This Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia) boldly flew into a sunflower plant, about fifteen feet away from me. According to The Behavior of Texas Birds (2002, by Kent Rylander, University of Texas Press, Austin, TX):
They are generally unwary and easily approached and observed.
Although I was sitting quite still, Read the rest of this entry »
I visited Camp El Tesoro in Granbury, Texas - what a wonderful place! This camp is part of Camp Fire USA, and has been operating for 75 years!
Click here to see a map of the campgrounds at El Tesoro.
When you arrive at the camp, one of the first things you see is Read the rest of this entry »
If you have ever heard of the childrens’ book The Rainbow Fish, you’ll understand why I thought of it when I captured a picture of this sweet little Ruby-throated Hummingbird. If you have not heard of the book, Read the rest of this entry »
This is the most camouflaged moth I have ever seen! The only way I noticed it was because it moved. I have tried to identify this moth, and even sent the picture off to someone for help Read the rest of this entry »
About two months ago, I wrote an article about my project to excavate the dirt around my pecan tree, since the root-ball was buried too deep. At the time of the post, I had plastic down around the tree to kill the bermuda grass in a larger area so that the pecan tree would not have to compete for water and nutrients with the grass. I never would have guessed that it would be another two months before I finished that project!
The 2008 Summer Olympics are being held in Beijing, China - opening ceremonies are August 8, 2008. Like many Americans, I am excited to watch the games and root for America’s athletes. You can find in-depth coverage about the Olympics here.
SOME athletes were unable to participate this year. These pictures feature the Red-eared Sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) training for Read the rest of this entry »
I guess the heat is easier to take if you spend most of your time in the water! This goes for herons and nieces. 
Read the rest of this entry »
I have been going through withdrawals from gradually taking down my bird feeders. I wrote about my reasons in an earlier post. Yes, I still see and hear birds in my back yard, so I know they are there. I just can’t SEE them very well. Precisely what they want, I’m sure!
The biggest reason that I was concerned about feeding the birds was that I feared I was creating an artificial food source that might interfere with the bird’s natural feeding habits. My solution: offer them a SNACK, not a SMORGASBORD! (I actually spelled this right the first time) I have chosen to offer black-oil sunflower seeds and peanuts in-the-shell.
Another reason I put away my feeders was because I discovered that I was fattening up a family of rats. The other day, I saw one anyway - it wanted a drink of water from the frog pond. If the rats are going to be out there whether I feed the birds or not…then I might as well feed the birds if it makes me happy. Right?
As for the squirrels, I’ve made no secret that I just love them. Maybe this is because they have never destroyed anything on or around my home. I don’t mind if they pig-out at the feeders…they are just so darn cute!
I have no cats, nor have I seen any in my neighborhood. I have two dogs, but they will NEVER catch a bird! Trust me
I am always in the process of working on one of my gardens, and I’ve always got an abundant supply of nectar, seed and berry-producing natives. I also have water readily available on every side of my house.
So…I have gleefully decided to start feeding the birds again, but to offer it to them in a unique way.
I’ll leave you with this one picture…the start of my “Bird Lounge!” I had tons of help from family and friends to get it started - in 100 degree heat. I’ll share more photos in future posts to let you see how it has turned out.
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ambercoakley | 
08 17th, 2008| 
