Unusual Birds

Design - "R is for Rabbit" 

Designer - The Prairie Schooler

Fabric - 32 count Lambswool linen

Fibers - DMC

Started - 19 May 2009

Completed - 9 June 2009

Framed - August 2011

While Red-winged Blackbirds are common for some folks, I don't see them often.

I had a couple of females come by.

And also a male.

As males are wont to do, he was showing off.

Lastly I managed one good photo of an Orange-crowned Warbler.

Green and Yellow

 Design - "Random Thoughts of Spring"

Designer - Erica Michaels

Fabric - 40 count Vintage Magnolia Lakeside linen

Fibers - WDW Scuppernong - 1 strand over 2 threads

Started - 12 May 2012

Completed - 30 June 2012

.  

I think it is well done.

The backyard is becoming green and yellow.

The number of American Goldfinches continues to increase.

And I had a second sighting of Evening Grosbeaks.

This time a group of about five. 

The ales continue the yelow theme.

Bright and bold.

Females sport quieter colors.

Bold, straight-on stare!

Stern side profile.

Wednesday's Walk

It's a lovely day!

Everything is fresh and green.

All different shades of green.

Ad blooming too!

This is our native flowering currant.

The Big Leaf Maples are in bloom.

And there are English Daisies.

Everywhere!

And I cannot overlook the Iris tenax.

So many different shades of purple, violet, and lavender.

They are what makes late April / early May special around here.

I hope you enjoyed today's walk.

Courting Time

 Design - "A Little Easter" (kit)

Designer - Lizzie Kate

Fabric - 32 count white linen

Fibers - GAST & WDW -2 strands over 2 threads

Started - 31 March 2013

Completed - April 2013

On days with good weather, the Violet-Green Swallows continue to attend Open Houses.

This is a female.

And this is a male.

I've heard Tree Swallows, but no photos.  Friday evening I heard and saw a group of four Barn Swallows - my first sighting this spring.

The male Flickers are showing off courting up a storm.

I'm not sure the females are all that impressed.

I continue to see three or more Acorn Woodpeckers.

This is the male - he has blue eyes denoting that he is a young bird.

The female has pinky-red eyes - the sign of a mature bird.

See?

I don't know the sexes of the 'extra' birds as these two continue to run them off.

Little Guys

 

Design - "Eastertide Sampler"

Designer - Brightneedle

Fabric - 32 cnt R & R Dark Cappuccino

Fibers - DMC - 2 strands over 2 threads

After featuring this little stitch, here are some little birds.

More and more American Goldfinches are slowly gathering.

As of Saturday, I'd counted a group of 14.

They are singing and brightening up the backyard.

There are still several Lesser Goldfinches.  They've been reliable all winter long.

Most of the White-crowned Sparrows have left, continuing on their northern migration.  I have continued to see a White-throated Sparrow.

And let's not forget one of my favorite Little Guys.

A Black-capped Chickadee.

Finally a Female

 Finally, I saw a female! 

I haven't seen a female hummer in over a week.

So I was happy to see this one.

And have a second sighting.

This is a female Anna's.

It remains strange that I have not seen any Rufous Hummingbirds male, or female.

Saturday's Critters - Worth the Wait

 

There are chipmunks everywhere.

I've counted as many as 11!

Tough to get mad at them as they are so cute.

Right?

Let's not forget the Gray Squirrels.

Here are four of 'em.

I set out treats for the birds.

I guess there's enough for everyone.

But the exciting Critter Encounter was on Tuesday morning around 9:00am.

While I was sitting on the back patio watching birds...

Bob the Cat came by! See the quail to the left of his hind legs?

There were quail everywhere and they were most upset as you might expect.

But this guy was not hunting, he was on a mission.

All the quail nonetheless made for higher ground and safety.

They dodged a bullet!