Return of Bird Friends

We were pleased to see the Lark Sparrow this week. It has been several months since our last sighting of this adorable little bird. His beautiful markings on his face are easily identified. He is a resident in East Texas. He was sitting on a barb-wire fence. We usually see him on the ground or moving through the grass.
As I was sitting on the back porch this evening, high in the sweet gum tree, sat two birds. I was trying to identify when the yellow rump flashed . Wow! I believe this is early to have the cuties in the yard. They love the Wax Myrtle berries in the winter. We have many of these bushes or did until this drought killed some of them. My heart welcomed them back and I look forward to sharing the cold mornings with them. Their sounds can be heard and they are seen regularly bathing and drinking at the water drips all winter. I have been watching for the White-throated and White-crowned sparrows to arrive for the winter. I also look forward to the Lincoln Sparrow and the Orange-crowned Warbler. Winter is my favorite time in Texas.

Brown Thrashers

This week has been fun watching the Brown Thrashers in the yard.In past years we have had one or two of these birds visiting and turning up leaves in the yard. This year we have many in the front yard as well as the back yard. We have counted as many as six in the front yard under our oak trees. You can see in one picture they are finding worms of some sort to eat.They are seen at the bird baths on a regular basis. We have enjoyed their visibility . Each day is a surprise in the world of birds!

Beautiful Bird Day!

Our birds in the yard are spending much time at the bird baths. The Gray Catbird,Summer Tanagers,Brown Thrashers,Baltimore Orioles,Ruby-Throat Hummingbirds as well as the other yard residents are hot and looking for a fresh drink and cool bath.All of the birds love the water drips on the baths. The Baltimore Orioles have decided to drink from the Hummingbird feeders as well as fight over the oranges. It is funny to watch an Oriole hop on the nectar feeder and look around before they start to drink. Today was the first day I actually witnessed male and female Hummingbirds setting side by side drinking together. I made a mental note to remember this scene. I found myself feeling pure pleasure watching and photographing the beauty and antics of the birds today. I love days when there is so much bird activity to enjoy. I pray your day was as blessed as mine!

Fall Migration In My Yard

I have enjoyed the last couple of weeks in my backyard. Our winter birds are starting to arrive and some birds are just stopping by for a few days to drink,rest and then move to their winter home. The Baltimore Orioles are always a favorite visitor spring and fall. The females always stay a few days longer than the males. They have been stopping here for several years. The hummingbirds are also a delight. We in Texas are so ready for fall and our winter. We pray for rain for our plants streams and trees. The Blue- gray Gnat catcher is such an amazing little guy. He is always moving and catching his bugs. We love watching him go tree to tree. It is difficult to catch him in the camera lens. I have seen a couple sparrows which are not here in summer. I have not photographed them as of today. The Mockingbirds and Northern Cardinals are trying to hold on to their "authority" in the yard. They along with the Blue Jays are dominate as they patrol the area. They will quickly run another bird from the water bath. The Woodpeckers are not intimidated and the hummingbirds could care less what everyone else is doing. All and all everyone gets what they require, food shelter and water. What joy to watch!

More Mergansers

Common Merganser

The Mergansers were seen as we were leaving the island this morning. Jim spotted them on Lake Ontario. We pulled off the road and began taking photos. This was a new bird for us. We enjoyed the blessing as we do each day of our travels. These ducks were not concerned at all that we were watching them. New wildlife is always out there waiting for you to notice!

Blessings of the Day!

This amazing week on Lake Ontario has filled our eyes with many beautiful birds. We have enjoyed the antics of American Goldfinches guarding their thistle territory. Yellow Warblers dive across our path and over our heads. An elegant Bald Eagle is perched high, hunting over the lake. We have seen Baltimore and Orchard Orioles, Lincoln Sparrows,
Song Sparrows,American Robin,Belted Kingfisher,Canadian Geese,Solitary Sandpiper,Barn Swallows by the hundreds and of course our Eastern Kingbirds. I can't imagine it getting any better than this!