Is there anything more startling beautiful than a crabapple tree in full bloom? Take your pick of colors — red, pink, white — the blooms overtake the tree and turn it into a fairy tale paradise. During the time of bloom, which unfortunately is not long enough, but makes us truly appreciate the splendor, the … More Crabapple trees and honey bees
This Memorial Day weekend offered up beautiful scenes that I was lucky enough to capture on film…well, digital (just doesn’t sound as good). And, it got me thinking. I do not live on a marshland where wildlife abounds naturally. Over the years, I had to create an environment that would attract wildlife. I had the … More My little ecosystem
Who can mistake the brilliance of the Baltimore Oriole! That orange and black is regal. My eye is now trained to watch for a spectrum of magnificent colors that seem to breeze through the yard on a daily basis. But on a tired day — one that just doesn’t want to get up, the orange … More A real stand-out on a gloomy day
Disclaimer: I must apologize for my childish text, but with pictures like these, it seemed appropriate. Yesterday…an unbelievable shock, great as it was! and surprise! Mr. and Mrs. C. Goose with their eight adorable offspring. I’ve never had goslings around the pond this early in the season! After coming inside from a round of landscaping, … More Unbelievable cuteness!!
It is easy to become mesmerized by the wood duck. They are a gorgeous duck with intricate plumage. The male has iridescent chestnut and green coloring, a crested head, bold markings and ornate patterns on almost every feather. The female, although not as flashy, has warm brown plumage with a grayer, slightly crested head. A … More Wood ducks
I seem to be having days of “firsts.” That is one of the perks of Spring. Although I may have seen the same event in previous years, it never stops exciting when the yard teams with days of returning life after a harsh, long winter. It makes dealing with the fickle weather of Spring a … More The orange bird is back
There are some birds that are easier to photograph than others — especially for a novice photographer like me. (I really should take a course. But having to learn about F-stops and aperture settings and shutter speeds just makes my mind reel. Until I do, I’ll just keep this beautiful camera on “auto” and hope … More Bluebirds
Just like the striking blue of the male bluebird; the regal red of the male cardinal; and the brilliant orange of the Baltimore Oriole, once the goldfinch returns to the yard, it is evident immediately. Maybe even more-so, on a dull, dreary, cool day like today, that inextinguishable yellow of the male goldfinch cannot be … More Backyard happenings
I love all the different names of the full moon — Harvest moon, Blood moon, Wolf moon and, for my sake, this time around, the Super moon. The Super moon gets its name because this full moon makes the closest pass to Earth. Last Thursday night the moon was indeed full, its bright rays lighting … More The Super Moon
Yet another cock fight. Oh brother. My yard seems to be a hot territory! There are three roosters (male pheasants) that dotter around the yard throughout the year. One, who I truly believe is the distinct loser this season, has no long tail feathers left. I feel bad for him. He trots around looking busy, … More These dudes just won’t quit
A Gardener's Diary 