WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD??

JUNE IN DAKEKAY'S NECK OF THE WOODS

2009-06-26T06:40:00.001-07:00

Hello!!

Well, it seems things are starting to pick up in the old backyard! Funny thing is that they all showed up after a big rain! I think everyone was basically looking for a dry place to eat, but word of mouth (or beak!), works every time, and before you knew it, the place was jumpin'!

The first visitor was our old pal, Mr. Bunny, who went right for the corn. We hadn't had enough time to get out the carrots! LOL

The next to join us was Chuck, our resident groundhog, who doesn't usually come up on the patio. I guess he figured it was O.K. to come up, being as how Mr. Bunny led the way !

Next was a new visitor to the BY, one we had never seen before. Rather exotic-looking and very brief in his visiting time, he had us running for the bird atlas!

Turns out he was a Yellow-plumed Night Heron, and is not usually seen in this area. His usual hangouts are in marshlands, so we figured he got a little off course. It was neat to see some strangers in the yard for a change!

Then, of course, we had Mrs. Duck and her new family pay us a visit, too! This is the third brood that we have seen so far this year, and we really haven't gotten that far into the season yet!

It was a real joy to see so many critter-friends, old and new, back in the yard. All we need now are some hummers to make it a real nice summer!

Hope you enjoy the shots!

Images and captions courtesy of DaveKay

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

FEEDING TIME

2009-04-24T06:34:00.000-07:00

..... mom and dad Robin both sharing the job of feeding the babies after dad caught a nice, juicy , (icky).... worm for the babies ~ Lyninva
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Another sure sign of Spring. New babies are always a joy.
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So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

2009-04-24T06:15:00.000-07:00

Hello ! When I'm not watching the Drives or cleaning up my photo database, I'm outside these days.

The ducks are back in force this year

A splash of red !

It seems the only birds making a real statement right now are the goldfinches!

They're filling out their suits of gold very quickly, as you can see

We already have a resident bunny - probably a helper for the Big Guy at Easter, and happens to live nearby! No other residents have shown up, but it won't be long now. Anyway, Spring is REALLY officially here - I put my awning down two days ago! LOL

Enjoy the pics for now - I'll have more later! ~ DaveKay

I'm not sure if Winters are really getting colder, snowier and longer of if it's just me that's feeling them more but but I, for one, sure am glad that Spring has finally begun to peek it's head out around these parts. Now if only I had time to get to that yard work, LOL.

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

PS Congrats Dave on your recent purchase, lol

2009-01-06T17:18:00.000-08:00

I'm at a loss for words here, so bare with me. I have just learned of the passing of an 'online' friend and contributor to this blog. Eleanor, who has shared her Backyard (Central Park) with us on many occasions, passed away on Dec. 20, 2008 following an illness. While known for her many talents, acting and photographer, she also devoted countless hours toward watching out for the birdlife at Central Park. In short she was a very Special Lady who touched many lives, in many ways and will be well and truly missed by all who knew her.

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Please join me in including her family and friends in your thoughts and prayers. God Bless.

FEATHERS, SKIES & FUR

2008-12-02T16:50:00.000-08:00

The backyard activity is starting to pick up now. No real pictures yet, but any day now it will start. I have 5 shots for you. Three of them qualify as my BY pics, but 2 of them are from someone else's yard. The first three are in my yard.

The first is a cute shot of a chickadee who fell into the Motherlode of peanuts. As you can see, he could only manage one nut per trip - and he did make many trips!

The other two are shots of the conjunction of Venus and Jupiter that occurred last night, the 1st. Jupiter is the lower, larger planet, and Venus is up and to the right. Of course, the crescent moon added that much more drama.
This conjunction, or close pass , between these two won't happen again until Nov. of 2017

Now we come to the other two photos. Of course, my three deer friends left long ago, but a friend I used to work with has better luck! As you can see, he lives very close to a wooded area - as a result, he's paid daily visits by two young deer. In the one picture, Tim's son, Ty, is petting the little guy, while the deer eyeballs the white cat in the foreground!

The other pic is of the other deer: both have large orange dog collars on, mainly to give them a fair chance in case of any close encounters with gun-totin' guys!

~ DaveKay

Images courtesy of DaveKay

Thanks for sharing these wonderful shots. I heard about the Jupiter/Venus conjunction but it was cloudy here (normally is when something in the skies is happening) so I didn't get the chance to see it. And how lucky is your friend and his family to be able to get so close to local wildlife. I hope it fosters a life long love of animals for them all. It's to bad that these lovely creatures have to wear dog collars as a form of protection but if it keeps them from harm I say put collars on all of them !

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

ROCKY'S BACCCCCK

2008-09-16T06:08:00.001-07:00

A couple of good news tidbits. One, Rocky is back and still panhandling! He must've been doin' alright for himself - he's looking very healthy! He's sporting a plush, dark brown coat, and he's just as peppy as ever! I included some shots of his "begging" routine, which he has down pat! He seems to be very particular, though. My wife offered him a peanut, and he refused it. Just walked away! I'll have to talk to him about that

Just to be fair and balanced, I have included two shots of the last of the Rose of Sharon blooms for the season. They had a good summer, but didn't attract any hummers for us. Maybe next year.

Secondly, it looks as though some of the ducks are back! For a while there, we had about 3 or 4 females show up sporadically, and then they disappeared for some time. Then, about a week ago, during late evening, a group of about 45 ducks showed up, and hungrily devoured all the cracked corn we had laid out for anyone who would need it. The group looked like it was evenly split on male/female population. Now, they show up at least twice a day, with large appetites! I'll have to invest in more cracked corn than I have been getting - it's worth it, though, just to have them back!

The goldfinches are coming back. They have their winter plumage, so I guess they're getting ready to batten down for the coming winter. They are also hearty little eaters! They go through thistle seed like crazy! All the other critters (squirrels, groundhogs, rabbits, possums, and yes, skunks!), are doing just fine, although I haven't seen the skunks around for a while. Maybe they relocated! LOL

That's about it for the backyard report. Will keep you posted on any breaking news in this area!

Images courtesy of DaveKay

Well looks like you have 1 very happy friend there DaveKay. Good luck with the hummers next year, I know your planning on trying to feed them by hand also. Can't wait to see if that works. And it was GREAT to hear of your feathered visitors.

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

TREAT FROM DAVEKAY

2008-07-25T23:35:00.000-07:00

Not fawns this year but robins !

The nest was situated right next to the front door, so it was difficult to open the door in order to get a good shot. Mama would always fly away, and the chicks would get all excited and start jumping around in the nest.. The shots I got were lucky ones!

I started the series with a picture of the empty nest, showing the location - right in the juncture of the downspout!

Then there's Mama in the nest...

then a series of the "family" growing.

I ended up with the last one sounding off before leaving!

I hope all of them made it, although that's a real longshot, and, unfortunately, not Nature's way.

However, I got the whole story. It doesn't have the same zing as the deer series, or the saga of the ducklings, but it was fun, nevertheless. And, due to the travesty in the park, thanks to our "well-meaning" City Council, there just isn't the activity that existed before. Even the squirrels are noticeably fewer in number. Even Rocky hasn't been around for his "handouts".
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Images courtesy of DaveKay

First off, while there may be no zing or saga, it is great to see that all these little ones will have a chance. Thanks for so patiently getting all these shots to share with us. Hope cool it must of been to see this everyday. Watching, waiting, getting pictures and I'm sure there was a bit of worrying now and then too. And I am sorry to hear about the decline in wildlife, even in that wonderful diner you put out. It hasn't been that long since the (what I think of as a raid) event so maybe once things get settled down all the regulars will be back. How could they stay away too long for the "Diner" !

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

My "Japanese painting" photo ;o)

2008-07-21T19:39:00.000-07:00

A Cormorant in Central Park....Kinda peaceful looking isn’t it................

Cheers,
Eleanor

Image courtesy of Eleanor

So take a peek out your window and see
WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

CENTRAL PARK 7/2/08

2008-07-07T19:15:00.000-07:00

Flicker

Wild Turkey (Now this I would never imagine seeing at Central Park)

A widdle Mallard duckling surrounded by small fishies at the Model Sailboat Pond....

Images courtesy of Eleanor

Nice shots, as always. Thanks for sharing

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

HAPPENINGS FROM DAVEKAYS BACKYARD

2008-07-07T18:24:00.000-07:00

Good Evening!

As promised, here is my backyard report! A couple things to watch - an unusual visitor, and a brooding robin whose nest is built on our downspout on the front porch! Here are the highlights, with captioning:

An acrobatic friend of Rocky's going after the last of the bird block.

Feed me, Mama!

Are you my daddy

You're new here, aren't you?

Are those PEANUTS up there?

The "unusual" visitor to the backyard.

I'll be watching Mrs. Robin here real close!

Rocky hamming it up for a peanut.

And getting his reward!

Images courtesy of DaveKay

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

FROM MAY18TH 2008

2008-06-01T11:48:00.000-07:00

Good Morning!

Just a word or two on how things in the back yard are progressing. The weather today was gorgeous, which brought out Mama Duck and her little ones, who are not so little any more! I counted 8 in her brood today, which is good, considering the surroundings! Also, our friend, Thumper, was out and about today. I'm assuming that it is Thumper, or one of the Thumper "family"... My wife tells me that Thumper was running around the yard earlier today with a "friend". Hmmm...
Do I see little bunnies in the near future? Stay tuned! ~ DaveKay

Images courtesy of DaveKay

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

BACKYARD HAPPENINGS

2008-05-17T08:30:00.000-07:00

Two of my old standards!

Mr. and Mrs, D

out on the town for the evening!

First "flag" of the season for us!

On their way out!

Brer Rabbit's back for another season!

(looks like he brought friends, lol)

Images and captions courtesy of DaveKay

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

BACKYARD REPORT

2008-05-10T05:20:00.001-07:00

Got a couple of things to show from the ole' BY

First, I spied a nest in one of our large trees the other day, so I thought I would drop these off to you! Turns out to be a robin's nest - there's another one over in the yard next door in a smaller tree,

so I'll have to get permission from the neighbor to go over there and get a few shots, especially when the eggs hatch!

Also, I had a visitation from a "mystery bird" of my own! He/she showed up on one of the feeder blocks, so I quickly grabbed my camera and got off a few shots. Unfortunately, I had to shoot through a window screen, so there is a considerable softening of the image.

Still got 'em, tho'! I went immediately to the bird atlases, and ID'ed it as a lark sparrow. It is rare to these parts, even though it used to breed heavily in New York, and Maryland.

It is prevalent further West, so Mothernature might be able to help me out on this one! It didn't stick around long, and I never heard its song - probably just passin' thru ~

DaveKay

Hope Mothernature can help ya out there DaveKay. Hope that just maybe these are stickin around for you. If they used to be in the area maybe they will.

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

SUNSHINE ON THE WING

2008-05-10T05:02:00.000-07:00

Got a few shots that I just put together from the backyard. Things are starting to pick up, although we had hard rains yesterday and today. We even had an F1 tornado touch down just outside of Winchester. And, of course, we had just put down the awning as our official announcement of Spring's arrival!
Here are my contribution, with captions:

The gold is back!

(Come to think of it mine never did come up this year, wonder why?)

Two overlooked backyard residents.

(This is definitely one of my favorite

'Spring' sitings. Have seen flocks (20 to 30) of them which is unusual)

These stones were put in place during the Civil War.

The duck came later!

That's it for today! ~ DaveKay

Boy did I really drop the ball on this one. Can't for the life of me figure out why I stuck emails where I did, this one is from way back. April 21. It's like going on a treasure hunt to may sure I haven't missed something. Sorry DaveKay

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

A SEASON FIRST ! ! !

2008-04-26T06:38:00.000-07:00

Good Evening !! (4/23/08) After being bummed out by the results on "American Idol" tonight, I figured the best thing to do would be to post some newsworthy shots on the "backyard" section. The news? Mama Duck showed up this afternoon with her new brood of 11 little ones! What a sight! 11 little furry bodies running first this way, then that! And Mama keeping a calm eye on the whole situation.

Of course, another new resident, Chuck the groundhog, not to be outdone, rushed to be in just about every shot!

What a ham!

After several minutes of frantic feeding,

Mama decided it was time to head home, so she signaled to the "troops"to "form a line"

and head out!
I'm hoping this was one of many visits this year. And I'm sure there will be more than one brood showing up! Now, bring on the hummers!

Enjoy!

More later... ~ DaveKay

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

COLOR

2008-04-16T21:23:00.001-07:00

Here are two flower photos of mine I hope you’ll enjoy.....

Cheers,
Eleanor

Images courtesy of Eleanor
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Absolutely gorgeous, these would make awesome prints. Thank you for sharing these
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So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

LATEST FROM THE BACKYARD

2008-04-16T21:05:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Not too much happening in the backyard yet. For one thing, the Cooper's hawk has been around for the last couple days. That means zero population for several hours each visit! I haven't seen him today - maybe he's eating at another restaurant this week! I've sent along a series that I put together last night - these are the last I'll probably take through the patio door! From now on, I'll sit out on the patio, now that the weather's getting warmer. So here they are, with explanation!

Rocky, checking to see if I have any peanuts for him!
(Thought he looked familiar LOL)

Chickadee gymnastics(Awesome timing)

House finch grabbing a quick bite.

Starling. Love the eyes!

The goldfinches are getting close to gold!

On a Drive !

(full screen too)

As you can see, I grab shots of the critters through the patio door while I'm on a Drive! Talk about multi-tasking!

Images courtesy of DaveKay

Well you've done it again. Great shots

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

SPRING IS ARRIVING EVERYWHERE ! ! !

2008-04-07T14:30:00.001-07:00

Lyinva was very surprised when a Pileated Woodpecker showed up at her house

And double so when it turned out there were 2!

Images courtesy of Lyninva

Thanks for sharing and so sorry I took so long to get these posted. Got my fingers crossed that they become regulars at your house.

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

CAN WINTER REALLY BE ON IT'S WAY OUT ???

2008-03-16T09:13:00.000-07:00

Hello, again ! Yes, I still have a backyard! This became evident the other day when some old friends dropped by for their '08 portraits!

Things are starting to pick up - I participated in the Great Backyard Bird Count last month, and counted 23 different species that showed up in one 4-hour period! I think the word must have been out that all the DaveKay restaurants were open for business! LOL Anyway, this is the real first offering of the new year. Hope you like! ~ DaveKay

Ok, Hope I get the names right. I'm not real good at this LOL

Chickadee

Wren?

Blue Jay

Mrs. Cardinal

The squirrel in the line-up is my old friend Rocky, who is now, believe it or not, eating out of my hand! Well, he's taking peanuts out of it anyway. I know that by the end of summer, he'll be up in my lap, looking for his ration of peanuts! Or, at least I hope he is! He sure is the bold one!

Downy or Snowy I can never tell those 2 part

Mr. Cardinal

Catbird ?

I see Starlings in the background but don't know about the very pretty blue one. Sure is awesome though

Images courtesy of DaveKay

Well, DaveKay the answer to your 'Hope you like' is a definite YES ! ! Thanks and I think everyone knew you still had a backyard and were all just waiting for it to reopen LOL Hope I didn't mis-ID any.

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

I LOOKED OUT MY WINDOW AND SAW ...

2008-02-12T10:44:00.000-08:00

this guy. The window is right by the computer and I watch them walk back and forth across the top of the fence all the time. Finally one sat down long enough for me to snap this. Not sure what it is it's eating though.

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

FROM CENTRAL PARK

2008-01-23T04:48:00.000-08:00

Here’s a Long-Eared Owl currently in Central Park.

Cheers,

Eleanor

Images courtesy of Eleanor

Central Park sure is a wonderful place. So much wildlife right there in the heart of New York City. Thanks Eleanor for sharing it with those of us who can't get there ourselves.

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

THE BIG ONE

2008-01-13T09:35:00.000-08:00

I was at the PC Monday afternoon, when my son came in to inform me that he thought there was an eagle soaring above the house. Grabbing my camera (a natural reflex anymore!), I ran outside just in time to get off the four shots I'm sending to you. No one believes that there was an eagle this far from the river (about 4 miles) until I show them the photos. We went over to the City Park to see if we could spot them again. There were four of them in all, but only one ventured close to the ground. Enjoy the eagles!
Have a great weekend! ~ DaveKay

Images courtesy of DaveKay

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

ROUND ABOUT BUT HERE

2008-01-11T05:37:00.000-08:00

THIS WOODPECKER WAS IN JOHNS BACKYARD AND HE WROTE IN BLOGGERS CAFE THIS :
The bird is large about the length from >>
Message:
your elbow to your wrist bent in the shape of the head of the woodpecker. They drill some remarkable holes in trees for nesting. They find carpenter ants in ash trees and displace a large amount of bark finding and eating them. The trees don't die but almost seem to benefit from the ant removal. When they are pecking on a tree you know it is not an ordinary woodpecker. Our house now has cement siding so the downy woodpeckers will need to find their own wood to create their nests. Nature is so fun whether is is at Nancy's state park, Eleanor's Central Park, my piece of rural Indiana, Afke's pond in Botswana, or someone's backyard feeder!! We love it all!! John

I'd like to WELCOME Indy John to the Backyarders ! And thanks Mothernature for forwarding this. Indy John tried but as I said below it didn't get here. But I finally got it and it sure was worth the round about way it got here. Thanks to both of you.

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

2008-01-10T20:10:00.000-08:00

I've heard from Mothernature that she and Indy John have tried to send some stuff in but it never got to me. There was a few days there that I didn't get anything to the wildmail addy (which I thought was a bit strange) and I was having some connection problems (figured it out finally, was something the ISP put in that was supposed to be a temp thing until they fixed their lines but they never came back for). So if you ever have something bounce back at you try sending to a second addy I'll put over under the wildmail addy. Also use the comcast addy if what your sending is big. I know the comcast addy can handle larger sizes but I'm not real sure about the size limit on the other.
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Sorry for all the problems. Hope this clears it all up
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So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

PEANUT TIME ! !

2007-12-29T05:37:00.000-08:00

Hello!

Here are some recent shots of my feathered friends in the back yard.
It's been quite a while since I've taken the time to observe them, since the weather has been so ugly.
Hope you like 'em!

Images courtesy of DaveKay

I like !

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

2007-12-29T04:43:00.000-08:00

A photo I took of the John Lennon “Peace Circle” in Central Park

IMAGINE

Peace on Earth for all Beings............

To 2008!

Cheers,

Eleanor

NEW EMAIL

2007-12-11T06:11:00.000-08:00

IF YOU ARE USING ~ KSAM@MSNETWORK.WS TO SEND PHOTOS PLEASE CHANGE IT TO WOLFKAS@WILDMAIL.COM THE 'WS' ADDY IS NOT VALID ANYMORE THANKS

The Deer Chronicles

2007-12-06T23:14:00.000-08:00

Good Morning to Everyone!

Winter is finally here, and the threat of snow is heavy in the air. It's been at least three weeks since I've seen our "family". I do believe that they have moved on. Here's my theory:
There is a man-made waterway that runs through Winchester, called the Town Run. Built to alleviate the threat of flooding from heavy rains and Spring thaws, it winds its way through town, running under streets and through open land, and is much like the L.A. River, but on a much smaller scale. This Run happens to go right through the small woods in which our family was residing, so I believe this is how they arrived in the first place. At either end, the Run turns into a creek which feeds onto verdant woodlands. One end terminates on the Glen Burnie estate, a sprawling mansion with lots of posted wooded areas. The other end opens onto the wooded properties of the local Country Club (also posted). For the deer, it's a win/win situation. I only hope that this is the way they went!
We wish them Godspeed on their trek, and thank them for the opportunity to have watched "Bambi" and her children, as they grew from fawns to young adults. I only hope that we are so blessed with such a "gift" next season.
I will be posting photos from the Deer Archives from time to time, just to keep the memory alive.

Until later, DaveKay

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

CHECKING IN AT DAVEKAY'S

2007-11-28T18:04:00.000-08:00

The first five are of the Canada Geese that inhabit Lake Wilson, which is just a short walk from my backyard! That would make it still almost just outside my backyard, right? (works for me)

Next two are dusk time profiles of two of the "yarders".

We have our resident titmouse, loading up on the peanuts!

Then we have a female cardinal,

demanding equal time, we have a male cardinal! Boy, was he red!

Images and captions courtesy of DaveKay

Thanks for sharing these DaveKay. (And for your patience)

So take a look out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

2007-11-20T07:37:00.000-08:00

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Fall season photo from Central Park, my “backyard”
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Eleanor you sure are lucky. What I wouldn't give for a 'backyard' like that and you don't even have to keep it up ! Just enjoy it . Hope to see what it looks like in the Winter with some snow. Bet it's really wonderful then. Thanks for sharing.
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So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

LATEST BAMBI AND FAMILY SNAPS

2007-11-11T18:20:00.000-08:00

Hi!

Here are some of the latest shots of the "family", feasting on the goodies in their "sanctuary". Still looking healthy! They seem to go for the apples and bread chunks I put out for them every evening. Didn't see them come in tonight, but that doesn't mean they won't come in later! I turned on my patio light one night around 11 P.M., and spotted one of them out by by the birdbath! Nightowls!
Enjoy ~ DaveKay

Images courtesy of DaveKay

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

SUNSET

2007-11-11T15:43:00.000-08:00

Looked out the window a few days back and noticed strange clouds. So I grab the camera and head out.
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Started off like this

And very shortly turned into this. This is looking West ...

looking North ...

East.

Looking West again. It was so awesome. Everywhere I looked the sky was this color.

Starting to fade. Didn't last long. Don't get many of these.
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So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

SLOWLY BUT SURELY ANOTHER NEW MEMBER !

2007-11-07T04:21:00.000-08:00

Now here's something I never thought of. A good use of those left over pumpkins !

Images courtesy of Anneliese

Welcome to Backyard Anneliese. And thank you for sharing these. Bet I'm not the only one who just threw pumpkins away after Halloween.

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

PART 2 OF LET ME EXPLAIN

2007-11-03T14:08:00.000-07:00

Well someone took mercy on me and resent this. And that someone was lyninva ! Thank you so very much. The email about the grass snake ~

Garden Grass Snakes also known as Garter Snakes(Thamnophissirtalis) can be dangerous. Yes, grasssnakes, not rattlesnakes.Here's why.

A couple in Sweetwater , Texas , had a lot of potted plants. During a recent cold spell, the wife was bringing a lot of them indoors to protect them from a possible freeze. It turned out that a little green garden grass snake was hidden in one of the plants and when it had warmed up, it slithered out and the wife saw it go under the sofa. She let out a very loud scream.

The husband (who was taking a shower) ran out into the living room naked to see what the problem was. She told him there was a snake under the sofa. He got down on the floor on his hands and knees to look for it. About that time the family dog came and cold-nosed him on the behind. He thought the snake had bitten him, so he screamed and fell over on the floor.

His wife thought he had a heart attack, so she covered him up, told him to lie still and called an ambulance.The attendants rushed in, wouldn't listen to his protests and loaded him on the stretcher and started carrying him out. About that time the snake came out from under the sofa and the Emergency Medical Technician saw it and dropped his end of the stretcher. That's when the man broke his leg and why he is still in the hospital.

The wife still had the problem of the snake in the house, so she called on a neighbor man. He volunteered to capture the snake. He armed himself with a rolled-up newspaper and began poking under the couch. Soon he decided it was gone and told the woman, who sat down on the sofa in relief. But while relaxing, her hand dangled in between the cushions, where she felt the snake wriggling around. She screamed and fainted, the snake rushed back under the sofa.

The neighbor man, seeing her lying there passed out, tried to use CPR to revive her. The neighbor's wife, who had just returned from shopping at the grocery store, saw her husband's
mouth on the woman's mouth and slammed her husband in the back of the head with a bag of canned goods, knocking him out and cutting his scalp to a point where it needed stitches.

The noise woke the woman from her dead faint and she saw her neighbor lying on the floor with his wife bending over him, so she assumed that he had been bitten by the snake. She went to the kitchen and got a small bottle of whiskey, and began pouring it down the man's throat.

By now the police had arrived. They saw the unconscious man, smelled the whiskey, and assumed that a drunken fight had occurred. They were about to arrest them all, when the women tried to explain how it all happened over a little green snake. The police called an ambulance, which took away the neighbor and his sobbing wife.

The little snake again crawled out from under the sofa. One of the policemen drew his gun and fired at it. He missed the snake and hit the leg of the end table. The table fell over and the lamp on it shattered and as the bulb broke it started a fire in the drapes. The other policeman tried to beat out the flames, and fell through the window into the yard on top of the family dog who, startled, jumped out and raced into the street, where an oncoming car swerved to avoid it and smashed into the parked police car.

Meanwhile, the burning drapes, were seen by the neighbors who called the fire department. The firemen had started raising the fire truck ladder when they were halfway down the street. The rising ladder tore out the overhead wires and putout the electricity and disconnected the telephones in a ten-square city block area (but they did get the house fire out).

Time passed! Both men were discharged from the hospital, the house was repaired, the dog came home, the police acquired a new car, and all was right with their world.

A while later they were watching TV and the weatherman announced a cold snap for that night. The wife asked her husband if he thought they should bring in their plants for the night.

That's when he shot her.
.
Thanks again lyninva.
.

so take a look out your window and she WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

2007-10-30T07:54:00.000-07:00

Hi, Everybody!

Here are some of the latest shots of our adopted family! It's awfully hard to get all three of them in one shot, so you'll see a lot of shots with just two of them, although all three are there! Some of these pics are taken just as the evening light is dying quickly. Therefore, some of them aren't as sharp as others - as a matter of fact, some of these were taken at about a half second or even a full second! They just don't come around as early as they used to!
Hope you enjoy these!

P.S. I can't tell yet, but we might have a young buck in our "family"!

So glad you got things fixed up there DaveKay. Remodeling is all done too I take it. Enjoy your new room.

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

LET ME EXPLAIN

2007-10-25T08:43:00.000-07:00

Hmmmmmm........Could this Garter Snake photo I took in Cape May, NJ a couple weeks ago possibly be the culprit??? ~ Eleanor

OK now the explaining part. There was a very funny email going around that had to do with a Garter Snake and she sent this in. I debated on where to put this. Here or WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN LATELY?. Finally decided that I'd put it here. Left a note on Little Bit to that fact. Now I'm thinking I should of put it on LATELY since she was away from home when she took it. But I've already said it was going here, so it's here. Anywho, For those of you who haven't seen the email, it's a tale of how a Woman brings in some potted plants because the night temps outside may hurt them. And a Garter Snake, who has taken refuge in one, comes out and 'checks' out the house. Of course I've already deleted the original, won't ya know it. But it goes on about how one thing leads to another and gets funnier as it goes. I'm really sorry I don't have the whole thing for you. This whole post would make much more sense if I had it. Maybe someone will take mercy on me and resend it.

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

BACKYARDERS FOR 10/12

2007-10-15T16:56:00.000-07:00

I cleaned the fountain yesterday,

and the goldfinches were right back on it

as soon as I set it back up!

The water shoots up a little higher now,

and the little guys try to fly through the stream for a good wetting!

Fun to watch!

Enjoy ! ~ DaveKay

Images courtesy of DaveKay

They sure do look as if they are enjoying every minute of it too. Thanks DaveKay for sharing.

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

ALMOST ALL GROWN UP !

2007-10-07T10:17:00.000-07:00

Hello, again!

Taking a break from room- painting to send you the latest shots of mama and the kids. As you can see from these pics, the kids are not so small anymore! Pretty soon, we won't be able to distinguish them , unless I can get a close-up of mom to detect that "mother of a teen" look! LOL

Seriously, I get excited every time they show up -- I'm just happy to see that they are still O.K., and apparently healthy! (It's my fabulous menu that does it!) More and more, they are coming in to feed under darkness; some of the neighbors have caught them in their headlights at night as they wander through the area.

I'm wondering what the winter's going to bring! I can only hope!

I've thrown in one shot that was taken a while back, just to show how far they've come!

Enjoy! ~ DaveKay

My, my they have grown haven't they. I look forward to what winter brings to this lovely little family. Thanks DaveKay

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

A BIT LATE BUT ...HERE GOES

2007-10-01T19:37:00.000-07:00

Good Evening!

Hope everything is good there; here, we're in the middle of a late day thunderboomer (9/27)- getting lots of much-needed rain!
While waiting for mama and the kids to show up (they'll be late tonight!), I thought I'd catch you up on some of the other backyard news, by way of a photojournal (fancy way of sayin' I got some pics for ya!)

While taking a shot of the patio feeding area, Rocky showed up, so i told him to strike a pose!

These are shots of what I think is a young Carolina wren.

This is the latest photo of my little calico cardinal. Looks like he's getting redder!

This young female cardinal stopped by for a snack.

My ducks stop by occasionally, but stay back where the deer usually feed -- they feel safer back there. I guess.

The finch diner was packed today, as usual!

The Canada geese over at the local pond usually head for a larger pond across town in the evenings. I caught a few of 'em leaving.

I caught a few of 'em leaving.
And that's the journal for tonight!
Hope you enjoyed it!

More later! ~ DaveKay

Once again DaveKay, wonderful pictures as always.

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

BAMBI AND KIDS 9/22

2007-09-25T19:02:00.000-07:00

Good Evening, Everyone!

Although I have some from previous days, I wanted to send you these pics that I took just this evening. It shows the growth of the "kids"; you'll see in a couple of the shots that the fawn "spots" are just about gone - there are a few on the flanks. Standing next to their mother, you can see how big these guys are getting! I'm really anxious to see if we have a buck in the crowd! That would be interesting!
I'm starting this series off with a picture of the "sanctuary', sans deer, to give you an idea of how the safety of the spot means a lot to them. I have also left a couple of the shots dark, as this is how they appeared to me in the setting sun.
I'm up to shot #348, and still going strong!
Enjoy! ~

DaveKay

Images courtesy of

DaveKay

Golly, some of these they almost don't look real. Awesome stuff DaveKay, awesome ! They are growing up so fast. Thank you for sharing with all of us your special adventure.

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

BACKYARD YARN

2007-09-20T19:28:00.000-07:00

We went fancy-shmancy and bought a birdbath that has a fountain that runs on solar power! We got it at a liquidation sale, so it wasn't THAT expensive! Anyway, we set it up and waited for the birds to get accustomed to it. It took about two days for anyone to try it out - and it looks like the goldfinches took it over! The enclosed shots will bear this out! Enjoy! ~ DaveKay

Never saw one of these myself. Looks wonderful. I put in a birdbath when I did the backyard this Spring and I haven't seen one bird in it ! They probably show up when I leave LOL

Images courtesy of DaveKay

Your backyard just keeps gettin better an better, so keep those photos coming !

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

FROM CENTRAL PARK

2007-09-19T17:38:00.000-07:00

A Pied-billed Grebe

and a very plump and fluffy female Mallard from my

‘backyard’ of Central Park!

Cheers,

Eleanor

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

LATEST BAMBI AND FAMILY PHOTOS

2007-09-09T07:54:00.000-07:00

Mom and the kids just dropped by for a quick snack. No pics -- just quietly enjoyed them from the patio.

Like, I only have 313 shots of the family! LOL

The kids still have some spots on their haunches, but they're getting fainter by the day. ~ DaveKay

Images courtesy of

DaveKay

Like anyone can have too many pictures of these cuties. DaveKay also sent me a vid (not his) that had something worth sharing. I hope this works. It's called 'Deer for Breakfast' No, not what you think. Here goes nothing ~

www.video.yahoo.com/video/play?vid=67160&fr=yvmtf

OK I checked it and it worked ! Miracles of miracles. LOL Enjoy!

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

I'M SO SO SORRY

2007-09-06T05:52:00.000-07:00

Great Blue Heron in duckweed

Image courtesy of Eleanor

I'm so sorry, this came way back in the middle of Aug. Really should of gotten it up much sooner. Lots happening back then and I simply missed it.

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

It's me again!

2007-09-03T19:39:00.000-07:00

This post represents a new, and rather odd acquaintance of mine. I call him the "Calico Cardinal", because of his odd plumage. I am assuming that he's just a juvenile who is caught up in getting his new suit - a feather at a time! You'll see exactly what I'm talking about when you see the pics!

The last shot is one of my bro' Rocky, as he sat there takin' in all the action!

Catch ya later! ~ DaveKay
.

Images courtesy of DaveKay

I see exactly what you meant. That is certainly the strangest looking Cardinal I've ever seen. And Rocky is definitely enjoying the long weekend !

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

SATURDAY NIGHT GOOD TIMES

2007-09-03T19:13:00.000-07:00

HAPPY LABOR DAY!!

Hope this day finds you where you want to be, doing what you feel like doing, and enjoying every minute of it!
It's a shame it only lasts for 24 hours! We're doin' what I said we would be doin', only more of it! LOL
.
I'm sending along a series that comes out of one more of my backyard observations -- birdbath activity...
I'm calling this series "The Saturday Night Bath Follies". Hope you like it!

More later! ~ DaveKay

Images courtesy of DaveKay

The birds certainly look like they are enjoying themselves.

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

BAMBI TIME

2007-09-01T05:33:00.000-07:00

More shots of our precious "mini herd"!
Enjoy!

And precious it is.

Mom, help !

Was just a bird 'deer'

This smells good !

Images courtesy of DaveKay
.

DaveKay is going for broke today folds. Got sumtin' on every page !

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

FRIENDS OF FLOWER

2007-08-26T19:18:00.000-07:00

The deer are fine, and are visiting regularly. The kids are getting big! They still look healthy, for three deer living in a small patch of woods in the middle of a residential area! I have a feeling that we aren't the only ones feeding them.

Anyway, I gotta tell you about the newest diners. They showed up this past weekend, and have been regular visitors every night so far. First, Flower showed up,

then the next night Blossom came around. The following night, it was Rose that made the scene. They're all of Blossom and Rose. Blossom is the one that has a lot more white in her coat.

Every night, just when it turns dark, we turn on the patio light and sit back. It only takes a few minutes for them to show up.

They go right to the peanut containers, and the meal is on! They are fun to watch, because they are constantly trying to occupy the same space around the nut can, and they have a little difficulty biting through the peanut shell.

I put out some dry roasted unsalted nuts for them tonight, and they went crazy over those!

The next thing I'm watching for is a raccoon! LOL
Enjoy! ~ DaveKay

Images courtesy of DaveKay

How exciting. I hear that they really are gentle little things, expect that spraying thing of course. LOL

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

INTRODUCING FLOWER

2007-08-24T03:33:00.000-07:00

Just a short line to show you that another cast member of the Bambi movie showed up last night. First, there was Bambi and his mom,

then Thumper showed up. Last night, guess who made their appearance!

Right!
.
FLOWER!
.
The cast is growing all the time, although I'm not too thrilled that Flower decided to show up! LOL ~ DaveKay

Images courtesy of DaveKay
.
So sorry I took so long to get to these. Been quite stormy here this week. You sure do have a wonderful backyard DaveKay.
.
So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

TWIN TIME

2007-08-18T11:14:00.000-07:00

I'm concentrating more on the kids right now, rather than mom -- don't know how long the young'uns will stay in the area!

Enjoy! ~ DaveKay

Wonder if now that their getting so big they get a kink while feeding ?

Munch time

Who's there ? !

Images courtesy of DaveKay

Always love to see this 'tribe'. Thanks

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

ROCKY AND HEATHER

2007-08-09T04:49:00.000-07:00

Hello!
Went outside today (Monday)-- and melted! LOL Temp. was 96 - heat index was 102. Thank God for A/C! Little change from Bambi and her young'uns -- my squirrel buddies have been performing for us, so I thought I'd give you a few examples.

A neighborhood stray in a face-off with Rocky.

This time, it's Doobie with Heather in a face-off -

with glass in between.

"These are MINE!"

"Ah, Bliss!"

Rocky's impression of Road Kill.

Heather getting a long cool one.

Images courtesy of DaveKay

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

STORM

2007-08-07T08:14:00.000-07:00

The other day we were threatened with a Thunderstorm. The clouds built all day long but we got no rain again.

It is the monsoon season now and we watch the clouds build all day long...

but the storms hit the mountains and go around us

Towards evening I went out to see what the clouds were doing and there was a rainbow so I guess part of the valley got rain that day.
I could not get the whole rainbow in one pic so I tried to send the complete rainbow in three pics.

Images courtesy of Nakota

How cool to be able to see so much of a rainbow. At my house I can only see half at most and that's not very often. Must be lots of open space at your house.

Thanks for sharing your rainbow Nakota.

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

BAMBI 8/3

2007-08-06T06:57:00.000-07:00

The twins ~The two kids showed up again with mom - they hadn't been with her for the last several sightings, and I thought something was amiss. Not to worry! Mama comes to eat, and they come to run and jump all over the field!
Great watching!
Enjoy! ~ DaveKay (I'd say they are fraternal not identical since the spots are different)

Images courtesy of DaveKay

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

2007-08-02T06:16:00.000-07:00

I don't have wildlife like DaveKay, but I do have flowers !

Took these after a rainstorm...

Couldn't resist. The drops of water on them 'called' to me LOL

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

BAMBI, THE TWINS AND HEATHER !

2007-08-01T06:14:00.000-07:00

DaveKay's is the perfect place for lunch. Always plenty to go around.

Heather (the squirrel) joins them

Reminds me of a raffie standing like that

Heather wasn't the only guest to join the lunch party. Seems Mrs. Mallard showed up too.

Good thing DaveKay puts out a generous spread

Looks like he provides 'drinks' too

Group photo

Images courtesy of DaveKay

Thanks for sharing your backyard lunch activities with us DaveKay.

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

BEEN DOING SOME PRACTICING

2007-07-27T15:20:00.000-07:00

OK, not as exciting as DaveKay's deer I know. But over the weekend I had a visitor out at my trailer. This is a Grey Garden Slug.

Just moving slowly across the deck when...

it comes to a crack. After looking the situation over...

he raises his head...

rears back...

and goes for it!

Once the top half is safely over...

the rest just followed along.

Rufflie Daylily out at trailer. (Been waiting for these to flower for 3 years!)

Unrufflie Daylily

And last but certainly not least, my 'moose' puppy(she's 7 months). Rather large and all feet(and for some unknown reason believes she's a lap dog). Matter of fact it's a good thing I took the shots of the flowers right after I got there. Has no respect for flowers, that one. But she's a sweet dog and when it comes to 'family' very loyal.

Well that's it for this batch.

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

SUNDAY PLAY TIME

2007-07-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

This series is from the day the kids came to play! They were all over the place, and the only shots I could get were those that showed just one fawn. The other was off running through the field! They are such a joy to watch! And it seems like they've gotten down to a pretty regular schedule now! I hope.... ~ DaveKay

Now that looks a bit awkward (Ok I even did a spell check and that word still doesn't look right to me !)

Hello there, what's your name ?

Mom, he doesn't talk much.

That's ok deer, he will in time.

Images courtesy of DaveKay

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE

2007-07-24T12:52:00.000-07:00

Brace yourself!

Time of event: 6:00 PM EST July 22, 2007
.

Reaction: euphoria, trepidation, concern for their safety.
.

This surpasses all expectation! I'm very confused at this point. Bambi didn't look as though she was with fawn, and here we are - with TWO!
Is there a whole herd back there in those woods?

More to follow! Enjoy these first! ~ DaveKay

Update~

What an amazing experience! They returned today(7/23), and their stay was more of a video event! Mama came in to eat, but the two fawns came to play! They ran and leaped, and chased each other all over the area behind the activities bldg. Mama finished eating, and started to walk down the hill to the building, and the two kids followed right after! I finally caught a glimpse of the three of them as they popped back into the woods. What a visit! Oh yes, I got more pics! ~ DaveKay

Such cuties! And your right she didn't look like she was expecting. Maybe when she started dropping by, she had already had them. She could of been staying in the area to feed while the twins stayed in hiding. She must think your yard is 'safe' enough to bring the kids to. You lucky duck, you. Can't wait for the next set of pictures. And I promise I won't take so long to post them. BTW I guess this answers the 'Bambi' or 'Bucky' question doesn't it.

Also, DaveKay thinks that his 'mystery' bird was indeed a young Starling as Helena suggested. Thanks again Helena for the ID.

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

MYSTERY SOVLED ! ! ! !

2007-07-22T13:13:00.000-07:00

Heard from Helena and this is what she said ~ I think it's a young starling. Youngsters are brown, not black and speckled like their parents, and none of the luminescence in their feathers, either.
About this time of the year the adult starlings start to get their autumn/winter plumage: more speckles on their chests. It can look odd when the youngsters get this for the first time. They can look like brown birds with speckled waistcoats.I think this is what is happening here. He is just starting to display his adult plumage of dark feathers with white speckles.
I'm in the UK and see this every year, so provided you also get starlings in the East USA, I think this is what it might be. Or maybe you call them something else?
.
First things first, thanks Helena for the info. And yes we do have birds we call Starlings. And it sounds as if they are the same as yours. So DaveKay, could this be what you have visiting your backyard? I did find some info on Starlings at http://www.starlings.info and some photos. If you go there have a look under 'Do starlings make good pets' and there is a photo that may confirm what Helena thinks. Sure looks the same as DaveKay's visitor to me.
.
So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

HELP ! WE HAVE A MYSTERY

2007-07-19T06:18:00.000-07:00

OK, this one has me stumped. I googled
'fledgling',
'woodpecker' and
'catbird'. DaveKay sent this note ~ Got a mystery bird for you to ID. Maybe some of our viewers can come through! It didn't really stick around long enough for me to get any better shots, so this is all we have to go on!
Good luck!

I can tell you that DaveKay lives in Eastern US if that helps any.

Any ideas ? Maybe it's a new species, in which case it'll be a "DK Bird" or maybe a "Spotted DaveKay" Those sound like pretty good names to me, don't ya think. LOL

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

MORE BAMBI

2007-07-19T03:42:00.000-07:00

I hear it's been a bit noisy around DaveKay's for the last few days, so our friend was keeping a low profile.

But once the neighborhood activities were over...
Bambi was back ! Good thing too.

Don't want anything to happen to our buddy here.

DaveKay has also told me that he's 'fixed' up a feed pail just for Bambi. Bambi hasn't used it yet, but he's hoping. And so am I. Those will be good photos. Can hardly wait.

Images courtesy of DaveKay

Note from DaveKay from a later email ~ Got home late last night (Tues), and as I was pulling up in front of the house, Bambi trotted across the road right in front of the car. She stopped, looked at me, and then walked up the front lawn, around to the back yard, and disappeared. And I definitely told her there is a curfew for her! Oh, well, as long as she stays out of trouble. Deer are known for their explorations and foraging junkets, so I gotta respect that. It's worse than watching your own kids play on the monkey bars! (He also told me about the feeding pail then)

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

DUCKLING UPDATE

2007-07-16T13:03:00.000-07:00

Good Afternoon!

Got a couple of pics for you on this trip. The first is one that was posted way back when I spotted the first brood of ducklings. I think they numbered 12. The second one is a shot of what I think is the same brood today.
The number is down to 7, which shows the high attrition rate in an area like this. Interesting comparison, though. ~ DaveKay

Not to long ago, we had our first peek at this brood

And just look at them now ! Getting all grown up.

Images courtesy of DaveKay

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

TRYING MY HAND AT THIS

2007-07-16T12:36:00.000-07:00

Well, I've finally done it. Went and got myself a digital camera. Don't have a lot of animal activity around my house (must be the 3 dogs LOL). But the day I got the camera I was outside with the puppy (she chews and digs can't leave her alone for a min!) and suddenly I see a small black paw under the garage door. Being the 'brave' person I am I went in the house and got a broom, opened the door and propped it with the broom. Then I waited.

And was rewarded within 5 mins ! Now this little guy moved very quickly and this was the only shot I got.

Later on while out with the puppy again, I found my 'visitor' up a tree ! Good thing I have my handy dandy camera now !

Here an early morning squirrel at the feeder (kids call it 'Mom's ghetto feeder') It's outside the fence so the dogs can't bother them. Yes. it's a aluminum pan nailed to the tree. Hey, it works.

One variety of my Day Lilies

Finally, got one project done this summer. The whole area was waist high weed and seed trees. (Now just gotta replace that section of fence). This series starts off on the left hand side...

middle...

right hand side.

Full view shot. It's shady most of the day (except between 2 and 6ish). And real quiet if there isn't a ball game going on on the other side of the fence !

Well that's it for me this time out. Not what your used to seeing here, but hey I'm still learning to work the camera ! Gotta go practice some more.

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

FLOWER POWER

2007-07-16T12:30:00.000-07:00

Rose of Sharon

Close up view

Images courtesy of DaveKay

After seeing the Lilies sent in by Eleanor, DaveKay said " I didn't get a chance to snap a pic of ours, so I went out in the yard and shot one or two of our Rose of Sharon, which just started to bloom! " Very pretty. Thanks DaveKay

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

NO BAMBI THIS TIME

2007-07-13T05:16:00.000-07:00

While waiting for Bambi to make another appearance, DaveKay caught this action.
.
Mr. Poser

Mrs. D

Mr. D

He called this one 'The Old Couple"

Chuck checkin the cooler for lunch

Images courtesy of DaveKay

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

HERE'S BAMBI ~

2007-07-11T09:13:00.000-07:00

I'm stickin' with Bambi since that's how DaveKay is sending them and it's his deer. Who am I to argue. And as Katie Girl pointed out to me, in the movie, Bambi is a boy ! Covered either way !

Looks like a lawn statue, doesn't it.

Images courtesy of DaveKay

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

DAY LILLLIES

2007-07-11T08:40:00.000-07:00

What can I say...

these are stunning. I'd of never thought a simple Day Lily could be so ... can't even think of a word I could use here ! (And for me, speechless is new LOL)

Images courtesy of Eleanor

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

SPECIAL TREAT FOR A SUNDAY MORNING

2007-07-08T06:55:00.000-07:00

Bambi (I'm goin' with Bambi until proven otherwise!) showed up early this afternoon(Fri 7/06), and I really got a rare
look at her! I was sitting on the patio, while she was rummaging around in the back of the yard. She suddenly turned around and started walking toward the patio. I sat absolutely still, and she walked up to within 15 feet of me! She suddenly noticed me sitting there, and she stopped, sized me up, and quietly turned and walked away.
What a thrill! The pics show it all!
Enjoy! ~ DaveKay

Images courtesy of DaveKay

Thought this would be a nice way to start everyone's week off. That DaveKay is one lucky man. There isn't a deer within 5 miles of my place and all 5 of those miles are filled with city!

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

AND THE QUESTION IS ...

2007-07-06T04:50:00.000-07:00

BAMBI OR BUCKY

I've had word from DaveKay that "Bambi" may in fact be "Bucky". What do you think ? Check out the close up's below and cast your vote.
.
So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

HAPPY FIREWORK DAY U.S.A.

2007-07-04T06:53:00.000-07:00

Image courtesy of www.fireworkspop.com
Link courtesy of Nakota
.
You can create your own fireworks show at the following link. Enjoy !
.
www.fireworkspop.com
.
So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

WELCOME BACK ! ! ! ! !

2007-07-04T06:38:00.000-07:00

WOO WHOO ! ! ! Not only is DaveKay back (at least on a part time basis)
"Bambi" is too.

Such a sweetie

Images courtesy of DaveKay

It's good to have you back. I'm sorry to hear your July trip has to be postponed. Notice I didn't say canceled, just postponed. Keep getting better!

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

A MOMENT OF YOUR TIME

2007-06-26T07:13:00.000-07:00

We have all enjoyed seeing the happenings in DaveKay's backyard, so I'd like to ask that you take a moment to put out good thoughts for him. He's been ill and is getting better but extra good thoughts and prayers (or whatever you choose) can't hurt.
.
Also, over on the Littlebit Team, Mothernature has been dealing with serious family concerns and could also use good thoughts, prayers etc. She has taken us on many a World Adventure and it's always enjoyable.
.
Take care and Thanks
.
Naturewatcher aka Wolfkas

COMPLETE CAST !

2007-06-19T07:19:00.000-07:00

This young lady showed up in my backyard about an hour ago! (6/14 around 2 pm local time) She caught me completely off-guard, and all I could get were these two hastily composed shots.

The one was shot on the run! So, that does it -- all I need now is a soundtrack, and I have my own backyard Disney movie! LOL
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Images courtesy of DaveKay
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Congrats on your complete cast DaveKay. That's one movie I'd pay to see (and very rarely do I go !)
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So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??
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PS I hope this post doesn't produce a million and one deer hunt ads ! I'll keep an eye out for them. Sorry folks. ~ Naturewatcher aka wolfkas

NEW TEAM MEMBER

2007-06-15T08:18:00.000-07:00

We went to the lake last week and I took some pictures of my "backyard" lol
The lake is only about a half hour drive from us but we only go when our friend is able to take his boat out.
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Mallard who came for bread and leftovers

Caves

Soaring Eagle

Saguaro Cactus

Wild Burros

Sun setting over the lake

I love it out there this time of year. We always stay out until the sun goes down and then head back in to shore in the dark. ~ Nakota

OK, you've convinced me. When can I move in ! ! LOL These are BEAUTIFUL ! Thanks for joining the BACKYARDERS Nakota. And remember your backyard is only as small or big as you make it.

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

GREAT EGRET

2007-06-15T06:58:00.000-07:00

Here’s a photo of a Great Egret, taken at Turtle Pond in Central Park.

Central Park is a wonderful “back yard” to have, what with all its habitats for a diverse species of birds!

Cheers,

Eleanor

Image courtesy of Eleanor

Another keeper for the screensaver file LOL

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

FYI

2007-06-11T08:41:00.000-07:00

I've added the link for "Little Bit" to the list on the right. It was suggested that some of you who visit here may not know about "Little Bit". That site has pictures from web cams from all over the World. So if you enjoy this site, you may enjoy that one too.
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I also want to congrat Eleanor. Take a min. to read the comment her photos got in the post titled "Hi..Greetings from by Central Park backyard". I'm looking forward to a new member on Team Backyard. We're growing everyday.
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Thanks for the suggestions Mothernature!
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So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

FROM CENTRAL PARK

2007-06-11T07:57:00.000-07:00

A pretty female Cardinal ...

and a Black-crowned Night Heron from my Central Park

“backyard”.

Cheers,

Eleanor

Always great photos from Eleanor.

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

HI ! GREETINGS FROM MY CENTRAL PARK BACKYARD

2007-06-05T17:16:00.000-07:00

I thought you might like this handsome House Sparrow and ...

talkative Blue Jay [looks like he’s telling a joke, doesn’t it?]

Cheers ~ Eleanor

I always enjoy getting new backyard photos. The whole time thinking, Why can't I see these around my house??? Must be due to the fact I have poochies that keep them away. LOL

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

MALLARD SAGA PART II

2007-06-01T20:02:00.000-07:00

The usual gang coming in after the last rain.

They seem to enjoy our 'mini ponds' !

The return of our first brood, numbering only two at this time.

They're about 90 feet away in the back of the property,

so I had to use the tele lens - they were too skiddish for me to get closer, so the detail is lost.

One that I forgot to put in the last bunch. It's too cute to omit!

Images and captions courtesy of DaveKay

These are great DaveKay. Looks like you still got nice detail, even at 90 feet. I take it that the color difference in the two has to do with gender. (I say that only because as adults they are different.)

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

GREAT SMOKEY MOUNTAINS

2007-05-31T17:15:00.000-07:00

Lyninva visited The Great Smokey Mountains and sent photos of her trip. I posted them here instead of on Little bit for 2 reasons. #1 ~ There not off a web cam #2 ~ I didn't want them to get lost in all the posts over there. These are some AWESOME pictures. Sure wouldn't mind having Mountains in my neck of the woods!

I think this one is my fav. I really like Wolves and Coyotes are real close.

Now this is one BIG Woodpecker !

Images courtesy of Lyninva

Thanks, these are really good. How great to have scenes like these so close to home.

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

MALLARD SAGA

2007-05-30T15:37:00.000-07:00

Second mama with just one lil' one right now. She hasn't been back -- I'm keeping my fingers crossed. ~ DaveKay

Our friend DaveKay always keeps a good stock of food for everyone.

Tootles!

Images courtesy of DaveKay

Thanks for sending these in and again sorry for taking so long.

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

COAL TITMOUSE

2007-05-19T09:56:00.000-07:00

Yet another new bird to the feeders. This time it is a Coal Tit. They are small, the same size as the Blue Tits.

Unfortunately, as we discovered yesterday, they are also VERY nervous little birds. The day before one was startled by a Blue Tit landing behind it and it jumped forward into the house through the open window. Unlike the Robin and Blue Tits, which calmly flit around checking things out before they go back outside, the Coal Tits go into an utter panic inside. They fling themselves around the room, bashing into other, closed, windows and totally

exhausting themselves. On that day Steve managed to catch the little bird and set it in the window box where it sat for a good ten minutes recovering. I took photos of it, through the glass (having closed the window to prevent further incident) until it finally flew away. We're fairly certain this one was fledgling.. but not 100% sure.

Now comes the unfortunate part. Yesterday another Coal Tit flew in the window, straight across the room and, crash, into the houseplants in the opposite window... then bang up onto the ceiling fan (not running). As Steve moved towards it to try and shoo it back towards the open window it darted back into the houseplants, fell out and down behind a book case. Silence.. utter silence... we got down and peered in from either side. There it lay, on it's back, little feet in the air, stone cold dead. Talk about feeling guilty! Now the policy is, window closed, or opened just a few inches, when we aren't in the room. Open further when we are in the room watching the birds, but as soon as the Coal Tits arrive we close the window again. We're taking no more chances.
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Cheers, Finny

I was sorry to read about the accident. Your 'new policy' sounds like a good one. I also want to add that these photos don't do justice to what Finny sends. Because of size limits on the blog, I have to make them smaller. But when she sends them they fill up my screen (and as a combo Mother's day/birthday I got a new flat panel widescreen!). They are absolutely gorgeous!

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

THE DANDELION GETS MY VOTE!

2007-05-19T09:14:00.000-07:00

First attempt at a dandelion (I like it.)

Male House Finch playing peek

Real Gold!

Juvey cardinal flexing his new crest

Real Red!

Defensive stance against grackle

"That's one for you, and one-two for me!"

Images/captions courtesy of DaveKay

My fav in this bunch...the dandelion. Or maybe the Jay and Grackle. Hard to pick just one! LOL

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

GREAT TITS ARRIVE !

2007-05-17T18:51:00.000-07:00

I finally found the right combination of foods to attract the Great Tit to the feeders. I think that seeing the Blue Tits and Robins coming and going has also made it less skittish. It sat here this morning 'pigging out' on the nestling food mix, refusing to budge even when one of the Blues landed next to it.

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As you can see, it is another very pretty little bird. At 14 cm (5 1/2 inches) it's larger than the Blue Tit which is 11-12 cm (4 1/2 inches)... and the same size as a Robin .. English Robin, that is.

I've heard this is a good place to do breakfast....

Fancy that, they chop the peanuts up for you...

... and I like the view, too...

.. but the other customers, that Blue Tit in particular, are a bit pushy !

Cheers,

Finny

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

MEET RED

2007-05-17T18:40:00.000-07:00

Her name is “Red”, she appeared in Central Park a little over a year ago, and her arrival is a mystery because there’s never been a red squirrel in Central Park before her!

I know two women who are her ‘nannies’ and bring nuts and cups of water daily, to make sure she gets along OK [like she couldn't take care of herself ;o)]. Apparently she has lots of fans who visit again and again and bring treats.

Cheers,

Eleanor

Image courtesy of Eleanor

So peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

MORE FROM ELEANOR

2007-05-17T18:28:00.000-07:00

My backyard is basically Central Park in NYC — and what a wonderful ‘backyard’ I have!

Here’s a shot of a raccoon mommy and her two kits that hopefully you’ll enjoy.

Cheers,

Eleanor

Image courtesy of Eleanor

Thanks Eleanor. I look forward to many views of Central Park.

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

WELCOME ELEANOR ! ! !

2007-05-13T15:57:00.000-07:00

Image courtesy of Eleanor
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Please join me in Welcoming the newest member of Team Backyard ~ Eleanor. Good to have you on the team. She sent this photo of a Catbird in Central Park. And judging by the looks of this I think we may see more good photos from her.

Thanks Eleanor
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So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

YARDERS FOR 5/13/07

2007-05-13T14:06:00.000-07:00

Here's Heather ! !

Big Blue

DaveKay called this one PUNKDUCK

The shot of the duck makes it look like he's got a Mohawk! ~ DaveKay

Young Cardinal

Chilled

Bedraggled

Chuckie

Images courtesy of DaveKay

BTW DaveKay, don't worry about size. I've handled everything so far no matter the size. Keep the detail ! ! ! !

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

FROM FINNY

2007-05-12T12:11:00.000-07:00

Well, the Blue Tit finally decided to land on the window box, instead of the window feeders. That meant I could get a few relatively decent shots without the interference of glass. She also was not so skittish and stayed put for a while gobbling up live mealworms and peanut bits. I feed live mealworms as they are more nutritional than dried and better for the babies because of their moisture content. In addition, I buy a special 'fledgling mix' that has small pieces of peanut, dried mini mealworms and an assortment of small seeds. I'm fairly certain this bird IS a she because of the subdued colors. The only difference between the sexes is that the male has brighter colors. She is also looking a bit disheveled; Blue Tits have been known to lay up to 18 eggs in a single clutch... though 7 - 8 is the norm. Either way you look at it, the parents have a lot of mouths to feed. They soon look like parents everywhere these days... harried and frayed around the edges... lol

Are you looking at me? I said... are you looking at me?

She has to find the largest of the 'small peanut bits'

And of course there are still my robins... I just love these cheeky little things. They make exceptional subjects to photograph as they are relatively unafraid of people.

I see you in there...

Oh.. is that a mealworm down there?

Last but not least... the other day I glanced out the front window and spotted this Wood Pigeon in a tree on the other side of The High Street. It was having a feast on the flower buds and young blossoms. I'm still trying to identify the tree... I've got it narrowed down to either a locust, ash or rowan... back to the internet for research. I knew the trees in my woods in Pennsylvania .. they were like old friends... a whole new ball game here in the UK, lol

Why are the best ones always so high up?

Cheers, Finny

Finny always send lovely treats. Thanks Finny

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

NEW ADDITIONS AT DAVEKAY'S

2007-05-09T17:38:00.000-07:00

The week has started out well for me -- the weather has finally come around to where it's halfway decent outside! We're starting to see lots of little ones running around!
Besides the ducklings, we have some brand new cardinals (shot of one attached), a baby groundhog, and a baby black squirrel! All I need now is some hummers! I've got my fingers crossed! Even bought a new feeder!

The first two shots are of the new baby black squirrel, named Heather by the next door neighbors' little girl.

The next shot is Heather's mom/dad eating a donut..

Next is the baby cardinal,

cool drink,

big Jay,

lil Goldie

And that's it, folks!

Images courtesy of DaveKay

Thanks. And I hope we get to see more of all those little ones you mentioned.

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT

2007-05-06T17:22:00.000-07:00

Was out fishing yesterday and took a photo of a pair of Canada Geese that I am really pleased with... not really a "backyard" photo, but if you'd like to see it, it's on Flickr at this address:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/finland_in_eton/

Feel free to look at any of the others posted there... some of them I've sent to you for "backyard"... You can scroll down through the images on this initial page, they are displayed in the order they were posted, newest to oldest, or you can click on one of the "sets" (albums) on the right side to see them separated by category. You can click on any image to see it full size, and you can also click the "slideshow" option if you want to see them that way.

Cheers, Finny...

BABY TIME

2007-05-06T10:23:00.000-07:00

So cute! I'm going to let these first few speak for themselves

Everyone showed up

Time to go

Images courtesy of DaveKay

These are great DaveKay. Lucky you to see them first hand.

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

TRY THIS AGAIN ~ SPRING HAS SPRUNG

2007-05-06T08:29:00.000-07:00

"Look who showed up in my backyard just a few
minutes ago (4/27 late afternoon) with her new "family". I was lucky enough to get some shots because I didn't notice them until they were heading out of the yard"! Hopefully they'll be back! I'm puttin' out lots more cracked corn from now on ! Got a few other shots that were on the list already. Enjoy! I know I am!" DaveKay

Now children, there is always lots of good eats at this place. Remember that.

Now this is a good place to get a drink.

One of my fav flowers! I wait for these every spring. Got 4 of them myself.

I can smell them (well almost anyway). Planted a yellow Lilac around 4 years ago and am still waiting for it to bloom. It was just a single stick way back then. Hopefully the late snow we got here hasn't prevented it from blooming this year (if it's going to). I just wish the flowers would stay around longer. Guess Spring has come a bit sooner for DaveKay then at my house in the Midwest. But that's OK. I'll just enjoy his and them get to enjoy mine when it gets here. Stretch it out a bit. LOL

Images courtesy of DaveKay

Hope these stay. So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

HERE IS THE RED X PICTURE

2007-04-29T07:23:00.000-07:00

Don't know why it does that sometimes. Usually you can right click and say 'show picture' but sometimes they just won't show ! Thanks Mothernature for the heads up.

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

SOME MORE BIRDS

2007-04-24T18:50:00.000-07:00

My feeder has attracted yet another species... I'm up to a whopping four... count them, four... sigh.... ROFL... not to worry, I am happy with those four species... they are a real treat. Unfortunately, my newest visitors, who are very skittish and elusive, are a pair of ... don't laugh... I didn't make up the name... Great Tits. They flee at even the hint of a motion from inside the house... so taking their picture is difficult, to say the least. To date, this is the best I've been able to manage and it is not very good. I WILL keep trying, though.

The little robins, on the other hand, could not care less about what's going on in the house. Just yesterday I was standing at the window checking to see if I needed to refill the mealworm feeder when the robin landed on the window box, no more than a foot from me. I do think it was a bit startled; it stood there looking up at me, or in at me, while I literally held my breath. After a moment or two it decided that I was ok... had a peck around and then flew off.

The life of an urban bird is full of so many choices... sigh... this little robin has had a dig around in the window box for escaped mealworms and now is looking up at the window feeder... 'Should I go up there, or not?... Maybe I should stay here and have some suet cake... oh dear... decisions, decisions !'

Hope you enjoy the photos as much as I enjoy taking them... I envy Davekay the vast variety of birds he has coming to his feeders...

Cheers, Finny

Don't know if I can speak for anyone else, but I enjoy them. While you may not have the vast variety (yet) you have birds those of us in the States don't get to see here. And I think DaveKay has the magic touch when it comes to attracting birds because I surely don't get that many kinds around my house!

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

SPRINGTIME VARIETY

2007-04-24T17:49:00.000-07:00

Looks like Spring may finally be here to stay this time. Robins are getting fatter!

All the color has come in for the Goldfinch

Ducks have paired up too.

Now this is up close and personal. Maybe even life size!

OK, maybe a bit bigger the life size here! LOL

Now this is one good lookin picture...

closer view.

The eye color on this one really jump at me. Like it's actually looking right at me.

Images courtesy of DaveKay

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

ROBINS

2007-04-21T08:40:00.000-07:00

Finally have the robins coming regularly to the feeder. There is a pair, male and female, though I cannot tell them apart unless they are together, lol, and even then I have to rely on their behavior to tell which is which. The reason I know they are a pair is that, with the European Robin, during the breeding season the female engages in 'begging' food from the male when she is most fertile. It looks exactly like the 'begging' that fledglings do just after they leave the nest. You've all seen it, mouth open, wings half spread and shaking. She also makes a distinctive call to attract him. Being territorial the male feeds the female; from what I've read it's literally to shut her up so that other males will not be attracted and attempt to breed her. That being said, lone males apparently 'eavesdrop' at the edge of other, mated, males territories, listening to determine where the female might be. If she's near the edge of the territory or if the resident male isn't around he might try his luck, lol.

These really are bold little birds. Since the weather has turned unseasonably warm I've had the window where the feeders are wide open. A few days ago as I sat here at the pc I kept hearing soft noises from the living room, behind me. Finally I got up to have a look, thinking there might be somebody at the feeder. What I found was a robin having a gay old time investigating the living room, flitting casually from one large house plant to another or perching on the banister railing. I called Steve and we watched him/her for a few more minutes and then went in and herded it back towards the open window. It went out without a fuss leaving me to clean up it's numerous 'calling cards' which were liberally scattered and splattered all over.

They are wee little birds... about 5 1/2 inches long from beak tip to tail tip, and not a whole lot to them, as you can see.

Cheers, Finny

Images courtesy of Finny

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

SPRING COLOR

2007-04-14T13:14:00.000-07:00

We are preparing for what they say might be the worst "nor'easter" to hit these parts in 40 years. Just gonna wait it out. We have plenty of bread and batteries to make it through, so I'm just gonna sit by the window with my camera. ~ DaveKay

DaveKay also told me that the weather is making it hard to get any snaps from his backyard.

Looks like there are some brave souls around though.

Perfect 5

Little House Finch

I like all those spots of bright yellow. At this time of year any color is good but yellow just brightens things up!

Images courtesy of DaveKay

Hope the weather clears up for you soon DaveKay. Thanks for sharing

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

A COUPLE MORE BIRDS

2007-04-11T18:21:00.000-07:00

A couple of more birds, a Collared Dove, seen up in Lincolnshire at my Mum-in-Law's. He/she looked funny in this photo, strutting its stuff like a drum major.

And today a first at my poor window box, which looks a mess with last year's crop of parsley drooping out of it. I haven't removed it as the birds seem to like the bit of 'green cover' that it provides. I'm debating whether to try planting anything new this year as the bird seed is sprouting up... I've now got grass in my window box... hmmmm... Oh yes, the 'first' that I mentioned... I've finally attracted a Robin. Of course I was playing with the camera settings and didn't get the best possible exposure, but thought I would share it anyway, they are such cute, cheeky little birds.

This one isn't really in my back yard, but it is a photo I am very chuffed to have taken. Was strolling in the college fields (so it is sort of my backyard, lol, by a stretch of the imagination), near the cricket pitch, and spotted this Grey Heron. The pond, which is almost as old as the college, (I've seen it on old maps dating back quite a few centuries) is about three feet below ground level; so, I had to sneak up on the heron, keeping a tree between myself and the bird until I was close enough. Holding the camera above my head and around the side of the tree I snapped off a few shots. Was pleased with the results. Just wish I was taller so that I could have avoided the foreground blurring of the near side of the pond bank.

Images courtesy of Finny

I wish my photos looked like this when they didn't turn out! LOL Finny, you take better bad photos then I've ever taken good. Your robins are a bit different then what we're used to here in the States. I've never seen ones like that. Very pretty little things. And the Heron is awesome. Thanks for sharing.

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??

SCENCES FROM DAVEKAY'S YARD

2007-04-11T17:09:00.000-07:00

Hello there. How are all of you today?

Like the hint of color? Very flattering if you ask me.

Closeup of a chipping sparrow, with a rust-colored crest and brown wings.

Bright spot of sun. Looks like this fellow has his summer clothes on.

Just your basic black and white here.

And with a bit of DaveKay's special touch...

a close up!

Well nothing basic about the coloring here. This is a true red if I've ever saw one.

Up close and personal.

Images courtesy of DaveKay

So take a peek out your window and see WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD ??