New Kids on the Block

They are sold as Quail Blocks but I sometimes wonder why the quail don't register a complaint under the Trades Description Act. The Mourning Doves enjoy eating it


And it is unusual not to see the Antelope Squirrels grabbing a snack from it


The Thrasher chisels away at it with that fearsome beak


And the Round-tailed Ground Squirrel just can't get enough of it.


And the new kids on the block? Well that would be the Rabbits who have recently discovered this yummy delicacy!



Just occasionally the poor old Quails get to dine at the Quail Block, or should that be the Dove, Squirrel, Thrasher, Ground Squirrel, Rabbit, Quail Block?! What a good job the Quail are prepared to share.


Nature Notes hosted by Michelle at Rambling Woods.

The Watering Hole

In the desert can there be anything more important than a water source? Probably not. When we bought our house one of our first tasks was dismantling a rather unattractive fountain in our backyard, part of which I re-purposed as a bird bath.


It didn't take long for word to get out that there was a new bar in the neighbourhood and for all the local 'chicks' to start hanging out there! I think the Cactus Wren would be a punk rocker :)


Then there is a bit of local colour provided by the finches


An occasional visit from the impeccably groomed but rather shy White-crowned Sparrow


But you better keep on the right side of the local bouncer, he makes sure that no ones behaviour gets too rowdy!