Mid-month

The painter did not make much progress painting my house!

I'm hoping that she shows up tomorrow and is able to work for a couple of hours.

Mid-Month is a good time to review.

I was awash in Orange-crowned Warblers the first half of July.

Have the birds eating suet was a first for me.

I also had them hanging out in the hazelbrush...

...and this dead young Big Leaf Maple that makes up the hedgerow.

I also had another first.

Got to watch an adult OC Warbler feed a fledgling.

The OC Warblers are quietly colored. 

They don't shout out their presence.  

But they were around often enough that I was able to get several good photos.

What's up with other birds?

Well here's a handsome California Scrub Jay.

And here's a really homily young fledgling.  He looks bald doesn't he?

Sunday's Hummers

Here they are...

Male Anna's with pollen on bill. 

Female Rufous from the left side...

...and the right side.

A couple of Anna's visiting.

Female / young Anna's.

Anna's female.

A nice series of photos of  male Anna's.

It's all about how the light hits the feathers.

See?

He looks like a knight going into battle.

Ready to take on anyone.

My agastaches are popular - female Rufous.

My last sighting of my male Rufous was on July 1st - that's the earliest I've ever had one take off for their southern migration.  

Saturday's Critters

Not many critters this week.

But when you leave your doors open to let in the cool air, you may find that a lizard is hanging out on your cat tower! I think this is a Western Fence Lizard. Call me Crocodile Dundee! With the aid of a big plastic Folgers can, I got it back outside.

Chipper drinking.

Chipper snacking.

Chipper burying seed in one of my pots.

Young fawn.

Tail end of our 4th of July Bob-cat!

Working on a Birdhouse

I'm rather late constructing a birdhouse when most of the birds here have nested and raised their young.

The Bushtits have raised their babies and are now back at the feeders eating suet.

I saw a male Western Tanager for four days running and this was the best photo I was able to take.

Speaking of fledglings.  Look at this Violet-green Swallow puffball.

Notice how long and sleek the adult female is in comparison.

Here's another set of parent and child.

They are great fliers already - just need to grow into their feathers.

The Lesser Goldfinches are a source of amusement.

Poor Papa bird is overwhelmed with the demands of his two kids. 

Successful food transfer!

Lots of fluttering.

Feeding #1.

Feeding #2.

More!  more!  More!

Bee Hive and Baby Quail

Design - "Sewing Bees" - Pin Cushion

Designer - Schoolroom Samplings

FaAbric - 28 count natural linen

Fibers - DMC & Needle Necessities - 2 strands over 2 threads

Started - 24 June 2012

Completed - 25 June 2012

The bees are buzzing and there are young birds everywhere.

Our sign is up at the foot of the driveway.

There are at least three families.

This is the largest group - 18 chicks!

They've had a rough start as this adult male has sole responsibility for all the babies.  No sign of a female.

They also hatched the earliest and are far bigger than the other clutches.

They are already good fliers.

For size comparison, here's another family.

These tiny chicks still have their newborn striped feather pattern.  

Be safe out there!