Sunday Squirrel Saga - Annie vs Squirrel

The only bird watching today is out the patio doors.

Northern Mockingbird

With the wind riffing through I just couldn't bring myself to sit on the patio despite the glorious sunshine 

It is one of those times when your are thrilled to have snow cover for your garden. It has been incredibly cold here for some time. I think Ole Man Winter is making up for the past couple of warm winters. 

Mourning Dove

The poor birds have it rough. They can't get to what little seed/feed is under the snow. 

Blue Jay

In our garden they have to contend with the grey squirrels. This morning we had 10 squirrels at our feeders. I guess they have to make a living too but 10 seems to be a few squirrels too many. Annie on the other hand thinks this is a perfect time to see if any of the squirrels want to play.

How disappointing. I came out to play and the squirrels took off. As did most of the birds despite the fact I don't chase birds.

I guess I will just lay down for a bit to see if anyone comes back. 

Hmmmm, is someone up there?

Not up there but I think i know where one might be.

Yes! Helllloooo up there. 

Would you pleeeese come down to play. I won't hurt you...on purpose. 

Do you think I am crazy?

Pleeeeese, I promise to be gentle.

Nope. I am going to ignore you until you go away. 

Well, I am not going anyplace soon. I will just wait until you decide to join me down here.

Wait....what was that?  Oh Mom called me. See ya later.

Such is the saga that plays out in our garden over and over. You can see why I can't much to grow under this tree. Around and around they go. 

Annie is difficult to get a picture of in the garden. She blends in with everything but with the snow cover it made it easier to take her picture, from afar. She also doesn't like her picture taken so I have to be sneaky. 

On that note I will leave you with a bowl of sunshine on this cold Sunday morning.

Lemons from our Lemon tree. I hope you all are safe and warm.

*No squirrels were harmed during this saga.

The Big Splash

The Gray Catbirds continue to entertain me this summer. Now that it has become so infernally hot the water feature is a great draw. You will have to pardon my photos as I took them through the patio doors. The water feature is just across the patio from the doors and the birds don't like it if I even open the door let alone sit on the patio to photograph them. Catbirds are very wary.

Ahh yes this water seems about right.

A good splash and she feels like she can go on sitting. I do believe they have a second nest going. I haven't found it as yet. 

A good splash makes her feel better. 

Why do I think it is "her" since you can't look at them and tell the difference?  "He" is not too far away. Ever watchful. Escorting her to and from a certain direction where I think the new nest is situated. 

He even watches as she has a bite of blackberry jelly before they depart. He doesn't dine while she is out and about. He is ever vigilant, his job is to protect her.

Of course the Catbirds aren't the only ones partaking in the cooling bath. The Robins take turns making the big splash. After a couple of them bathe I have to go out and add water. After all you can't have the water too deep because you don't want your birds to accidently drown.

Robins are the Masters of the bath. They don't like to share while bathing. All others await their finish before diving in. This male House Sparrow is patiently awaiting the Robin's permission to go ahead.

The House Finches are way back on the pecking order. They have to await some time before they can move in for a cooling bath.

 

Or they can do as some of the more shy birds, such as the Cardinals, and use a different bird bath. 

Are your bird baths quite busy in the bird bath this time of year?