Fall Colors

Pictures are pretty self-explanatory.  I'm still trying to distinguish between the different types of hawks. 

Pictures from the Beginning of Fall

Fall was definitely on it's way when I took these shots.

The next 3 shots are of the same area....just different distances.  If you're like me, sometimes to need to see the color up close.

A Mix of Critters, Flowers and Pretty Ladies in Hats

Trying to get a picture of this butterfly/moth with it's wings open was impossible.  We tried many times, but our timing was off each and every time.  Open wings....snap the picture...oops wings closed!  We finally just gave up.

Pretty little flowers.

A couple of little froggies by the edge of the water.

Close up of the little froggies.

Love those woodpeckers!

More pretty ladies in pretty hats.

Simple Beauty & Pleasant Surprises

The following pictures are just shots I've taken of simple things on the trail.  Beauty without fanfare.

A pleasant surprise I found as I climbed some steps along the trail.  Someone left these behind for all to see.  I left them behind for the next hiker of the day.

Love the different "hats" on these next group of "ladies". 

A beautiful stand of trees.

Back From a Mini Break

Sometimes I just need to take a mini break away from my blog.  You know, sometimes you just have to clean up the kitchen, take out the garbage etc.  It does tend to pile up!

 

I sure am missing these beautiful sunny days full of color and fresh air!

 Not exactly sure what this is, but it has a butterfly medallion on the roof.  So, I'm assuming it's some type of butterfly house.  Any ideas?

An Icy Winter Day

I was so busy trying to get things done on this icy winter day, I didn't even think about taking pictures until late in the day.  I knew I wouldn't be out hiking so my camera was the last thing on my mind.  However, here are a few pictures of my poor little backyard birds who were fighting over the seed and suet.  Even the grass was covered with ice, so it was difficult for them to find seed.


In the afternoon I "ice walked" over the patio to refill the thistle feeders as more goldfinch appeared to feast on the thistle.

Carolina Chickadee

 

"Brrrrrr.  We are cold!"  Mourning Doves

My sweet Carolina Wren

 Carolina Wren and Downy Woodpecker.

 Bright Northern Cardinal on this icy winter day.

 Carolina Wren looking for seed on the frozen ground.

 Tufted Titmouse.  Isn't he sweet?

 Northern Cardinal framed in ice.

 House Sparrows, Mourning Dove and Northern Cardinal.

 So striking!

Feederwatch Bird Pictures Part III

This is the last of my Feederwatch pictures taken last weekend.  I hope to take more this weekend.

Here is a Sparrow, Carolina Wren and House Finch.

I've posted this picture before, but have re-cropped it, so you can see the pretty markings on this Song Sparrow.

A beautiful Blue Jay.

Northern Cardinal.  When everything else around is all brown and dead looking a male Cardinal is so striking!

Some birds are really hard to get good shots of because they dart around so quickly.  I was lucky to get a shot of this Carolina Chickadee.

This picture is a bit blurry, but I was able to catch both the Carolina Chickadee and a Tufted Titmouse.  I really like these two birds and neither one sits still very long.