On a Date

This pair of House Finches looked so sweet as they shared a drink at the bird bath. I did wonder what was being said............

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We recently purchased a sweet little owl seed block. It was almost too cute to feed out but I am glad I did as the birds really love it.

Open to All

I recently bought a hanging birdbath which I placed near some of my seed feeders outside my kitchen window. I wasn't sure if the birds would take to it but it seemed to meet with their approval rather quickly and has now become the avian equivalent of the water cooler.

One morning I looked out to see the birdbath was a lot fuller than usual but considerably less crowded..................

Serenity

A while back I promised the House Finches that I would try to include them in this blog a little more. They are such a ubiquitous part of our everyday scenery that they tend to get overlooked. They are far too pretty to be glossed over, don't you think?

Pretty in Pink

There are many birds who are such regular visitors that they tend to get overlooked. In my yard, the top of this list would have to be the House Finches. They are a constant presence and their sweet little chatter as they squabble over the feeders lets me know I am home. And yet they rarely appear on this blog but as you can see from this photo, it is not because they are not photogenic. So my appologies House Finches, I promise to try to do better.

The Watchers

These two House Finches were perched up high in the early dawn light, waiting for the sun to rise and warm them to provide some energy to begin their day.

Perfect Blue

Chilly mornings and clear blue skies, what could be better? This little House Finch was perched atop the big old saguaro in our backyard to welcome the new day. How do they manage to balance on all those spines I wonder!

Delicious!

I have had prickly pear fruit ice, candy, liquor, relish and numerous other forms and have enjoyed them all so I can totally understand why all the creatures around my yard enjoy feasting on these beautiful fruit. In fact I love seeing these voluptuous, colourful fruits so I never pick them, preferring to watch the wildlife enjoy the juicy treat.

At this time of year there are a lot of animals going around with pink, sticky faces! I try to ensure that the various bird baths are kept full and fresh so that they can clean themselves up when they have finished their feast.
The House Finches just can't seem to get enough.................

The Antelope Squirrel climbs carefully around the spines and teeters precariously on the edge of the cactus pad to get to the sweet fruit.

And ends up wearing juice and fruit on face and feet!

The Thrasher with its huge curved beak really digs into the fruit and definitely ends up with a pink flush.

Umm, it tastes so good!

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!

Business is Brisk

At the feeders this morning

House Finches on High.

Looking down from their vantage point atop the Saguaro

But

He's not the only one!

Breakfast time

The House Finch loves the nyjer seed.