A Little Break

I took a little break this morning to go out for a while. Not too much was happening but it was probably a little late by the time I got out.  Lots of hummingbirds all guarding their patch of Jewelweed.










Late this afternoon I heard the dog standing at the door barking like a mad dog.  I had the front door open because she likes to stand and look out.  Curious as to what she was so upset about I walked to look out.









Seven deer walking in the front yard.  Four does, two little ones and a buck.  I eased the door open trying to get a couple of shots.  The buck stomped and snorted at me and the does scattered.

Slow Birding

So far the beginning of fall migration has been very lack-luster.  I hope things will pick up a bit before the end of September.  Renovations are moving along slowly but I am beginning to see some progress.  I am packing up stuff to move out of the rooms where the floors will be sanded.

My photo "Exotica" took 3rd place in the J.C. Raulston Arboretum photo contest.  My first time entering there so I am pretty happy.  You never know what the judges like so you can only try your best and what you are happy with.

With the cool front that moved through last night, I figured the birds might really be out this morning.  I was a bit later than I wanted to be getting out but the wind had picked up so I think the birds were hiding.  The little hummingbirds were out though guarding their little patch of Jewelweed and on constant guard against invaders to their patch.

Eastern Wood Peewee

Work continues on renovations in the house.  I have decided to have my hardwood floors refinished versus putting down new carpet.  I know there are pros and cons but like the look and think with a pet, it will be much easier to keep clean.  I am going for the craftsman style look so this should fit the decor versus carpet.

Most of the day a Wood Peewee has been hanging around the back deck.  I love to hear their little call.  During periods of taking a break, I would watch it for a bit an no doubt it has caught many an insect today.  Go flycatcher!

Blue Grosbeaks

A nice treat this morning to have a  Blue Grosbeak couple stay close by for an extended period.  Birding activity was very good this morning.  Definitely beginning to see more things coming in on their way south.

Pine Warbler

With a case of painters neck setting in, I took a break to get a bite to eat just in time to see a Pine Warbler arriving at the bird bath.  I have noticed over the last couple of weeks they are becoming more vocal and now hunting lower in the trees.










The warbler was at first timid just easing in at the edge of the water.  By the time it left it was oblivious to the other birds that had arrived waiting their turn.

Bathing Beauty

A long time since the last post but I have been very busy doing some long overdue renovations in the house.  The weather has been pretty much yucky heat and humidity wise so it has been a good time for some indoor projects.  I tried to go out for a bit this morning but it was not long before a light drizzle and thunder and lightning began.  Time to head inside.







There were a lot of birds out when I first arrived, a male Summer Tanager, a pair of Great Crested Flycatchers, a female Rose-breasted Grosbeak and several more birds were all devouring some really tiny acorns on a tree.  They are not like regular acorns and the birds love them.

There seems to be a bit of energy among the animals today.  The deer were out early roaming.  They destroyed my neighbors grape vine late yesterday afternoon.  When I arrived home from the park this morning, the raccoon was coming home late and just climbing the tree where it calls home.

Lots of birds at the feeders and in the dogwoods.  A female Summer Tanager comes daily to flit around in the bird batch.  She really seems to enjoy it.