Making up for lost time.

I've been an updating fool! Before I headed out this morning, I took a quick look in the yard... the squirrels were a dead give-away that something was out there, sure enough:


(my neighbors STILL have apples on their tree!)


Fun with cropping. :)


I returned home & thought I'd refill for the Cardinals, because the sparrows are hoggy-doggies. Again, as yesterday, I was quickly joined by a few Goldfinches & the pair of Chickadees... they are too cute. They didn't seem to mind me being out there with them at all:

















I have no idea what that orange glow is in 2 pics below, must be a reflection of some sort.






Then, the hawk flew by overhead & the nearby doves (about 10-12 of them) & the squirrels high-tailed it outta there. It caused a commotion, but was so neat to see it racing through the sky. It didn't appear to plan on landing in the yard, had some serious momentum going. It was also cute to hear the Chickadee's call out to one another, one had flown to the neighbor's bush & the other went to the branch above me. The one in the neighbor's bush kept calling out for the other one, and wouldn't stop until it heard a response. aww. They stayed, as did one little hungry & brave Goldfinch:

Chickadee's & Co.

I should really be studying, I only have a week left until my much needed break, but I can't seem to keep my face out of the window. This morning I decided to move the birdbath back to its summer spot. I have a heater in it, but it doesn't seem to be keeping up with the cold. Last night I saw about 5 mourning doves sitting on it, but the water was frozen. The cord reaches, so I moved it back... I think they have a better view of what's going on as well. While out there refilling water & food, I was quickly joined by a handful of Goldfinches, who were watching me & having a snack. Then 2 Chickadee's came in to the yard. I just wanted to share the neat pic (well I think it is) that I snapped off.


I snapped right as it was heading back up to the tree branch (looks like it took a sunflower seed with him), do you see the other one towards the back of the feeder? I just thought it was neat to see the wings & tail spread. They took turns eating and hopping around.







These guys were MIA most of the summer, great to see them back.

I absolutely adore my male Downy





Wow, today was a good day. I bunkered in began to get down to business & took a break & lookie who I saw on the lines at the further end of my neighbor's house:




I cropped this one (hope it looks alright):

First Snow

Last night's first snow brought everyone out today. I had 3 Blue Jays in the yard, a few Goldfinches, & I saw a Downy & a Sparrow fight over the suet feeder. Today would have been a good day just to stare out the window, but I had to head to class late in the afternoon.

I returned home about an hour & a half later & was just about to let the dog out when I noticed a huge Cooper's Hawk standing on the ground, looked like she had something. I did the dash for the camera, but didn't get any shots, returned to the window in just enough time to see her fly off with something in her clutches. I think it was a sparrow. Not that I don't like the Sparrow's, but I am always worried that it'll be my Downy or a Cardinal. It always stings a bit when the hawk's are successful regardless of what it gets, I know... circle of life, but still. At the same time, the hawks and Kestrels are gorgeous, & I feel amazed when I get to see one in the yard.

Anywho, here are a few pics from today:


The cute little Junco. First time I've seen them since last winter.



The Downy & the Sparrow right before they started going at it. It wasn't a full on brawl, but they were fluttering & pecking at each other.




The 3 Blue Jays. I remember when they only passed through the yard, now they are regular visitors.