Carolina Wrens - Babies

A few weeks ago everytime I walked past our garage, something little and brown whizzed past me. I finally decided it was coming from one of my hanging flower pots. When I peaked inside initially I saw one egg laying outside of a nest. As time went on, the number of eggs grew, but I still was not sure what kind of bird had decided to make its home there.

It didn't seem to take to long until the eggs were hatched.



Since the nest was really well hidden within the flowerpot, getting a picture was not easy. This picture required a little fill flash in post processing.

But by standing back and using a flash, sometimes I did get more than just a black hole.

Soon the babies were getting bigger and bigger, and I also saw that the parents were Carolina Wrens. They are very protective of their nest and became very concerned whenever we walked past.

Finally one Sunday when we returned from church I peaked in and saw they were almost too big to fit anymore. After we had eaten, I went back out to take one more picture only to discover launching had taken place. I have not seen the babies since; however, mom and dad have been busy.....but that may be another story....Time will tell.

Ruby Throated Hummingbirds

This summer it seemed like until recently the hummingbirds were coming in the late afternoon or evening--at least that is when I noticed them. Living in the woods, it is hard enough to get sufficient light for decent pictures during the day when the sun is high, but mornings and evenings can leave you a bit frustrated.

The last three days, however, it has been really hot and these little ones have become much more regular at the feeders. I remember last year they would stop by about every five minutes--I guess they had their regular rounds that they made each trip.

So here is the "He"

>

(Check out that tongue)

And the "She"

"I feel Pretty"

Goldfinch

Goldfinch are with us year around in Northern Indiana. It was interesting to watch them this Spring as they turned in their brownish/olive feathers of winter in for their dazzling summer dress.

The trees had just started to bud as this change was happening.

But by the time new leaves were sprouting out, the brilliance of their summer feathers had emerged.

The Mr. and his Mrs.

One rather rainy, spring day, a Goldfinch and a Pine Siskin were having lunch together.

Soon another little Goldfinsh wanted to join them.

While the Pine Siskin did not seem to mind, Mr. Goldfinch was not about to share.

He seems to shout, "You're not welcome here."

" Don't think about trying to come in from above either!"

"Look what you have done...

Now one of the women wants to join us."

Finally, there was quite a disagreement.

That is, until Mr. Selfish almost knocked himself silly.

Never fear....He has a hard head and flew off again. Guess he was just having a bad day!

Rose-breasted Grosbeak - Loves to Pose

I get the feeling he knows he is handsome, and he loves to flaunt it.

He will pose at the feeder...

...or he will pose in a tree

He can look slim or really puff out his chest.

He looks pretty good from the backside too

He has a charming and beautiful wife.

They enjoy eating with family

and friends