Morning Watch

It's first light, and Barley takes his job as garden watchdog pretty seriously.

After all, who knows when a marauding rabbit might want some breakfast?
Not that Barley would hurt a fly, but the rabbits don't know that.

Meanwhile, there are plenty of things to engage a watchdog's attention.

In the old dogwood tree across the yard...

...a Carolina Chickadee has made a home, 

and makes frequent trips in and out to feed the little ones.

After a quick bath...

...and a flip of the tail, she's back to work.

The much maligned Brown-headed Cowbird bathes next,

then shakes and sends out a shower of droplets.

Despite his bad reputation, he considers himself quite handsome.

None of them seem to be too troubled by Barley.

Maybe next time we'll get a Rottweiler...





Linking with Wild Bird Wednesday

Sweet Music

An unfamiliar melody high in the trees caught my attention last week. I heard the sweet lilting music a few times before I could connect it with the singer, the Rose-breasted Grosbeak. These striking birds are only occasional visitors here, passing through in the spring, and now at least one pair is frequenting the oak trees, eating the tassels. They are quite welcome to them. They also make themselves at home at our birdbath and feeders.

The male wears his heart on his throat. When he sings, he barely opens his beak, but the throat patch moves like a fluttering heartbeat.

It's been five years since we've heard one of the Baltimore Oriole's rich tunes.  

A couple of years ago, we heard reports of sightings in Protem, which is heartbreakingly close to us,

 but the birds never made it to our place, at least, not while we were looking, which is much of the time.  

They are fond of oranges, so I cut one in half and put it out on the table on our deck. 

I was happy to learn that they love mandarins, too, since I had a bag of them on hand. 

The male matches them perfectly and stretches to eat every last morsel.

The female's coloration is more subtle...

...but she is no less energetic when it comes to digging out sweet morsels.

When they sing for their supper, we definately get the best end of the deal.

Linking with Saturday's Critters
Wild Bird Wednesday
and Mandarin Orange Monday

Camera-Shy

A ruby-throated hummingbird

Has found a ruby throne

Before a single leaf has stirred

He's made it all his own.

And from the kitchen windows

I watch him sit and preen

But when the flush of daylight grows

He's nowhere to be seen

I'd like to get a picture snapped

Beneath a clear blue sky

  But I suppose I must adapt--

My friend is camera-shy.

Linking with Saturday's Critters
and Wild Bird Wednesday