Summer Birds

I love birds.

I love birds, a lot!

I feed the birds outside my kitchen window, and I love to watch them while we're eating.... and they're eating. Right now, late spring, they empty the feeder twice a day, completely. They'd probably do it a third time if I refilled it quickly enough.

Year round, we have sparrows, finches, cardinals and doves. During the spring and summer, we add robins, gold finches, red-winged blackbirds, grackles, starlings, and grosbeaks.

Yesterday, in my neighbors' tree, I noticed a flurry.... I grabbed my binoculars and pulled into focus.... cedar waxwings!!! I was so excited!!! (In Texas, I only saw 1, once in 13 years.)

And this morning, early this morning, I was standing there, looking out, waiting for my first cup of tea to brew when I saw a newcomer.... a duck. A mallard, to be exact, waddling up to that special place in the grass where the sparrows and finches throw the food they don't want. I laughed. Out loud. What the heck?? (giggle)

As I lingered over a second cup of tea, I noted another newbie.... I couldn't identify her. No, I'm not sure it was a she-bird, but I'd bet on it because her coloring was "dull" which often afflicts the female of the species. I opened up my Audubon field guide and flipped thru the pages.... couldn't find her. Maybe she'll come back later, or tomorrow, so I can snap a picture to help identify her.
I really do love my birds....