Day 141 - 21st May 2013 - Birds and WIldflowers

Back to work this morning, looks like a chance of rain today. I'm a little annoyed - weather was giving a few fine days now it's all rain  - ugh! Lots to do, student interviews this morning, then will have to catch up on work, etc this afternoon. At least it feels nice and mild, temperature is +8.5 being better than the last few mornings.
Monday was a wet, cold miserable day for the end of the long weekend. I know it gave me a chance to do inside stuff but I would really have preferred to be outside under the apple trees spying on birds. We did get a little break after lunch and Lexi and I made a dash around the hood with the camera - Painted Trillium are now in bloom, it amazes me how quick everything pops open! Exercise class last night - another evening of pain and sweat.

Even during some rainy days the chickadees are faithful for a photoshoot.

 I did spy the Myrtle Warbler in the Apple Trees, could hear some others but too rainy to go out and see. Had to shoot from the kitchen window.

 The Painted Trillium has bloomed, one of my favourite wild flowers.

 Strangling the apple blossoms is my Wisteria  which will soon be in bloom too by the looks this. The flowers are breathtaking - like big bunches of purple grapes hanging down.

 Lilacs are almost open. Mr & Mrs Evening Grosbeak are hanging out here too.

I think it's a female Hairy Woodpecker.

 By tomorrow the Clintonia (also called Bluebeard Lily) should be in full bloom.

The hummingbirds have settled in or at least the males have - defending their territory!

Day 140 - 20th May 2013 - Gone to the Birds!

Guess I've slept in this morning as well. All that fresh air yesterday I thought I'd have slept like a log but was restless during the night, tossing and turning. I'm off but since they are giving rain starting this morning will be mostly an inside day. Will do some baking this morning, have a roast out to cook later for supper. Other than that not sure what kind of trouble Lexi and I will get into.
Another nice day on Sunday, warmer than Saturday and not quite as windy. The wind helps to deter the flies which make me happy when I'm out roaming around looking for birds. Larry and Lexi noticed that the Royal Couple had arrived back home in the morning, unfortunately it appears we have one less baby - the cruel side of nature. Larry spent until early afternoon in the wood pile - cutting, splitting and putting away in the woodshed for next winter. I got a few chores done around the house and went in search of birds, found a Yellow Warbler and a Northern Parula (warbler as well) over near the lake. Later in the afternoon I had them both in our yard...do you think I'm the pied piper of the bird world? No comments on that - and girlfriend you know who you are! Actually I think I'm beginning to get over some of my long time fear of birds or at least I can handle one on one. A drive to Upper Clyde after supper - Larry and Lexi visited with friends and I got to roam on my own. Saw a few birds. When I got home I saw more in the apple trees. It's been a big weekend for my list - had to update it last night.

On their rock, babies are just near the other side of mom out of sight and  dad is in protective mode.

 Northern Parula.

 They were naughty babies, jumped of the rock and had to be scolded, unfortunately we only have four now.

 The Northern Parula arrived in our apple trees later in the day.

 Both a Northern Parula and a Yellow Warbler.

 Yellow Warbler - those apple trees are sure popular.

 A Hawk in Upper Clyde - someone has suggested Broadwing.

 Tree Swallow on the left and Barn Swallow on the right.

 Porcupine - glad Lexi didn't follow me. Although she's almost 5 years old and has steered clear of those she's met.

American Redstart in another of our apple trees.












Coffee time. Enjoy your day!

Day 139 - 19th May 2013 - Tulips, Shags, Ocean scenes and a Myrtle

Another morning of sleeping in ,wow - two morning is a row but in all fairness I did go to bed later both night. Looks like a pretty good morning, no frost that I can see, temperature is +3.1. So some more garden work or wood cutting for Larry I'll putter around out in the yard, late this afternoon we'll maybe take Lexi and go for a drive to Upper Clyde. Hopefully I'll have a little more luck today. The Royal family appear to have moved up the road to another lake, must keep my eye open for them. They might just be showing the kids the neighbourhood or looking for new digs! I hope they paddle back down this way.
We worked hard at home yesterday morning - Larry in the garden, me in the house, although I did take time out for a walk. After lunch we headed to town to do groceries, etc then off for date afternoon. Headed in the Lockeport area looking for birds but not a very successful day, didn't find anything new but we drove a few roads we hadn't been down before and walked some areas new to us. Spent a few minutes walking down the Jordan Trail - nice spot, when you get to the bridge you can look up and down the Jordan River. Stopped to visit my bestie and her husband on the way home and were treated to chicken wings - a little on the hot side but very good.

 Larry saw a BlueJay drinking from the butterfly bath yesterday morning.

 Ladyslipper leaves are up!

 Mallards flying off - they don't do much else.

 Cormorant or Shag as we call them locally in the lake - normally seen around salt water.

 This was looking from the railroad bridge on the Jordan Trail.

 My only wildlife on the trail - a dragonfly.

 From West Head where we crawled through barb wire and got soggy feet from the ground beneath.

 Found these too but I'm not sure what they are - something native to seaside, I would guess.

 Another view from West Head.

A Myrtle Warbler I found on the Lake John Road.




















Enjoy your day!

Day 138 - 18th May 2013 - Ferns, Blossoms and Birds

I've slept in a bit this morning - it's Saturday and looks pretty nice out there, temperature is only +3.3 so I'm thinking on the cool side. Not sure about today, it should involved groceries some time, gardening and roaming the hood.
Friday turned out to be a nice day, sun was warm but the wind was cool. By the time we got home dark clouds had covered the sky and it started to drizzle early in the evening. I took a chance and went for a walk, sobeys bag in my pocket just incase it rained. Made it home just in time. Since my bestie is whining about the lack of grandmother's journal this week, thought I best turn back a page in time and see what was happening.
Friday 18 May 1973 - Early up and to town. Overcast but turned out sunny and warm. Washed a tub [of clothes] and to work. Home early being Friday. Mother up for the weekend. Overcast and showers tonight. Still dipping [kiacks] at the bridge. Lots of flies and plenty of ticks.
Saturday 19 May 1973 - Fine day Bob up early. Planted trees all day. Ivy and Jim over in the afternoon. Mother and I took a walk around sunset. Flies bad all day. Ball games RS beaten 3-1.
Sunday 20 May 1973 - Overcast early. Birds singing. Lots and lots of flies. Sun out early morning. Bob still at trees. Mother helping him. Bob worked all day. Bobby, Bettie all there, went down river to Cecil's camp. Lots of fishermen on river in canoes. I mowed lawn all afternoon.

The ferns are getting bigger.

 Looking down the harbour at the Lighthouse.

More of our apple blossoms.

 Myrtle Warbler was singing his heart out for me.

 Harriett and Co.

The clouds were really dark, but by 7:30 it had brightened up again.

 They ducks fly out.

And Lois had a Myrtle last evening too.











Enjoy your day!

Day 137 - 17th May 2013 - Ducks, Flowers, Apple Blossoms

We've made it to Friday again and it's a long weekend. Commonly called the 2-4 weekend in the Maritimes, the opening of summer cottages, camping, etc. For us it will mean, some outside work, maybe a road trip locally for photos, visiting some friends - who knows but so far they are giving fine weather! Lots to finish up today at the office, need to work hard to cross a few more things off my to do list.
Well it was a lot wetter in the morning yesterday that I expected, but it did clear off and turn into a beautiful afternoon. Made some headway at the office with things. Was suppose to go back in town last night to hear a talk, however, Larry wanted to work in the garden since he`s not started anything there yet. After being in town since 7:30 am he really doesn't feel much like going back in and hanging around for a couple hours and I can't blame him. Hopefully if the weekend is fine he'll get the rest of the garden planted. I need to pick up some lettuce seeds and a few things for the kitchen garden by the back deck.

 A Mallard sleeps on a rock in the morning mist.

 Ferns are stretching upward.

 Wednesday was a beautiful day on the lake.

Violets are among my favourite early spring flowers.

Tulips in a neighbour's yard.

 Mine will soon be finished.

 Mr. Bluejay is a tad bit greedy!

 Purple Finch finally got a turn at the feeder, hope there was something left for him.

Apple blossoms in Shelburne County are always a week or so ahead of the Valley!











Enjoy your day!

Day 136 - 16th May 2013 - Flowers, Birds and Babies

Thursday and drizzly this morning, suppose to clear by noon. The house feels real chilly too so Larry has built a fire - his seedlings will be happy this morning. Lots to get done today at work, although most every day feels that way doesn't it. I can see some progress being made,now so long as a lot more new stuff doesn't pile on top for a while I'll be fine. Back to town this evening for a talk, sounds interesting but I do dislike having to go back to town.
Another great Wednesday. Weather was fine, a little cool but kept the flies away so that couldn't be more perfect.  Some housework done, cinnamon rolls made, casserole for supper and roaming around the hood with my camera and Lexi. Got some more shots of the Royal family, finally got the Sapsucker to stay still and a few other creatures. We have a problem with squirrels in the feeders though, both feeders had squirrels, which made the birds really unhappy. Also seems to me that Harriett and Coven, the Bluejays and the Mourning Doves are eating way too much and hogging the suet as well. Not sure what the solution to this problem is.

 A little morning dew and bling.

 I can see a tail and a butt sticking out so not sure if someone is nesting here or not.

Rhodora in the morning light.

 The precious little babies.

 Larry's Chestnut tree is beginning to leaf out.

 Harriett and her attitude!

 Chippy was a bad boy yesterday and got into this feeder.

Had to get Larry to switch feeders, Mr. Hummingbird kept turning up his nose at the white flowers and refused to eat from them. Another bird with attitude!

 Keeping a close watch.

 Sticking close to Mom.

We are not sure what this one is, maybe an Alder Flycatcher.




















Enjoy your day!