Around My Yard: In April

As the saying goes, "April showers, bring May flowers", but not here in Oregon this year.  It's been a beautiful April, with just enough rain to keep everything green and pretty.  I love the assortment of flowers that have begun to blossom, the baby animals that are running around with their mommy's and daddy's, and the many variety of birds singing in the trees.  I'm thankful for God's gift of nature.

 

 This fawn is pure cuteness!

Mom

Eurasian Collared-Dove



Red-winged Blackbird



This Gray Squirrel doesn't seem to be bothered by me in the least!



Orange-crowned Warbler

I saw many Sparrows . . .

Gold Crowned Sparrow

House Sparrow

 

Song Sparrow

  

As well as many colorful Finches.

American Goldfinch

House Finch

This Western Fence Lizard enjoyed our warm sunny days.

Western Fence Lizard

Western Fence Lizard

Beautiful flowers are blooming.


Lilacs (Syringa) - So fragrant and pretty!



This adorable tiny Rufous Hummingbird couldn't stay away, and he brought several of his friends too.

Rufous Hummingbird

To learn more about this beautiful little bird, visit my blog post:

The Feisty and Colorful Rufous Hummingbird

More pure cuteness!

Pretty sunsets

 

Around My Yard - In February

What a beautiful February!  Here's a few of my favorite shots around my yard this month.  Enjoy!

Golden-crowned Sparrow

This fluffy gray squirrel is keeping an eye on me!

 

Four Ring-necked Ducks taking a swim.

 

This Sharp-shinned Hawk stopped for a visit again!

It's so cold in most of the country, but in Oregon we have signs of Spring.

Red-breasted Sapsucker (woodpecker)

Black-capped Chickadee

Here's my Hound dog, wishing he was on the other side of the fence!

Jack

 

Around My Yard: in December

There wasn't much action this month, except for an extraordinarily beautiful Cooper's Hawk who decided to fly into my yard one day.  

I was sitting at my computer, and happened to glance out the window, to see this magnificent bird only a few feet from me, and in my grass of all places!  He must have been interested in capturing one of the smaller birds that were hanging around.  He quickly moved to a fence post while I was grabbing my camera, and he stayed there long enough for me to get the shot!

Cooper's Hawk

The Cooper's Hawk is a medium sized hawk, who fly's at high speeds and quickly pounces on their prey. They hunt American Robins, Blue Jays, Woodpeckers, and many other smaller to medium-size birds.  They are also known to eat insects and reptiles.  Females are one-third larger than the males.

Cooper's Hawk

Cooper's Hawk

I did miss the shot of the cute fluffy gray squirrel that was in my yard too, and who was apparently hungry, because he knocked down my bird feeder and broke it.  I decided to make a make-shift feeder for my friends, until I can get a replacement.

This guy appreciates the plate of food (Golden-crowned Sparrow)

While I was getting ready for family to visit over Christmas, I spotted a pair of ducks visiting my pond, who seemed to be enjoying their swim quite nicely.  I don't see them in the pond very often, so it's always a pleasant surprise.

A pair of Mallard Ducks (Male has the green head)

Happy New Year, and may 2015 bring you all that you hope for!  

Thanks for stopping by!  

Around My Yard - in November

November arrived on the scene, and it definitely began to feel like winter!  But in spite of the cold, I captured some beautiful birds hanging around my place. 



Little Chilly, with a some icy raindrops on the Golden-crowned Sparrow

A California Scrub Jay enjoying my bird feeder

This Blue Heron sitting at my pond looks like a big stuffed animal!

Blue Heron Taking off once he spotted me

A Spotted Towhee singing in the rain

This American Red Robin looks like he's ready for winter

This beautiful Red Tail Hawk flying right over me

Dark-eyed Junco and Spotted Towhee's sharing my feeder

Red Breasted Sapsucker enjoying my apple trees