ROCKY'S BACCCCCK

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 ??