early 60s, it is virtually impossible to find a new ranch style house... builders generally build 2-story homes...that has been the demand in recent years...not sure that the aging baby boomer generation will change this attitude, but I do know that for those people looking for a ranch style home, here it is very difficult...if you find one, it is in an older less desirable neighborhood, needs major updating to accommodate what most people now find desirable & therefore needs a major financial investment...
Stairs aren't comparable with old age. Sis has some scary stairs here. I insist on sleeping on the couch downstairs so I don't fall down those stairs. I'm afraid I'll walk in my sleep and tumbledown them. Now stairs o phonic.
We're on our way to 75 here by the end of the week, Carol. The nights are still cold, but the sun is shining and the temperature is looking up. I miss sharing the same weather with you, and am hoping it will be at least slightly warm and sunny for your homecoming.
Meanwhile, I hope you're having a blast and that you and sis have a wonderful Christmas. Are you coming home for the New Year or after? Regardless, enjoy!
The 50s are fine, even with me, Jan, if the sun is shining. That's the nice thing about Albuquerque, there's a lot of sunshine (if I'm not mistaken). Nothing much better than solar heat when the temperature is low.
Where are you and John going on the 26th (if you don't mind me asking)? I've been thinking you may about ready for one of your trips to the Hot Springs.
Yes Chloe, I have heard there is sun 365 days a year but that has not been true for some of the last days in Dec. Even when it is 50 and the sun is shining, it is warm out. This is a great place for solar panels.
I think after the holidays we might go to Ojo Caliente. It is not that far - about 100 miles from us. They have some hot springs there. It is between Santa Fe and Taos.
I could use a hot spring right now. I have a chill. It's not that cold so I skipped putting on my lonjohn top. Now I'm cold. I did feel better after looking at your temp Coreen.
It was warm and sunny today. We went for a ride and a walk to soak up some sun.
Yes, Carol, it has been unpleasantly cold, winter has arrived too early(& it isn't officially winter yet)...and here we go it's snowing again this morning...third storm in a week, expect another 3-5" on top of the snow already on the ground(well what is on the ground has an ice crust, birdseed slides across, but so far all the critters are managing, even the turkeys claws haven't scratched through the ice covered snow...it hasn't been above 30, so not much melting...but yesterday the sun was out, so finished Christmas shopping(but I don't have that much to do)...the mall was not really busy, so we managed to accomplish what needed to be done(it helps that one of my friends goes with me & he carries most of the packages/bags so that makes it so much easier, he has lots of patience)...
they are still saying that by the weekend it may be getting to 50...but we will need more than a day to get rid of some of this snow...
Renee, I know, you like it...BUT did I mention I really don't like snow!!!
As for Christmas, true the rush & hustle to get everything together does lead to a feeling of can't wait til its over, but all in all, Christmas is a nice time of the year...
I used to want this season to be over too. But Rick and I finally had enough of trying to please family demands and spoke up. Now we are much more relaxed.
Coreen… I know, you don't like it… BUT did I mention that I really like snow!!! :)
Do you have a snow blower Renee? My BIL even carries my purse when we went shopping. I didn't think that was necessary but the day we went when he wasn't with us I missed his carrying my purse. It heavy.
My 2 years living in Montana gave me enough snow to last a lifetime.
Went for a mile walk this morning. I had gotten out of the habit of walking in the morning after my bout with right knee pain. I am going to try and keep it up. I was very faithful before that of walking 2 miles every morning. I will try and do another mile this afternoon after work. I now have pain in both knees when I do stairs. I have found that whether I walk or don't walk during the day does not affect the level of discomfort I have at night, so might as well walk.
Correen, I feel for you with all that snow, especially since you don't like it. After you retire have you thought about moving to a climate with little or no snow?
When John retired from his last church, I talked him into moving here. I gave it a lot of thought before I approached the idea to him. After living here several years in early 1980's and then coming back to visit sons, I realized that this was the ideal climate for me. I like a variety in seasons but dislike extremes of temperature. I also disliked the ice storms in OK and AR. Of course having family here was the biggest draw.
Yes Jan, I am fortunate, I still have friends I have known since I was in high school...
As for moving from CT...while I do not like snow & I resent the amount of taxes we have to pay, CT is home, it has season changes which I enjoy (snow excluded)& while close to NYC (it is far enough away to not be as hectic, but just an 1-1/2 hour drive, even with traffic if one wants to go there)...CT like the rest of the tri-state area(NY, NJ, CT) has much to offer...I do not anticipate moving from here...
I have spent a lot of time in Florida over the years (east coast, not the west coast, most people from the tri-states have--Florida is like the tri-states South) & know that I would not live in a southern climate...
As for the rest of the country, while I respect the culture & differences, all of which make this country the best, at heart I am an 'east coast girl'!...
Carol… no, we don't have a snowblower. We have a 300 ft. driveway… and when we decided to build our house that far back, we knew we would need to get it plowed as long as we chose to live here. We do have a large snow scoop… which Rick uses to to clean up around the bird feeders and to the shed in the backyard… and of course around our doors.
At heart… I'm east coast girl too… and a northern babe.
Coreen, I am not surprised that you would not want to move. You have a beautiful home and surrounding area. In all the pictures you have posted, it comes through that you enjoy all the area/region has to offer.
I would like a little more humidity and rain but that would mean more insects and bugs. I have adapted to the dry climate.
Carol, It was 77 here today and is going to be that temperature through Saturday. But on Saturday it shows rain, thunderstorms and wind. Doesn't mention tornadoes, yet at least.
In the 20 years we've live on this property we've had a few rough storms, but never seen a tornado come through here (knock on wood!), and we're 'not' in tornado alley. But there have been several too close for comfort, about 4 miles away. So I'm sure it's possible, weather being as unpredictable as it is.
How are things going for you now? Are you gettin' into the west coast groove yet?
Would still like to hear what you're doing, hear a little bit more about life in that area. It's always so interesting to hear how things are in different areas.
Speaking of grooves, I'm kinda getting entrenched in the whole Christmas thing, having a four year old around. There's a party at her school tomorrow, and we've been busily preparing, trying to contribute our share of the work and goods.
Carol, if you have the time, let us know what you are doing up there.
The weather has been lovely here in the southwest the last few days. Warm sunny days. I have all my shopping done. Now to sit back and enjoy the season.
I went to the bank this morning to get a new credit card. I made a purchase at Target a week ago and used my debit card. My old one was expiring this month anyway. WTF - I rarely shop at Target.
Chloe. It sowed our area with a Toronto 5 on the weather channel. That's 50 percent chance of a tornado. I've had two tornadoes hit my yard over the years. One last year hit the house and camp remember?
It's almost the first day of winter & it is just shy of 50 with a fading sun...if there wasn't still a coating of ice crusted snow (about 2" on the ground) it would really feel like early April..
unfortunately, the roads have lots of sand on them, so my car is a filthy brown, parking lots are wet, sandy, dirty carrying it on your shoes into your cars, your house, everywhere (some of the less than pleasant results of snow that doesn't melt right away)still hoping that the snow cover melts away completely this weekend...
1: Red-Bellied Woodpecker
2: Pileated Woodpecker
3: Belted Kingfisher
4: Rose-Breasted Grosbeak
60 comments:
I took all these photos off the internet. The woodpeckers and grosbeak I see in my yard. The Kingfisher eats fish, so lives near ponds or marshes.
There was a pond in the backyard of my childhood home. A pair of Kingfishers made a nest in a nearby tree every year. Now I go to the Rachel Carson Wildlife Sanctuary in Maine in order to see them.
The Rose-breasted Grosbeaks come this far north every May… have their babies and raise them… then leave for warmer climes in August. They are one of the brightest birds to visit my feeders.
The Pileated woodpecker can be found only in wooded areas. Since I live in the woods, I'm lucky to see them in my yard. They are the largest North American woodpecker… 2 ft. wingspan. They are a spectacular site.
The Red-bellied woodpecker is a daily visitor to my bird feeders all year long. I LOVE woodpeckers.
Renee, beautiful birds. Serendipitously, we saw a woodpecker in our front yard tree this morning. He was not as colorful as the two you posted. We had a woodpecker in ARK that looked just like your first picture. We had an upstairs bedroom that looked out on a big beautiful tree. We loved mornings sitting in bed watching all the wildlife just outside our window.
My friend brought Fiddler to the Vet. She is a neutered male not a female. No wonder she never had kitties. Also her leg was a bite wound that was infected, not a break. That was lucky.
Nice post Renee. Love those peckers.
Thought I posted it but it wasn't on the last post. My neighbor, who was feeding Fiddler texted me that her leg was broken. It was just dangling. I'm glad it wasn't
Renee, Thank you so much for look at some wildlife. I love birds. So colorful and they make lovely music. I love the quote in "To Kill a Mockingbird" but cannot for the life of me remember it. Maybe Chloe will remember it.
Carol… glad to read that Fiddler is being well cared for.
Jan… is this the quote you want?
Remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.” That was the only time I ever heard Atticus say it was a sin to do something, and I asked Miss Maudie about it.
“Your father’s right,” she said. “Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy . . . but sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.”
Love the pictures and the quote, Renee. The birds couldn't be more beautiful and the quote says so much. It's always simple things said in simple ways that mean the most.
Thanks for bringing so much color into the holiday.
Carol, Are you saying Fiddler is OK?
It's better that his leg is not broken. He is being harassed by this black tom cat. I was wondering why that cat always picked on just Fiddler. It was because he is also a Tom.
Renee, thanks. That is the quote I was thinking of.
Hope Fiddler recovers.
Went to the movie to see Philomens. It's good and probably won't come to my hometown. tW wants to see it and she said it wasn't coming there. I see more movies when I'm with sis. She loves movies but hates TV
Cats are pretty tough.
Cats are awesome! And dogs are pretty cool too.
Philomena is playing in a nearby theatre… I wanna go see it.
We got a good foot of snow… the light and fluffy kind. I just cleaned off my bird feeders and refilled them. The birdies eat like they're starving in this type of weather.
Don't like to hear about animals that are hurt...& you already know my thoughts on letting cats roam outside, nothing good comes of it...but hope that Fiddler recovers...
Snowstorm is gone, it was only in the teens yesterday, very unpleasant...several inches of snow, that wound up with a 1/2 crust of ice overnight since it rained on top it...
the sun is just trying to come out, should be about 40, but the warm up will be short lived...driveway was plowed, streets too, so passable, not that I intend to drive anywhere today...
Renee, that light fluffy snow was yesterday, but the top froze, so all the birdseed today is just sliding on top of it...I went through a ton of birdseed this weekend will need to get
more this week...usually I go 2 weeks with 3- 20# bags of peanuts, small chunk seeds, dried fruit mix, 2 - 20# mix of sunflower & tiny seeds & 1 -25# bag of black oil sunflower seeds...
Coreen, I feel same way about cats roaming outside since I read about how they kill birds. I think the laws that apply to stray dogs should apply to stray cats for the above reason.
Coreen, sorry about the ice topping off the snow. That does cause problems. Stay warm.
My DIL went home yesterday afternoon. She is doing well but will need PT for several weeks. Her neurosurgeon told them that this tumor can grow back. We are keeping their dog, probably until we leave on 12/26. Their bedroom is upstairs, a problem for them. They are planning to sell their house and get a single story house.
About cats outside, my concern is for my cats...there are predators that would hurt them...whether 4-legged or 2...
Around here other than homes built in the 1950s, early 60s, it is virtually impossible to find a new ranch style house... builders generally build 2-story homes...that has been the demand in recent years...not sure that the aging baby boomer generation will change this attitude, but I do know that for those people looking for a ranch style home, here it is very difficult...if you find one, it is in an older less desirable neighborhood, needs major updating to accommodate what most people now find desirable & therefore needs a major financial investment...
Stairs aren't comparable with old age. Sis has some scary stairs here. I insist on sleeping on the couch downstairs so I don't fall down those stairs. I'm afraid I'll walk in my sleep and tumbledown them. Now stairs o phonic.
We're on our way to 75 here by the end of the week, Carol. The nights are still cold, but the sun is shining and the temperature is looking up. I miss sharing the same weather with you, and am hoping it will be at least slightly warm and sunny for your homecoming.
Meanwhile, I hope you're having a blast and that you and sis have a wonderful Christmas. Are you coming home for the New Year or after? Regardless, enjoy!
Hope EVERYONE is ready for and enjoying the holidays (me... I'm always glad when they're over, but still, it has it's plus-es... overeating is one!).
HAPPY HOLIDAYS to all!
... let the countdown to '14 begin.
Chloe, I am with you - always glad when its over. I like that song "wake me when its over" that would be my theme song for these holidays.
Our temps are slowly going up. We are heading for mid 50's which is great for me.
The 50s are fine, even with me, Jan, if the sun is shining. That's the nice thing about Albuquerque, there's a lot of sunshine (if I'm not mistaken). Nothing much better than solar heat when the temperature is low.
Where are you and John going on the 26th (if you don't mind me asking)? I've been thinking you may about ready for one of your trips to the Hot Springs.
Yes Chloe, I have heard there is sun 365 days a year but that has not been true for some of the last days in Dec. Even when it is 50 and the sun is shining, it is warm out. This is a great place for solar panels.
We are going to Wylie TX for one night and then on to AR. My sis is now in Wylie and we have multiple family members in AR.
I think after the holidays we might go to Ojo Caliente. It is not that far - about 100 miles from us. They have some hot springs there. It is between Santa Fe and Taos.
Sounds wonderful, Jan.
I could use a hot spring right now. I have a chill. It's not that cold so I skipped putting on my lonjohn top. Now I'm cold. I did feel better after looking at your temp Coreen.
It was warm and sunny today. We went for a ride and a walk to soak up some sun.
Winter is not good sight seeing time here.
Yes, Carol, it has been unpleasantly cold, winter has arrived too early(& it isn't officially winter yet)...and here we go it's snowing again this morning...third storm in a week, expect another 3-5" on top of the snow already on the ground(well what is on the ground has an ice crust, birdseed slides across, but so far all the critters are managing, even the turkeys claws haven't scratched through the ice covered snow...it hasn't been above 30, so not much melting...but yesterday the sun was out, so finished Christmas shopping(but I don't have that much to do)...the mall was not really busy, so we managed to accomplish what needed to be done(it helps that one of my friends goes with me & he carries most of the packages/bags so that makes it so much easier, he has lots of patience)...
they are still saying that by the weekend it may be getting to 50...but we will need more than a day to get rid of some of this snow...
Renee, I know, you like it...BUT did I mention I really don't like snow!!!
As for Christmas, true the rush & hustle to get everything together does lead to a feeling of can't wait til its over, but all in all, Christmas is a nice time of the year...
Another 6-7 inches of snow this afternoon… YES!
I used to want this season to be over too. But Rick and I finally had enough of trying to please family demands and spoke up. Now we are much more relaxed.
Coreen… I know, you don't like it… BUT did I mention that I really like snow!!! :)
Do you have a snow blower Renee? My BIL even carries my purse when we went shopping. I didn't think that was necessary but the day we went when he wasn't with us I missed his carrying my purse. It heavy.
My 2 years living in Montana gave me enough snow to last a lifetime.
Went for a mile walk this morning. I had gotten out of the habit of walking in the morning after my bout with right knee pain. I am going to try and keep it up. I was very faithful before that of walking 2 miles every morning. I will try and do another mile this afternoon after work. I now have pain in both knees when I do stairs. I have found that whether I walk or don't walk during the day does not affect the level of discomfort I have at night, so might as well walk.
Correen, I feel for you with all that snow, especially since you don't like it. After you retire have you thought about moving to a climate with little or no snow?
Coreen, sorry about mispelling your name in former comment. Did not notice until posted.
You are so fortunate to have a friend who will go shopping with you and carry your bags.
When John retired from his last church, I talked him into moving here. I gave it a lot of thought before I approached the idea to him. After living here several years in early 1980's and then coming back to visit sons, I realized that this was the ideal climate for me. I like a variety in seasons but dislike extremes of temperature. I also disliked the ice storms in OK and AR. Of course having family here was the biggest draw.
Yes Jan, I am fortunate, I still have friends I have known since I was in high school...
As for moving from CT...while I do not like snow & I resent the amount of taxes we have to pay, CT is home, it has season changes which I enjoy (snow excluded)& while close to NYC (it is far enough away to not be as hectic, but just an 1-1/2 hour drive, even with traffic if one wants to go there)...CT like the rest of the tri-state area(NY, NJ, CT) has much to offer...I do not anticipate moving from here...
I have spent a lot of time in Florida over the years (east coast, not the west coast, most people from the tri-states
have--Florida is like the tri-states South) & know that I would not live in a southern climate...
As for the rest of the country, while I respect the culture & differences, all of which make this country the best, at heart I am an 'east coast girl'!...
Carol… no, we don't have a snowblower. We have a 300 ft. driveway… and when we decided to build our house that far back, we knew we would need to get it plowed as long as we chose to live here. We do have a large snow scoop… which Rick uses to to clean up around the bird feeders and to the shed in the backyard… and of course around our doors.
At heart… I'm east coast girl too… and a northern babe.
Coreen, I am not surprised that you would not want to move. You have a beautiful home and surrounding area. In all the pictures you have posted, it comes through that you enjoy all the area/region has to offer.
I would like a little more humidity and rain but that would mean more insects and bugs. I have adapted to the dry climate.
So true, Jan. It's always about trade-offs and we do all adapt to our chosen environment.
Threat of snow here today. Threat of tornadoes at home Saturday. Hope neither come about.
I think that threat of tornadoes Saturday also includes your area Chloe.
Carol, It was 77 here today and is going to be that temperature through Saturday. But on Saturday it shows rain, thunderstorms and wind. Doesn't mention tornadoes, yet at least.
In the 20 years we've live on this property we've had a few rough storms, but never seen a tornado come through here (knock on wood!), and we're 'not' in tornado alley. But there have been several too close for comfort, about 4 miles away. So I'm sure it's possible, weather being as unpredictable as it is.
How are things going for you now? Are you gettin' into the west coast groove yet?
Would still like to hear what you're doing, hear a little bit more about life in that area. It's always so interesting to hear how things are in different areas.
Speaking of grooves, I'm kinda getting entrenched in the whole Christmas thing, having a four year old around. There's a party at her school tomorrow, and we've been busily preparing, trying to contribute our share of the work and goods.
Hope everyone is doing well, and getting through the holiday chaos as smoothly as possible.
Again, Happy Holidays all!
Renee,
I am enjoying the pictures of the beautiful birds.
Carol, if you have the time, let us know what you are doing up there.
The weather has been lovely here in the southwest the last few days. Warm sunny days. I have all my shopping done. Now to sit back and enjoy the season.
I went to the bank this morning to get a new credit card. I made a purchase at Target a week ago and used my debit card. My old one was expiring this month anyway. WTF - I rarely shop at Target.
It snowed last night but I can't see it yet. Too dark.
Jan… me too! I really love those birds.
Chloe… glad to hear you aren't in tornado alley. I bet Emma is is fun at her age… anxiously waiting for Santa Claus. Enjoy her.
Carol… a little snow never hurt anyone. Just go with the flow… you'll be ok.
Chloe. It sowed our area with a Toronto 5 on the weather channel. That's 50 percent chance of a tornado. I've had two tornadoes hit my yard over the years. One last year hit the house and camp remember?
Thru just raised the Toronto to 6.
It's the Tor-Con scale. Hope the prediction is wrong.
chloe
http://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/severe-storms-saturday-texas-to-tenn/21119943
Check this link
It's almost the first day of winter & it is just shy of 50 with a fading sun...if there wasn't still a coating of ice crusted snow (about 2" on the ground) it would really feel like early April..
unfortunately, the roads have lots of sand on them, so my car is a filthy brown, parking lots are wet, sandy, dirty carrying it on your shoes into your cars, your house, everywhere (some of the less than pleasant results of snow that doesn't melt right away)still hoping that the snow cover melts away completely this weekend...
Coreen, Hope your days get sunnier.
... to be continued
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