Wednesday, May 4, 2011

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!



Monday, May 2, 2011

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.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Continuing through the Japanese Gardens - St. Louis, MO



A Little Heart to Heart
or Beak to Beak Conversation









Some Wood Duck enjoying the Spring day.










Time to head back.



I know there is a worm in here somewhere!









This ends our visit for this Spring,
but I always look forward to going back
to the Missouri Botanical Gardens in St. Louis.