After a
wind
storm, this falcon spent the morning in our backyard.
***
Last fall, we were surprised to see a number of Rufous
Hummingbirds at our feeders. Rufous hummingbirds migrate from South
America to Alaska (we are located in Southern California) so we assumed
they were
headed south for the winter. Sadly, a few weeks later, we found a
deceased one at the edge of the neighbor's driveway. There was no sign
of trauma or obvious
cause of death. Rufous hummingbirds are rust-colored
with iridescent, blazing-orange throat feathers.
***
Rufous in a Grapefruit Tree
Not from the 12 Days of Christmas,
yet this is a perfect perch for a hummer,
complete with bugs and spider appetizers!
***
We have a couple of very small ponds in our backyard containing
aquatic plants, (feeder) goldfish, and mosquito fish. (Water attracts
birds!)
Two summers ago some of our larger goldfish disappeared
without a trace from a virtually undisturbed "crime" scene.
This White Heron swallowed the remaining two goldfish last month.
I watched him lift from the pond to the fence, pose for pictures
on my neighbor's roof, circle overhead, and head north.
I miss my fish, but it was quite a sight to see!
***
Doves frequent our backyard (usually in pairs).
They are wary and spook easily, but this one explored
the yard while the 'other half' watched from the roof.
***
Don't Forget!
11th
Annual Kern River Valley
Hummingbird
Celebration
August 1, 2009
http://kern.audubon.org/hummer_fest.htm
Migrate to
Hummingbird
Happiness
Blogspot
