Giving Thanks

We're fast approaching the time of year we set aside for giving thanks. If you follow this blog much, you know I believe in living in a thankful attitude day to day. It has made a difference in my life, and I know the Source of all to give thanks to! Enjoy this week's offering, with thanksgiving.

 A surprise traveler; a lone hummingbird stopped by one day. He found no feeders out, so spent a little time preening in the nearby live oak, and was on his way. God speed!

 This Friday morning was spectacular on the porch; cool and breezy. The morning sky in the west was filled with low flying clouds filled with color.

 The parade of clouds in the east made for hit-and-miss with the early morning sun lighting up the trees beyond the pond. Better have the camera ready!

 A surprise visitor came out of the woods to check out the meager offering of the possum haw holly. I hear the Robins from time to time, but rarely see them in the yard. I stepped off the porch and headed toward him, hoping to get a few shots off before he was done with the berries.

 He didn't stay for long, but long enough for a few shots.

 The marigolds have been drawing the butterflies and moths. This guy is a 'Fiery Skipper'!

 And here we have the 'Queen' butterfly.

 When words fail, I just say 'Glory!'

 This soft morning I thought I saw a different bird on the Lady Banks Rose. My guess was a Yellow-rumped Warbler, but wasn't sure.

 Thanks! A well-timed wing flutter and I got my confirmation! Welcome another winter regular, though we see them a lot more at the office than at the yard.

 This is another Skipper, the 'Common Checkered' Skipper. And you know how I feel about 'common'. If not, check out 'Mr. Smith Takes a Vacation' and see how Jimmy Stewart deals with his bird-watching boss.

 Welcome back another winter regular, the White-crowned Sparrow and his mate.

I'll be working on getting you some better looks at these guys.

I need some help here from my butterfly experts. Couldn't find this one in my google search. Sister-in-law Aggie wins the prize! She responded quickest with the i.d. as a Bordered Patch butterfly! (Aggie, check with me later on that prize.)

 This Red-bellied Woodpecker showed up across the yard and didn't stay long. His call is distinctive, and I know he's around a lot, he just doesn't show himself much.

 Well, this black squirrel is taking advantage of the Thanksgiving feast I offer at the deck at my office. Just in case he can't stay long, he loads up his cheeks for snacking later. He provides us with lots of entertainment.

 The Chickadee at the office feeder. Quite the gentleman!

 We'll close with this series of shots of the Scrub Jay captured at the office deck. The day was cool and sunny, with lots of nuts and sunflower seeds on the deck. They were coming in for their Thanksgiving feast.

 A little bit skittish, but the power of the feast offering was greater than their fear of the strange man with the black instrument standing in the window.

As you can see, the craw was full before the decision was made to exit stage right!

And may your bellies be full, and your spirits full of true joy and thanksgiving this season of gratitude!