Birds, Bees, Chippie

My contribution to Michelle's Nature Notes (#365).

The birds are cautious around Chippy, even the Cardinals (who otherwise can be pretty territorial about the seeds).

Bee seeing you again soon!


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Gotta Fly!

My contribution to Eileeninmd's Saturday's Critters #128. I know I've been featuring Chippie a lot, but...so photogenic!


Theda and I visited the ducks at Broad Branch yesterday:


I'm also contributing to Anni's I'd Rather B Birdin'. Here's some of the platter birds from the yard:



nice to see you, gotta fly!

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Shopping (Not) + Fence Critter

Carmi's Thematic Photographic 370 is Shopping. This is a Safeway I used to go to in Ashburn, Va. I was in for surprise on my last visit!


Here's another picture from Ashburn in April that I forget to use: Hi, Rory!

I'm also contributing to TexWiscGirl's Good Fences #114. Theda used to live in a house with a cat, so she likes them. But the interest is not often mutual.

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Rainy Day Iris

My contribution to Michelle's Nature Notes (#364).
In real life, I remember this rainy day Iris being shockingly purple. The picture looks more bluish purple.

Here's what's been going on in the backyard:



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It's Called A Horse Trail

My contribution to Eileeninmd's Saturday's Critters #127.


This little sparrow was so intent on its bath, it didn't care much about Theda and I walking by:

A rose from the neighborhood:

My sister's Clematis:

It's been a while since Theda made an appearance. Here she is!

That was a rare day of sunshine in D.C. The rain played havoc with the flower-laden azaleas, and even got the rhododendrons down. But one big old shrub is happy as a duck: The magical mystery birdie bush, aka the Streambank Mock Orange (Philadelphus hirsutus):

P.S. Anni at I'd Rather B' Birdin' mentioned that the Sweet Mock Orange (Philadelphus-coronarius) has flowers with a very intense smell. This isn't the case with the Streambank. Here's an apple core that a chipmunk started running off with. Chippie heard me open the window to take a picture and scampered off, leaving a Catbird to swoop in for some lunch.

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Peony For Your Thoughts?

My contribution to Michelle's Nature Notes (#363).


I was doing some (much-needed) weeding in the backyard when Mr. or Mrs. Robin decided to help.

I'm also contributing to TexWiscGirl's Good Fences #113. Here's a common grackle, sitting pretty.

And a horse pasture full of buttercups:

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Tiny Chipmunk and more Birdie Porch Party

My contribution to Eileeninmd's Saturday's Critters #126.



I'm also linking to Anni's I'd Rather B' Birdin'. Here are a few more pictures of the birdie party on the porch.



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Fences plus Birdie Survey

My contribution to TexWiscGirl's Good Fences #112.


I'm also contributing to Michelle's Nature Notes (#362).

Survey SAYS! Suet #1, Seeds #2, Beer #3. (Probably true even if I had opened the Yuengling.)

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Magical Mystery Birdie Bush Revealed

My contribution to Eileeninmd's Saturday's Critters #125.
If this isn't a Streambank Mock Orange (Philadelphus hirsutus), I'm a monkey's uncle!


Here's a picture from January when I first started wondering about the birdie bush. (The male cardinals were much more willing to hang out together back then...now they're very territorial.)

In March with the snow on:

I'm also contributing to Anni's I'd Rather B Birdin'. Here are some of the usual suspects next to the Streambank Mock Orange:

Tulips are almost all done around here, but Irises are coming out. Happy Mothers Day!


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