Picking a Kentucky Derby Hat

I have always enjoyed the times

when we were priviledged to attend the Kentucky Derby

to watch and sometimes take pictures of some of the beautiful hats. 

Some, of course, were funny, some were pretty common,

but some were extraordinarily beautiful

and cordinated with their owners' dresses..

...I know, the Kentucky Derby is supposed to be about horses, 

and those horses when you see them up close

are magnificent creatures...

..Anyway, getting back to hats.. 

Here are some of the birds from my backyard trying to pick their Derby Hat.

This Baltimore Oriole

won First Prize

This little Chickadee was trying to get perched just right.

The Titmouse tried a couple different poses.

A little disagreement insued when  two female Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks saw the hat. 

Mr. Grosebeek seemed to be trying to tell the one sitting on the deck rail that he was buying this hat for his wife, and she wasn't included.

This did not go over very well, but finally

 the man and his missus had their time to wear the hat.

She finally convinced her husband to let her wear it by herself.

Eventually the Baltimore Oriole came back

 because he wanted to have a photo shoot. 

They tried doing it together.

But in the end, all had to agree

that the hat really went with the Baltimore Oriole's dress.

As you may know, feathers have been really "in" recently in hats!

Grandchildren - What Blessings!

A Little Bit of Peek a Boo

and Hide and Go Seek.

Ready, Ready or Not!

Spring - The Perfect Time to Fly a Kite

When I was a child one of my favorite things to do with my Dad in the Springtime was to fly a kite.  My dad often made me one using some newspaper, sticks, string and glue.  Then we would tear apart some rags for nice long tail and attached lots and lots of string that we wrapped around some wood.  This was an experience I wanted to share with my Grandson.

His mom helped to get it aloft.

Then Grandpa got in on the action.

Finally all by himself!

And there it flies!

One Colorful, Colorful Day

The day started out as usual with all the "regulars" coming to the feeders.  Then I noticed a little Chipping Sparrow. 

I had seen him a couple of times so far this Spring.

Soon after, I saw some spashes of Black, White and Red. 

The Rosebreasted Grosbeaks were back.

"Do you guys mind if I join the party?

As time went on I saw at least seven males.

Then I saw this Bluejay sitting higher on the pole

looking down on the Grosbeaks.

It didn't take him long to decided to join in,

especially if lunch was being served.

For a while the Grosebeak just tried to ignore him.

A few other Bluejays came to check out the menu.

 That was quite a reach!

This one has an interesting bill! 

But it doesn't look like it has affected its ability to eat.

After the Bluejays left, the Grosbeaks continued with their party,

but a new couple came and asked to join in..

some Purple Finch.

 The Purple Finch and the Grosbeak families seemed to get along pretty well.

If it weren't for their difference in sizes,

it would be hard to tell the females of these two different birds apart.

Then suddenly there appeared a spot of yellow....

A Goldfinch had joined the group.

 

Gradually the numbers of Goldfinch started to grow,

and the Purple Finch had to decided whether to stick around.

The Purple Finch finally decided it was time to leave.

In the midst of all these visitors,

 some of the regulars were getting a little upset.

The Redbellied Woodpeckers tried to break up the party a number of times.

This little Yellow-Throated Warbler stopped by, but didn't like the crowd.

There was one more obviously colorful visitor that day.

Mr. and Mrs. Cardinel.

I guess the Bluejays must have invited him.

Mrs. Cardinal seemed to prefer to eat

what the others had dropped on the grass.

She also seemed to be showing off her pretty red hairdo.

I don't think I got too much work done that day,

but the Colorful Show put on by

God's Beautiful Birds made it very enjoyable.