More Fruit-eating critters

When I posted the last post I had not yet come across these
shots of my Baltimore Orioles. I took this right out
the kitchen window where I offered the oranges on the
Shepherd's hook. That way I could get close up.

With its brilliant orange and black plumage,
the Baltimore Oriole's arrival is
eagerly awaited by birders each spring migration.
In PA I start looking the end of February and put out
nesting materials, like short lengths of yarn on
my shrubs, and pieces of string.

In April I start with the Oranges. Don't get discouraged-
it took me several years to get one to the feeder and last
year I only had one or two. But I continue to try every
year because it is worth it when you see that flash of
bright orange you know... heaven at last!

And their song.... How beautiful. I usually hear them before
I ever see one and I know they are back.
listen to their song
I can never mistake that loud melodious call.

Another very popular fruit for critters is mulberries
A chipmunk feasts on some at a tree I found in my travels

A Red Squirrel finds them quite tasty too

And, as much as I love to see Cedar Waxwings, I very seldom
do... except here at the mulberry tree. I couldn't get close
enough to get good shots, but at least I got a couple.

And my favorite backyard bird... he is also here looking
for a tasty treat. The Red-bellied Woodpecker

All of these pictures were taken in June of 07, with a
Sony DSC H2 without a tele-lens.

To God be The Glory ~~ Great Things He Hath Done

The Love of My Backyard!

Why is it when you want to stay home, you have stuff that
makes you leave? That's how I felt this week end.
There just isn't anything better than hearing or
seeing a bird return to your backyard after the long winter.
Last night I played the Oriole song out the window hoping
to see one, but no luck.
When I got up early this morning I looked out and there
was one on my feeder looking at grapes. It flew but I hastily
grabbed the camera and searched for it in the tree.

The first and second shot were just to prove to myself it
was in deed a Baltimore Oriole.... OK, yes it is.

Then it hopped to another branch and I was able to
validate it further. The bright orange breast and black head
is the give-away.

I have plans to go out for dinner today, and I don't wanna go!
While I was in the yard I could hear two more Orioles singing!

The Rose-breasted Grosbeak came to the feeder.
Then I noticed an immature on the feeder in front of the lilacs.
You can tell by the brown in the wing feathers and his breast
patch wouldn't be solid red yet.

Soon a Catbird came to the same feeder to inspect the oranges
left there for the Orioles.

They love Oranges too. Proof as you can see by the hunk it
tore off.

These birds are so sleek and pretty.

Then I spotted the first Male Hummingbird at the sugar water.

And I was really bumming out because I had not seen
the Mockingbird (a cousin of the catbird) at my feeders
this year. Well, I looked out again and there
he was!! I had heard them singing but could not spot him
in the tippy top of the trees where they love to sit and serenade
borrowing from every other bird's song.

They love grapes as well.

hi! I see you too!

Click to see his detail. The eye looks wild.
A Red-bellied Woodpecker came to the other side of the
feeder and peeks around to see with whom he's sharing his perch!

Gosh! He's a beauty close up.

Seeing the world and with it, falling in love,
Is seeing the creation and what God is capable of.
Unknown

I'm sorry I posted so many pictures, but I just had to share......

To God be the Glory!
What magnificent creatures he hath made.