His Eye is on the Sparrow

Winter Ducks Addenda

2012-01-29T19:52:00.000-08:00

Well, I couldn't help myself. Just had to try to get a shot of the Ringneck female doing the dive. So while out this afternoon on the hunt, I get surprised by a big bird never seen on the pond. Enjoy my short addenda.

The two Ringnecks that are still hanging around the pond, both female.

This is the best shot I got. They rise up and dive, but you gotta be quick!

So welcome the Double-crested Cormorant. The only reason it has to be this breed is because all the others live in Nova Scotia! I was amazed when this big bird just dropped in all by his lonesome, and proceeded to dive and swim underwater across most of the pond. At first I thought it was a Great Blue Heron, because we don't usually get water birds this size.

Winter of Ducks on the Pond

2012-01-28T19:40:00.001-08:00

We have been blessed this winter with the most amazing variety of ducks visiting our glorified stock tank we call the pond. Enjoy the sampling, and forgive any mis-identification. I have been poring over my Crossley Guide to get these right.

A couple of male Gadwalls. This has been our most common visitor over the years, even when no others drop by.

Gadwalls 'dunk' to do their eating, so it's 'tails up' on a regular basis.

Female Gadwall cruising close to my side of the pond.

First-time visitors, the male and female Northern Pintail. A very regal posture, and a long neck displayed on take-off.

I readied my camera to fire some shots off as soon as they were startled.

Knew I had a different duck when I got the shot, but didn't realize I had two different ducks. The one in full profile is a Redhead. The one to the left is a Canvasback. So there!

Related to the Redhead in that they are both 'divers' for food, this is the Ringneck. Some think the better name would be 'Ring-bill', because there is a distinct white ring close to the tip of its bill.

The male Ringneck duck, one we hadn't seen before this year.

About the same time the Ringnecks came in, some ducks with especially long bills also arrived. Another newbie, this is the Northern Shoveler, and sometimes they like to duck their heads under and do a little circle dance. Yeah, I googled it, nothing to do with mating! (They say they don't know why!)

A Ringneck and a Northern Shoveler, female or developing male.

This is another one that caught me by surprise, because I didn't even realize I had a picture of an unusual visitor. This is the Green-winged Teal.

The Northern Shoveler and her very long bill.

We had a male Mallard at one time, and even though many ducks resemble these, I believe they are female Mallards.

Sorry for the fuzzy pic, but wanted to show the female Ringneck Duck.

We still have the Ringnecks here, and winter isn't over, so we may have some more to share later.

Autumn Mix

2011-11-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

Now that we've had some SERIOUS cold temps, (it did freeze at the office!) we're seeing some more of our regular winter residents. And with the pond full of water, returning water birds as well. Enjoy this week's offering of an Autumn mix.

When the cool temps come in and the pond thinks it's still summer, you get the steam rising off the pond in the early light. The view from the porch.

The House Finches grace us at the office more than they do at my porch. Same thing with the Lesser Goldfinches. So we get 'em where we can.

Here is a female House Finch at my watering dish at the office deck.

A rare visit of a Blue Jay at the watering dish. They are big-time hit-and-run artists.

Our pound puppy Mirabelle is settling in, and submitting to a little training. Very little, that is.

A Black-crested Titmouse at the feeder just off the porch.

We were excited to see a returning Great Blue Heron, first time since the pond filled back up. We have also heard a Kingfisher and Green Heron, but no pix yet.

A couple of male White-crowned Sparrows at the base of the platform feeder. A significant part of this pic is that there is green stuff in it, called grass.

This Tree Sparrow was checking out its image prior to taking a sip. Yes, those are blooms of a lantana below, another recent addition thanks to RAIN!

This Sparrow can't pause for long, there are lots of buddies waiting to take their turn.

A Chickadee and Sparrow at the porch feeder.

In honor of our friends and relatives who are St. Louis Cardinal fans. A series win well-deserved.

Male Cardinal at the feeder. I know that if there is seed in the feeders, they will come, whatever the season.

A House Sparrow that nests in our Purple Martin house. I guess everybody needs a place to live.

This Chickadee was just off the deck at the office.

It is rare to get the lighting so that you can see their eyes. They always disappear into the black feathers of their heads.

We have 'spotted' the Spotted Towhee at office and porch, and they have been very elusive. I got this blurry shot under the deck at the office. Stay tuned; this hunter will get his prey!

This fellow dropped in at the office deck, probably because some days there is a flock of White-wing dove gorging on my seed. Pretty sure this is a Red-tail Hawk.

I was firing as fast as I could, 'cause I knew he wouldn't be there for long.

The Scrub Jays are still hanging around the office deck, and with the window open, gave me the opportunity to get some good shots this week.

This shot is illustrative, as they are very loud and persistent, as their cousins the Blue Jay.

A parting shot of the pond as the sun rises and reveals deeper colors and brighter glory; the Glory of the Lord revealed in His creation.

Autumn Visitors

2011-10-23T14:19:00.000-07:00

The porch and yard have been full of Autumn visitors. Some will stay for a short while, some are passing through, and some are here for the winter. Enjoy this week's offering.

The Scrub Jays are still hanging around the office deck. This guy is literally hanging, on a feeder not really built for large birds.

A female Orange-crowned Warbler visited the water dish at the office for a quick bath.

A falcon was flying around the pond. Then we noticed that a number of Blue Jays were providing an unwelcome escort. The four Blue Jays chased the falcon out of sight.

Welcome back the White-crowned Sparrow. This is one that will stay for the winter, and sometimes well into the spring.

This Carolina Wren flew onto the porch and checked me over before flying down to the big oak tree roots.

He was looking for bugs in the leaves.

Reminded me of chickens the way he was peckin' and scratchin'.

These wild flowers popped out of the ground after our big rain. Any help in i.d.'ing them would be appreciated. The leaf is a very unusual triangular shape. Teri McDonald is our prize winner! This is the Violet Wood Sorrel. Teri, call me and you can come pick up your prize.

Here are some regular visitors to the porch. I am holding Evangeline Rose, and Viola Marie is striking a pose.

One of my favorite porch visitors, Mercedes Noel.

Morgan Wesley, Emma Ireline and Mercedes havin' some swing time with Papa Wes.

Evangeline Rose was a special blessing this morning on the porch.

Traveling Birds

2011-10-10T18:58:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year when migrating birds are spied almost daily. And we have been refreshed by a frog-strangler that filled the pond overnight. And with the changing season, the hummingbirds checked their calendar and headed for a warmer spot for winter. So we are on the look-out for our winter crew. Enjoy this week's offering.

In an earlier post we showed you a female Baltimore Oriole on the hummingbird feeder at the house. It wasn't long before we saw this male at the water dish at the office.

The treat was that there was another male in the Spanish Oak near by.

Dan's neighbor Anita Bradley then spied this one soon after in her son's back yard in Leander. So these guys were passin' through.

The Mockingbirds have been attracted to our watering dish, and even show up in numbers.

This little Bunting had me going for a while. I finally decided the only way I would I.D. is by the female. This must be an Indigo Bunting immature male that doesn't have all his color on yet.

If the beak was thicker, the coloring is like a Blue Grosbeak.

Here is the female Indigo Bunting, with rusty brown coloring.

The male Lesser Goldfinch is still faithful at the thistle feeder.

And is given to robbing the black oil sunflower seed as well.

The House Finches always add their color to the mix.

One morning at the office a Ladder-backed woodpecker was bouncing around the trees on the back side of the office.

He seemed to be oblivious to my presence, but the lighting wasn't working with me.

From past experience I recognize the call of the Western Scrub Jay, but have not seen them regularly for quite a while. I was amazed that four of them showed up recently.

And while Dan and Linda were vacationing in Colorado, Linda sent me this shot of a Scrub Jay. Looks like he's got an appetite for cedar berries.

This little sparrow stays down on the ground under the deck most of the time, but popped up to give me a shot. This is a Savannah Sparrow. Dan will be glad to know that there are actually different kinds of sparrows.

Still our most faithful, you can always count on the Cardinals being nearby and ready to come to the feeders when there is an offering.

The same day she sent the shot of the Scrub Jay, Linda sent this one of a Black-billed Magpie. Stunning colors.

Back to School

2011-09-18T14:40:00.000-07:00

The school schedule (traffic) has encouraged me to leave earlier, miss the mess, and spend some morning time on the deck at the office with the birds. It has been interesting, as well as seeing the migrating birds recently. Enjoy this week's offering.

The friendly Chickadee is always a steady visitor, and is there as early as anyone.

And they'll come to the seed for a quick hit.

The Goldfinches aren't too sure about my presence on the deck, but nothing much keeps them away from the thistle feeder.

A male and female Lesser Goldfinch.

This morning I spied a really large bird out there.

It kept coming my way, and ended up touching down just across the creek in what normally would be the boat ramp area of Cypress Creek LCRA Park. They took it down, packed it up, and were gone in minutes.

The Titmouse shows up with the Chickadees, our hit-and-run artists.

The hummingbirds have been very active in the morning on the deck, but the light makes it hard to get an action shot. This is a female Ruby-throated hummingbird.

With the dry weather, I've been putting out a dish of water. The male Cardinal will take advantage from time to time.

Later in the day, Dan beckons me to the window with, 'Come here, this is something different!' It's a female Oriole, either Orchard or Baltimore. We only see them at migrating time.

So she graced us by coming up to the water dish. We never saw the male.

This female Baltimore Oriole came to the hummingbird feeder at the house. The male was feet away, but I couldn't get a picture. We since have put out jelly feeders, and are hoping for a second chance!

Saturday morning saw an activity level of hummingbirds at the house that we have rarely experienced. At one time, there were 6 hummingbirds at one time sitting on the feeder.

I missed that shot, but for us, it is rare to even see 3 hummers at the feeder at once.

This bad boy was watching one feeder all day long. The coloring of his ruby throat created a look of a bed of coals on his neck.

Look Ma! No electric lighting involved! Yes, it is truly amazing, and another reminder of God's glory revealed in His creation.

Ruby's Back in Town

2011-08-21T19:57:00.000-07:00

I also could have titled this 'Playin' in the Sprinkler', as quite a few of the shots are from sprinkler fun for the birds in the yard. It's been brutal for flora and fauna around here, so we try to keep it lively. Enjoy this week's offering.

Once the sprinkler is going is doesn't take long for the hummingbirds to show up and hover around the perimeter. It's just tough to get a focus!

This Inca Dove was hanging around the edge, and later got down on the ground under the sprinkler.

Here's another treat Jan came up with; freeze a block in a plastic bowl to put in the bird bath. The next puzzle is how to keep the two bad puppies from dragging the ice out to use for a chew toy.

At the office I've been keeping a pot dish full of water for the deck visitors. This Chickadee is obviously saying grace!

The Chickadee and Cardinal waiting to get in the sprinkler fun.

House Finches hanging out at the office tube feeder.

You know it is pitiful when the Female Painted Bunting comes flying in with her mouth (beak) hanging open. (pant, pant)

The drought has brought the deer closer to the house than ever before. I'm sure they appreciate the new fence that keeps the puppies in. These two are regulars at Jan's blue plastic kiddie pool down in the dry pond bottom.

Female Ruby-throat coming near to the feeder at the house.

Welcome Ruby back to town. I can always count on the Ruby-throated Hummingbird showing up late summer to guard and dominate the feeders.

This was the closest I got to a full flash from Ruby. We'll keep the feeders full and maybe another opportunity will arise. He might also enjoy the sprinkler. Let's see, now when is our watering day? What?!! Sprinklers not allowed now? Oops! Does that include sprinkling birds?

Mid-Summer Catch-up

2011-07-31T14:17:00.000-07:00

So now we're in the dog days of summer. That actually has to do with the constellation, not the fact that we all feel like crawlin' under the porch and sleeping til fall! As usual of late, I'm way behind on my posts, so enjoy the catch-up, dating back to those baby Bewick's wrens that launched from the porch and survived.

Some years ago, some Carolina wrens launched from the same house, but stayed a little too close to the ground for comfort, especially when there are multiple cats hanging around. But the Bewick's flew very nicely to the nearest live oak, and congregated in a fork of some large limbs.

They spent a little time there continuing their chirping for food, but we didn't see too much more of them. Now the Bewick's are more noticeable in the yard, and I even see them foraging around areas they didn't seem to visit before.

Earlier in the summer, the Yellow-crowned Night Heron was regularly on the pond in the morning, and not at all skittish like the Great Blue.

He afforded me many photo ops, before the pond was covered with scum.

Like his relative, a stealthy hunter/fisher.

This is a Downy Woodpecker. His twin the Hairy Woodpecker is a few inches longer.

Now that I have my new id book, The Crossley Guide, I will change my label of this bird to the Great Egret. The Great White Heron does not have black legs, though otherwise difficult to tell the difference.

The Great Blue Heron just won't work with me on posing, so I had to get this one from the door of my car as I was headed to work in the morning.

A rare shot of the Green Heron, who is also quite skittish. I know, not much green, but I don't name these birds!

Back at the office, a Blue Jay pauses a second after filling its craw with peanuts.

When the pond was down to a few wet spots, the Kildeer were hanging out, and blessing us with their call that makes you feel like you're at the beach.

Sadie, our Miniature Australian Shepherd/Black Lab mix, was still long enough for a portrait. She chews everything, but hasn't started on the house siding yet.

Mirabelle is still running herd on Sadie, but it won't be long until Sadie is faster, and then we will see a contest. As it is, they provide great entertainment with their antics in the yard, especially trying to herd 'W' the stray cat.

The male Painted Bunting gave me a few choice poses at the office.

Some magazine recently nominated some oriole for 'most colorful' bird. I thought to myself, 'Come on!'

A female Painted Bunting over the moon feeder at the house.

This male was enjoying the sprinkler being on the antique rose bush.

A big brown moth at the office. Linda Jacobson found this is the Black Witch Moth, and has quite the folklore that comes with it. Largest moth of North America.

The drought has been tough on the deer. This 'Bambi' was enjoying the run with mom. Mercedes always points out Bambi to Papa Wes.

And when the pond dried up, GG drug Mercedes new pool out and filled it with water to help the deer.

After getting a sip, they head back to the woods.

We'll finish up this installment with some hummingbird pics. They have been very active at the feeders. This is a female Ruby Throat at the office.

The Black-chinned caught on my porch when the sun was going down.

A female Black-chinned in the tree at the office, waiting her turn at the feeder.

And when she came, she gave me a nice pose with the wing spread.

Frio Fun

2011-07-17T14:42:00.000-07:00

The extended family met for five days on the Frio, which meant Papa Wes was gonna get some birding time in. The Frio offers all sorts of wildlife, flora and fauna, and so many sights that we don't get to enjoy here in Liberty Hill. Enjoy our offering from our trip to the Frio.

First morning I was greeted by this view from the cabin deck, high above the river. This vantage point was going to offer up some great sights through the week.

About 6:45 Axis deer started single file crossing the river below, traveling to the far shore where it was obvious they had a grazing and safe area.

A total of about 25 deer crossed that morning, followed by a buck with a very large rack. All my shots came out blurry on him, he just wouldn't pause, and the light level was too low.

For many years I have been hearing the call of the Canyon Wren when visiting the Frio, but never have I been able to see one, until now. Our elevated deck allowed me to wait them out, and see what was hopping about the hillside. I encourage you to check out the bird id website link and listen to the call of the Canyon Wren.

This Ladder-backed Woodpecker was working on a volunteer pecan close to the cabin.

Next morning the Axis didn't cross, but a single White-tail spike was wondering about the river bed below. He crossed over and munched a little on some cypress leaves, and then entertained me with leaping and frolicking in the water.

The White-eyed Vireo has a distinctive call. Some characterize it as 'quick-with-the-beer-check'. This one was in the oak trees on the west side of the cabin, and was not cooperative at all in allowing this blurry picture.

My niece's father-in-law Ron Baughman joined me in exploring one of my favorite spots, Seven Bluff Campground. We pulled up to the store, spied this Golden-fronted Woodpecker on the hummingbird feeder, and I said, "Ron, we can probably stay right here and see all the bird variety as they come to us!"

We were seeing this flycatcher with orange flanks, but not much other to id. We had lots of ideas going on, but not the female Vermillion Flycatcher until we saw her with him, and then the young one caught up to beg for food.

And here is daddy, about 30 feet from where we parked the car at the store. One of the favorites that I only get to see when at the Frio.

Ron had visited the area a number of times before, and took me over to the bridge just past the entrance to Garner State Park. The Cliff Swallows have built quite a city of their mud nests underneath the concrete planks. There were few birds around, but I had never seen their nests before.

We traveled on out to Camp Live Oak north of Leakey. I know it is at least part Black Squirrel, but not sure about that fox squirrel back end. Do they crossbreed?

A Lark Sparrow close to one of the feeders. First time sighting for me.

You can always count on the Buntings at Camp Live Oak. We also saw Blue Grosbeaks and Indigo Buntings.

A late treat. The last morning out on the back deck, and a Hooded Oriole flies in for a short photo session.

And a trip to the Frio wouldn't be complete without a pic of the Summer Tanager. The unusual thing about this one; this is at Neal's Dining Room back deck. This bird was used to feeding off the table scraps, and was very obliging in posing and staying close for pictures.

A Late Spring Mix

2011-06-19T19:59:00.000-07:00

The days have been unseasonably hot, even for Central Texas. But somehow, a sprinkler going early in the morning has greatly increased the bird activity in the yard of late. We have seen quite a few 'first timers' recently, and are also enjoying the activity created by young ones chasing their parents around begging food. We offer birds from Midland and Salado, and a rare sighting of a Rosy-crowned Princess Mercedes right on the porch. Enjoy this week's installment.

While visiting son Matthew in Midland for Emma's birthday, I caught this Hooded Oriole hanging around in the back yard. The call was unmistakeable.

Our 'mature adult' church group took our annual retreat to Summer's Mill east of Salado in late May. This Golden-fronted Woodpecker was nesting close to the chapel.

A rare sight at our office, a Scrub Jay. Seems I used to see them more, and they are plentiful at Roadrunner's Roost at Canyon Lake.

Just put out the fruit and nut mix, and you will be sure the Blue Jay will show up soon.

A female Painted Bunting foraging on the ground below my biggest feeder.

A nice Father's Day surprise, two male Painted Buntings are in the neighborhood.

The sprinkler running on the lantana brought this female Western Tanager in for a shower.

I was surprised by this male Western Tanager coming to bathe. Since I had seen my first this spring at Camp Live Oak, when I saw that red and yellow combo, I knew who was visiting.

A Carolina Wren is looking up to see where the water is coming from.

A pair of Bewick's Wrens are nesting now in the church house on the porch.

They have been steadily feeding the young ones, and our concern has been growing because of our latest stray that has adopted us, Wild Child, WC for short.

So we've been planning how we'll isolate when it comes time to launch.

WC has been willingly going in the cage. Next time I hope to show you some baby wren pics.

Meet WC. This is his 'Garfield' look. Pretty disgusted, huh WC?

Another addition to the porch, meet Mirabelle, a two-year old Sharpei/Red Heeler mix. She is smart and fun, and the birds don't mind.

The elusive Yellow-billed Cuckoo. Often heard, but rarely seen.

On this 100-degree day, this Scissor-tailed Flycatcher came in for a breather. I see them on the county road every day, but never in my yard.

Bad WC! He thought he would sneak up on the Green Heron. Silly cat!

We had a Great Blue Heron coming every morning, and I thought this smaller heron was just a young Great Blue. No, this is a Yellow-crowned Night Heron, first time visitor to our pond.

And we finish with the Rosy-crowned Princess Mercedes. Isn't her plumage spectacular?

Melt.

Warming Up

2011-05-29T12:46:00.000-07:00

The days are growing warmer, and we are seeing less of the travelers. But today's installment still offers a few. I'm also happy to bring you the best Painted Bunting pictures I've captured so far, as well as an unwelcome visitor to our office. Enjoy.

The male and female Lesser Goldfinch at the office thistle feeder.

It is rare to get the right lighting angle that will allow one to see the Lesser Goldfinch's eye, since it is in a black field of feathers.

Dusk on the porch with the flash set, and knowing this guy was coming to the feeder. The male Black-chinned hummingbird.

Back at the office, the Black-chinned hummer is guarding the feeder, and giving me some of that throat action.

A rare sight at our pond; the white phase of the Great Blue Heron. We have been excited to see a male and female with the standard coloring lately that are chasing around the pond. I'm hoping this means a nest nearby and an opportunity for photos.

The female Painted Bunting at the office feeder.

The male has been a regular visitor lately.

One day I happened to be standing at the window, with it open, when this guy came to the feeder and was not spooked by my presence.

He gave me quite a few poses there at the feeder.

Then flew over to a branch for a full-sun version. 'Nuff said!

This unwelcome visitor was sauntering through the conference room at the office. Dan decided he was spending too much time up there, or that we really needed some professional pest control. In case you are wondering, this is a Giant Centipede, or as Papa Wes would refer to it in a Pecos Bill story, a Giant West Texas Centipede. About 9" long.

We caught sight of a little yellow bird out in the oaks at the office.

I snuck out the door because I couldn't get a good angle on it from inside.

This Yellow Warbler accommodated me by preening for quite a while.

And let me shoot away to my heart's content. This is a migrating visitor, so a special treat to get to see him.

A May Mix

2011-05-15T19:42:00.000-07:00

We have been enjoying some cool days in Central Texas. We continue to see a good variety of returning summer regulars, along with a surprise nearly every day of a migrating bird. Enjoy this week's offering of a May mix.

This bulb returned this year and bloomed just in time for Easter. We are no experts, but we think this is an amaryllis. If you know better, please straighten us out! Looks like I need to plant a few more if it will make this show in a drought.

The first week of spring this Painted Bunting showed up at the office. Good timing.

One day we had two males, and that is a first.

The female is the greenest bird we get around here.

Back at the house, the Green Heron is back and making a racket around the pond. I'm curious to see where it is nesting. At times he comes up to the oak nearest the house, and it's kinda hard to focus through the branches.

The Black-crested Titmouse is a year-round regular, just so nervous it is difficult to get a picture. But sometimes, he pauses just long enough. . .

About the same time the Bunting showed up, the Black-chinned Hummingbird did as well.

I got just enough sun to get him to flash me a little purple.

Say hello to a traveler just passin' through. This is a Baltimore Oriole, and caused some excitement at the office when he showed up.

This House Finch looks like he's been munchin' on some red berries.

The White-crowned Sparrow was absent all winter, and showed up just in time to head back north.

We had a bunch of 3-4 males in the yard for a while just as spring was getting a start.

A rare sighting of a Blue Grosbeak in the yard in Liberty Hill.

For a short time we had a number of Indigo Buntings in the yard as well.

Very rare in deed, and I don't expect to see them any more this year. But it was a treat to have them for a while.

A returning summer regular is the White-eyed Vireo. His call is unique and unmistakeable, but rarely does he get close enough to show. Gotta go hunt him down.

Spring on the Frio

2011-05-04T19:57:00.000-07:00

You may know that each spring I yearn to be in the Con Can area on the Frio River to enjoy the abundance of bird species that show up at this time each year. I didn't think we were going to make it, but when I realized we had a family reunion in Hilda on Saturday, and no pressing commitments to keep us from it, we headed to Camp Live Oak just north of Leakey. Our high school friend Joyce McCaleb Weston and her husband Butch were our hosts, and the pictures will tell the story. Enjoy.

Sunday morning of May 1st I discovered this place of worship on the East Frio. No chapel is more intimate.

No cathedral has a more majestic canopy. My pew was formed by the trunk of a cypress tree, and the roots formed the seat. The floor of the clear Frio perfectly reflected the canopy. The background music was the sound of falling water over the stones of the river bed. The soloists were the Finches, Buntings, and Hummingbirds.

As soon as I sat down, this Green Kingfisher lit nearby, and quickly surveyed the area. He was gone in a flash, but came back later for some pictures.

The Painted Buntings were plentiful, and I spied six at one sitting at a nearby feeder.

This Blue Grosbeak interrupted the gathering at the feeder.

As plentiful as the Painted Bunting were the Indigo Buntings.

This red-head caught my eye in the distance. It is a male Western Tanager.

As I continued on the trail, I came upon a female Western Tanager. She was more accommodating for the photographer.

This cottontail sat still for me for an amazing length of time. Other birds that were spied but not photographed; Black-chinned Hummingbirds crowding the feeders, Tree Sparrows, Red-shouldered Hawk (once with freshly caught rodent prey), a variety of woodpeckers, Lesser Goldfinch, House Finch, and a real treat at the station behind Neal's Store, an American Redstart.

Our hosts Butch and Joyce Weston. I highly recommend checking out Camp Live Oak for your stay on the Frio. We were blessed.

Some Spring Trips

2011-04-24T20:29:00.000-07:00

We did a quick run to stay a night at Roadrunner's Roost at Canyon Lake and were blessed with some rares shots of the home bird, the Great Roadrunner. We also got a few good pics at the Wiggers' place on Buchanan. And included in this edition are a few shots from the porch of returning summer regulars. Enjoy.

Stepping out on the back deck in the morning at the Roost we were greeted by a host of bees feasting on the persimmon tree.

We were blessed to see the apple trees blossoming, a rare sight for us.

Mom and Dad had planted some Medina variety apples some years back. I'll have to get the details from her.

A Bewick's Wren was spouting off down by Dad's old garden, so I snuck down to get a peek. At the top of his lungs.

I was sitting on the south side close to the fence line and heard a strange, low, descending coo, coo, coo, coo. I knew it wasn't a dove, but was similar. Later, something large flew up into the nearby tree, and I saw it was the Roadrunner. He didn't stay long, but just long enough.

I have been spotting one of these near our home in Liberty Hill, and am considering camping out to get a shot.

The hummingbirds are very active, and provide a lot of entertainment.

This is a female Black-chinned hummingbird, the only variety hanging around here right now.

This one is visiting Darwin and Nelda Wiggers at their place on Lake Buchanan.

Darwin hosts many Purple Martins each year, and has gone to great lengths to design a secure and manageable home for them.

The units are synthetic gourds, with porches, hung from a cable by which they can be lowered for cleaning between seasons. I'm jealous.

Back at the office our usual variety has been crowding the feeders.

Oh the shame! The Brown-headed Cowbird and his mate. (Shudder)

This House Finch came up close on the table by the window.

The sparrows that winter here are just about gone.

They offered me a few choice poses before taking off for cooler climes.

The Carolina Wrens entertained us with nesting in the church house on the porch.

They would ferry the bugs and worms by the minute to the hungry young-uns.

And take some stuff out as well.

A sampling of the 'baby food'.

This one was a little skittish about my presence, and flew to the end of the porch before finally making it to the house. The good news is; the babies got out, and I don't believe one was lost to our cats.

March Post in One Sitting

2011-04-09T15:10:00.000-07:00

It is embarrassing, but you get to view all my March offering in one post. There was plenty of bird activity, so you know that I edited a bunch of pics to bring you this! Enjoy.

There is a volunteer peach tree under our deck at the office that came up from a construction worker's lunch. Obviously the conditions were right this year for a beautiful show of buds.

I hung out one morning and caught a Sparrow among the flowers.

The wintering Sparrows have been plentiful this year, and seem to be staying longer.

Here's a candidate for my blog signature post. We'll see.

I didn't see the White-crowned Sparrow all winter, but he has showed up recently. Maybe just passing through.

The Lesser Goldfinch has been faithful, as long as there is thistle seed in the feeder.

A rare sight indeed; American Goldfinches at a feeder at our house, just off the porch.

A young American Goldfinch.

This American Goldfinch is close to having its summer coat on.

The Red-shouldered Hawk has been active around the pond, and on this day was raising quite a racket as it perched close by.

I saw it lean, and figured it was ready to take flight.

And it came right toward me!

First day of spring, a Black-chinned Hummingbird showed up near the porch.

'Nuff said.

The Possum Haw Holly is busting out, and the Cardinal offered a pose.

The Gadwalls have gone north, but stayed a few days into Spring.

I just had to share a picture of their feeding when the weeds were low. Just dunk, and you can get them.

The female Gadwall.

The Great Blue Heron in flight. Interesting hues of gray in the wing.

This is a traveler that paused at the office for a snack on his way north. The Black and White Warbler neither winters nor summers in Texas; just passin' through.

Winter Mix II

2011-02-27T19:44:00.000-08:00

We experienced some extreme temperatures for our parts a few weeks back, but Spring seems to be coming on strong right now. We are still enjoying our Winter visitors, but it won't be long before they'll be gone. Enjoy this installment, from the Office deck and from the Home porch.

Plenty of fruit and nut mix at the office deck have kept the Blue Jays interested.

The American Goldfinch has continued to be busy around the office feeders, and don't mind sharing with the House Finch, as long as they stay on 'their side'!

This American Goldfinch was bold enough to come to the table just outside the window. You see the evidence of the black forehead that he will develop. Just wish he would hang around long enough for us to enjoy his full yellow glory.

At the same time, the male Lesser Goldfinch was enjoying the table scraps.

The Black-crested Tufted Titmouse.

Oops! I have been identifying this as a Ruby-crowned Kinglet. If you compare it to the pictures that Linda Jacobson got at her back window, you can see it is a different bird. I believe this is an Orange crowned Warbler. The coloring around the eye is distinctly different, among other things.

A couple of shots getting just a hint of that orange crown. It lays low most of the time.

On most days we hear the pecking at the window in the conference room, and know it is the male Cardinal. But one morning the pecking was not quite as pronounced, and were happy to see the Yellow-rumped Warbler taking up the habit. Of course, this produced way too much lost labor time on the part of this employee. But the employer said it was O.K. Right, Dan?

Just as at the house, the winter crew of Sparrows at the office is plentiful.

On some of those frigid days at the house, the Cardinals were putting on a show, and sharing time with the Sparrows.

Yes, that is a rare Central Texas ice cycle on the limb, as it were. I think the Cardinal is as confused as we were. (What IS a 'Texas ice cycle'? Kinda like a bi-cycle? Jan caught it; icicle- guess my spell check doesn't catch made-up words!)

The photographer appreciated the posing.

Some of my viewers are huge Cardinal fans, so I know they are enjoying these. It's amazing how something so spectacular in appearance can be taken for granted, just because they are always there.

The ducks have been on the pond for weeks now, and continue to bless us with viewing pleasure. But I have to say, they are skittish. It doesn't take much to get them to fly, so I'm sneaking around if I want any shots. There are about 18-20 Gadwalls, and a few American Widgeons.

The morning porch has gone from complete stillness, to a chorus of songs, or a literal cacophony of disparate calls, as my favorite blogger would say.

A Winter Mix

2011-01-30T19:37:00.000-08:00

I begin this post by confessing that I have let other 'life' activities steal time away from my porch, my photography, and my blogging. Those of you who have attempted to be consistent bloggers understand, and I'm sure the rest of you will grant me grace.
So my penitence is this offering of a wide variety of birds, though not all the quality that I prefer. Enjoy.

Welcome back our winter regular at the office deck, the Myrtle Warbler, also known appropriately as the Yellow-rumped Warbler. We have this single visiting right now, and he is quite jealous of the feeding area, trying to chase any sparrows away.

He hangs pretty close to the edge, and will quickly disappear if he senses movement from my direction. This shot gives you a peak at the yellow rump.

It was pretty cold this day, thus the puffed-up version!

The Mockingbird has been curious lately at the office, and comes around fairly regularly to check the activity out. This one has also been fighting himself in the mirror image of the window closest to my desk. I think he picked this behavior up from the Cardinal that has been doing that for about 26 years in the front office.

One of our hit-and-run artists, the Black-crested Tufted Titmouse, Texas race. Caught him!

Does his beak look blunted? It's from beating himself silly in the window.

Does he wonder how that other cardinal is able to peck him head-on every time?

Joy on my porch. A group of Goldfinches showed up, and you can see they are not the typical female Lesser Goldfinch that we usually get. These are American Goldfinches, that don't have their complete color yet. Stay tuned for more developments.

Back at the office, the male Lesser Goldfinch is consistent as long as there is thistle in the feeder.

But then I started spying some different Goldfinches, just subtle color variations from the female Lesser Goldfinch.

Then one day, a whole slew of these came in for a feast. I am guessing male and female American Goldfinches, but the males have not developed the black cap that goes along with the brilliant yellow body.

Like I said, a slew of them. They were there one day, so I'm thinking some migration; just didn't seem like the right time of year.

I started back on my habit of putting out some nut and berry mix, and you can be assured that the Blue Jays will come around when it is there. They are also very skittish, so I am fortunate to have caught these shots.

You can see what pigs they are. Their gullets are full of peanuts by the time they leave.

A little blurry, but I was excited to catch this one. The Solitary Vireo. Another one of our winter visitors.

The House Finches are faithful and year-round regulars.

Even the Carolina Wren had to come check out the activity. It will hop around and pick up a few seeds before taking off.

One cold misty Saturday the Red-shouldered Hawk was spending a lot of time around the pond back at the home place. It seemed to be watching a duck on the pond, but never made a run for it.

Robins hanging out in the top of a tree near the pond.

The Great Blue Heron has been pretty steady around the pond, but won't hang around to visit.

We were excited to have this visiting single duck, an American Wigeon. We used to get quite a few, but not so in recent years.

Winter Holiday Birds

2011-01-16T14:09:00.000-08:00

We took a trip out to Albuquerque for Christmas and had a blessed time with family. I keep the camera nearby for any opportunities to snap a bird picture. Enjoy this brief but interesting offering.

Before we head west I wanted to share this offering from Linda Jacobson. She has a Ruby-crowned Kinglet who is enjoying regular visits to her window onto the back yard. Linda's cats wear themselves out with excitement and stymied lunges at this one that is on the other side of the glass.

We took the commuter train with our Sister-in-law Ginger to Santa Fe. It snowed on us the entire time, and was wonderful. While strolling the square, we looked up and spotted this Sharp-shinned Hawk up above. I don't think he knows how expensive that space is!

Ginger's feeder on the ground outside her sliding glass door at the kitchen. A great place for some coffee and early morning fellowship and prayer. A House Finch hanging out with the Sparrows.

And in a while, a flock of White-winged Dove come in for their breakfast.

And when things cleared out a little, a Curved-billed Thrasher; he did not want to share with the Sparrows.

On the way out, we spied some new Bald Eagle activity at the nests about 5 miles east of Llano on 29. There was a new nest a little west of the first. We stopped on the way back to try to get some shots. There were two that we could see in the nest; one on the left has his/her head down.

This one flew off to the right and stayed still for a while. Sun was behind the subject, so not the best lighting conditions, but you take what you can get in this situation. A glorious bird.

Thanksgiving Roadrunners

2010-12-13T18:02:00.000-08:00

The family is wondering, what happened to Papa Wes's ability to post so promptly. Well, they taught me in the Navy to say, 'No excuse, sir!' So enjoy this tardy posting of the Thanksgiving gathering at Roadrunner's Roost at Canyon Lake.

But first, a few pictures of our annual event at Fellowship Baptist in Liberty Hill, Home for the Holidays. Mawmaw was our special guest, and a wonderful evening was enjoyed by all.

A veritable bevy of beauties.

Back at the house, Mercedes offers some sugar to Mawmaw, and Mawmaw definitely has a sweet tooth.

Mercedes entertained us with GG's blouse, and the big hair brush.

Some of the great grandkids on the big swing at the Roost. May be the last picture of that relic, as it has been condemned as uninhabitable, and a life safety hazard.

The group picture on the stairs and porch.

Mawmaw with 8 of her 11 great grandchildren.

My youngest granddaughter, Viola, in the rocker that Mawmaw used as a child.

Baby V with Great Uncle David. Well, he's not THAT great.

Matthew was always fascinated with that contraption. One of those toys that was interesting, but worth about 2 minutes of play time.

Rachel soaking in the extended family time.

Papa Wes enjoying one of his favorite pastimes, grandbaby in the lap.

Matthew, Ashleigh, and their youngest, Viola Marie.

Daughter Kate and her husband Ryan.

David Griffin clan.

Wesley Griffin clan.

Tommy and Becky Adams clan.

Papa Wes sharing a peek at the sketches for the roadrunner story book that we are hoping to publish for Christmas.

Autumn from the Porch

2010-11-28T14:36:00.000-08:00

How is my porch like heaven? From my comfortable chair I can view all sorts of wildlife, and it doesn't seem to pay me any mind. There is no castle or mansion where any more peace can be enjoyed than on my porch. The special joy at this time of year is watching the changing of colors, and even though my friends from more northern climes may scoff, I truly am seeing some orange, red and yellow leaves! Enjoy this week's offering.

The first line-up is from the end of my porch, closest to the Lady Banks Rose, where you can see on any morning, the Northern Mockingbird watching the yard for bugs.

And the Carolina Wren, pondering whether to start a new nest in the church house on my porch.

And the House Sparrow, resting from the clamor of its relatives camped out in the Purple Martin house above.

And the Northern Cardinal, contemplating whether to fly over to the feeder near the porch and grab some black oil sunflower seeds, or if Mavrick the lop-eared stray is a little too close.

This butterfly lit on the Texas flag, and hung around long enough for some pictures. This is a Red Admiral. It's amazing what you can i.d. on Google.

You'll see this pose on the profile pic for the blog, as it hasn't changed in some time. The winter sparrows are back, and starting to populate the ground looking for seed.

This Ruby-crowned Kinglet was foraging around in the oak tree nearest the porch, and offered this pose. To my chagrin, I was sitting there without my camera earlier, and it flashed it's fiery red top-notch. Oh well. . .

The Cardinal decided it was worth it to come close to the feeder. I wish I could take some credit here, but pose and lighting are all supplied by Someone else!

One of the tell-tale signs of fall is the sound of the American Robin chirping in the woods. If you venture forth, you might find one hanging around the Possum Haw Holly getting a snack.

Can't help but think about the feasting we did over the last couple of days. We were so blessed to have family to share the feasting with, and hope you had the same.

Fall Porch Glory

2010-11-07T13:01:00.000-08:00

The crisp cool mornings on the porch have been abundant, and full of sights displaying God's glory. This week's offering is a mix of our year-round regulars and a few seasonal visitors. Enjoy.

My favorite year-round regular is the Mercedes Pink Morning Glory. She is properly decked out for the high 30 degree temps, and plenty of sunshine.

She went along nicely with the other morning glories, showing their appreciation for the recent rains.

Autumn's first Gadwall visiting our pond.

The bird on the upper left at the thistle feeder at the office is the Pine Siskin, mixing it up with the male Lesser Goldfinches. Last winter we had a lot of Siskins, so we'll be on the lookout for more.

A female Lesser Goldfinch enjoying the thistle seed.

Something at the office keeps the Lesser Goldfinches around, as I am not seeing any from my porch.

A House Finch brings a color mix to the feeder at the office deck.

The House Finches add a nice song melody when they are hanging around.

This gentlemen is saying,'Get me to the church on time.' He's dressed in his gray and black tux.

The Chickadee grabs that sunflower seed and heads for a branch to work on cracking it to get to the nut.

The Cardinals gather in the Lady Banks Rose in the yard.

The Cardinals really puff up with the cooler temps.

The season brings the Mockingbird to the yard more often.

One morning glory with a few impatiens hanging around in the background.

Mercedes is demonstrating how adept she is at negotiating the steps. Mercedes says, 'Bye bye!'

Family Time

2010-10-30T15:20:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while I need to post family pics that my non-fb relatives can view and enjoy. So if you are lookin' for birds, you'll only see the Wild Texas Griffinheimer on this post. Enjoy.

Here's Mercedes. She roped herself a feisty filly, and is ridin' to break!

Is there anything so cute as a babe wrapped up in a towel with a hoody after bathtime?

Jan got to go enjoy some Frio time with some of her classmates from the Class of '72, Uvalde High. I know I got the PRIZE! Yes, that is Becky, my sister, next to Jan.

The same weekend we ran up to Midland to be with the Matthew Griffins and attend his ordination service as a deacon at Providence Presbyterian Church, PCA. Here is the family on their front porch.

These are the elders and deacon, as Matt was the only deacon ordained that day.

Do you see the buttons on my shirt straining at the pressure?

And of course, a little fellowship after the service.

If I go slow, Viola eventually warms up before the weekend is over.

GG storytime is a must when we are in town.

Then there HAS to be a Pecos Bill story from Papa Wes.

This is the part where Bill is discovered after being raised by coyotes, and all he can speak is coyote.

Fall Mix

2010-10-10T20:04:00.000-07:00

The mornings on the porch and in the yard have been nothing short of glorious. High 40s and sunshine make for good sittin', and good viewing. Enjoy this week's offering.

Mercedes is still the cutest birdy around, and always offers a great pose.

As the deer panteth for the water, so my soul longeth after You!
Whateth dost thou thinkest of that-eth?

Camped out in the yard hoping for a picture of something in the possum haw holley, and some Ruby-crowned Kinglets are foraging through the cedar elm.

Not many blooms, but just one morning glory is all it takes.

Texas state bird, the Mockingbird came to the lady banks rose.

The recent rains have brought out the blossoms on the lantana under some of the bird feeders. This Swallow-tail butterfly paused long enough for a picture.

Back at the office, a House Finch gives me a look.

This Titmouse was coming in for a sunflower seed.

The Chickadees have been abundant at the feeder, but hard to catch sitting still.

This pair of male Lesser Goldfinches offered a good composition.

And to close, Mercedes got her playhouse moved to the porch, so now I share a porch with her porch. And you ask how my porch is like heaven?

Between the Seasons

2010-09-26T19:20:00.000-07:00

We are in that time when the summer birds are leaving, and the winter birds haven't arrived. So sometimes it seems like there is not a tweet being tweeted out there. Oh, that takes on a new meaning now. Sorry, I'm not a tweeter, so it slipped.
Enjoy this week's offering, including some wildflowers, and of course, Mercedes on the porch.

The Chickadees are back in force at the office, and we've had some rainy days that seem to energize them.

They are usually nervous, hit-and-run seed eaters, but every once in a while, they'll pause long enough for a shot.

And where there are Chickadees, there is the Black-crested Tufted Titmouse.

A female Lesser Goldfinch, waiting her turn to get at the thistle feeder.

The male doesn't wait for the thistle. He just goes on over to the black oil sunflower seed.

My business partner Dan is blessed with the kind of neighbors we should all have, Don and Anita Bradley. They like to entertain the birds, so I got this shot one morning while picking Dan up for work. I'll have to go back and spend the morning, so you can get the full benefit of their 'outreach'. They have a tale of a Great Roadrunner trotting down the middle of their street. I shoulda' been there for that one!

The Lesser Goldfinch and the House Finch sharing the feeder.

I couldn't get them to both have their heads out at the same time, so you get two.

Female Cardinal on the deck.

A Bewick's Wren on the deck. I'm always amazed at the wrens pecking seed, because they are generally bug-eaters.

Sitting out in the yard, and the little Yellow Warbler is in the tree above me. He flits around the branches, and suddenly comes after a flying bug, and chases it down in a blur of yellow aerial contortions. You'll just have to imagine that part.

In recent weeks the back acreage has broken forth with a lot of these pink wildflowers. They look like pink evening primrose, but aren't growing close to the ground, but rather in shrub-like growth. I'm hoping maybe Hollis can tell me what they are.

I have been told this is a wild petunia. If you know different, please let me know.

And I can positively identify this as the wild Central Texas Mercedes, often found on my porch, especially in the morning, and expecting the need for warmer clothes SOON!

Meanwhile, Back at the Office

2010-09-20T19:20:00.000-07:00

Due to lack of attention to the feeders, the bird activity at the office has been WAY off. Last week, someone filled the feeders again, and we have been treated to a Goldfinch reunion since then. Enjoy this week's offering, and not to worry, Mercedes is included.

But first, we get a visit from a Carolina Wren perched near the antique rose bush at the house. The recent rains have brought out new growth, which always starts out maroon, and adds a fall look to the place.

So I'm thinkin' the Wren likes me so much he just followed me to the office.

This is a first-time sighting of this varmint. I googled orange moth and it came up to be an Imperial Moth. That's about 4 inches across the wings.

The Cardinals offered me a few poses this past weekend.

I was posted hoping for some hummingbirds at the lantana, but got Cardinals instead.

And back at the office, this one on the deck gave me a funny look.

With the return of the seed, the Titmouse, Chickadee, and Dove are back as well.

Caught in the middle of crackin' the sunflower seed.

A Mourning Dove on the deck.

We were really amazed that the Lesser Goldfinches were still around, and just waiting for that thistle seed feeder to be filled up.

They have been flocking in at about 6 at a time.

It is interesting that once they come in for the thistle, they won't hesitate to go over to the black oil sunflower seed as well.

And back on the porch, Mercedes is getting surer on her feet, and that means a lot of traveling and exploring on her part. Yup, just like heaven.

September Visitors

2010-09-12T20:02:00.000-07:00

His creation is endlessly surprising, and he allows me to get regular doses of that variety. Enjoy this week's offering, and be reminded of how my porch is like heaven.

This is a female Ruby-throated hummingbird. The activity at the feeders has definitely notched up.

She turned and gave me a look.

This male Ruby-throat had perched on a nearby branch, then started fluttering the wings, and gave me a good angle to show that throat.

As many of you know we had tremendous rains last week, and they filled the pond. I spied this doe and her fawn on the other side, slipping into their area in a grove of trees.

The Phoebes are active, especially at the pond's edge where they will fly out over the water and catch a bug.

Once again I heard the White-eyed Vireo singing its song. I ventured out to the earthen dam that forms the pond, which is covered with full-grown trees. I camped in an opening, and soon the Vireo came close enough for a shot.

Sitting beside the creek, I see a Red-ear turtle swimming toward me, and periodically popping up for a breath. This one is for Linda Jacobson.

I spied a large bird above, and knew quickly it was not a dove. Turns out this is a Yellow-billed Cuckoo, you might know as a 'rain bird'. Please click on the bird id link and type the name in, you can listen to its distinctive call which you will recognize.

We fashioned a new diversion for Mercedes for porch time. A bowl of cat food that she can feed Cozmo one piece at a time.

She is very careful to pick up one piece, and Cozmo is polite to take it out of her hand and leave all the fingers.

The cutest part was when Mercedes realized that Strappy the cat was outside the fence, and wanted to give him a piece. She carefully guarded her treat from Cozmo, and had to fight through the body blocks of a creature heavier than herself to get to the fence, then drop it through the wire so Cozmo couldn't get it from Strappy. Way to go, Mercedes!
Uh huh, just like heaven.

In Search of the White-eyed Vireo

2010-09-04T19:07:00.000-07:00

All summer long I could hear the White-eyed Vireo singing its song out in the woods, but it never would come near enough to photograph. So today, being a pleasant morning offering signs of a changing season, I ventured out from the porch in search of the Vireo. Enjoy what I discovered.

Back at the office, we have enjoyed watching the Cardinals fight their image in the glass windows of the conference room. We have a new regular, so I captured a few images.

The frustrating part of this story is that on Monday, when I didn't have my camera, a male Blue-headed Warbler and two females came to that window. Dan is my witness. So I brought the camera the rest of the week, and never saw them again.

Saturday morning was 70 degrees on the porch, and that feels like Autumn around here. Mercedes was fitting her baby doll for a throne.

The angel wanted to fly, but Papa Wes has to keep her safe on the porch.

These guys erupted in the yard in the last few days. I understand they are Green Fruit Beetles, and act like June bugs on steroids.

So venturing out into the nearby woods, hoping to spy a White-eyed Vireo, but first I spotted this little yellow warbler flitting around. Turns out to be a Wilson's Warbler, and we are in the migration zone, so say 'bye bye.'

Nervous little birds, and very tough to get a good shot.

Watching the tree limbs above, and I see some activity. It was a female Oriole, and daddy had to be somewhere nearby.

This is a Baltimore Oriole. If I had a jar of jelly near the feeders, he would have been there.

I'm not sure what is going on here, but the male Summer Tanager showed up near the Orioles.

This is a first-time sighting of a Summer Tanager on my property. The female was there as well, but didn't get a good shot of her.

This is a Black and White Warbler. How is that for an imaginative name?

By this time I was a little overwhelmed at the variety and first-time shots I was getting. This is the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. I've captured his pic before, but rarely see him.

Like the others, this is a very nervous little bird, and tough to capture on film.

But with patience, they eventually come close to where you are.

Say hello to the White-eyed Vireo. The call of this bird is very unique, and I encourage you to go the the bird i.d. website link on this page and listen. They will sing all morning, and never show themselves.

Like I said, if you sit in the right place long enough, you'll eventually get to see them. I may venture from the porch more often, based on today's results!

Ruby's Back In Town

2010-08-29T21:28:00.000-07:00

Every year about this time the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds show up in my neighborhood. Don't know why, but it's always nice to see 'em. This week's offering is a typical mix of nature, another 'first time sighting', and of course some of my granddaughter Mercedes, because she's spending porch time with Papa Wes. Enjoy.

The Chickadee demonstrates its acrobatic abilities.

The Chickadees are dependable visitors, and will show up when there is no other traffic.

The female Painted Buntings are regulars, but their hubbies are stickin' to the woods.

Our first-time sighting for this installment. I have been hearing the call of the Summer Tanager all year since spring. I only know the call because these are birds I've previously encountered on our trips to the Frio. This is the female Summer Tanager. The male is the only bird that is completely red; similar to the Cardinal, but no black on the face and no top notch. If you scroll down a ways, I posted a picture of one this past spring.

The Phoebe comes in close to the porch hunting for flying insects.

This doe was enjoying the cool weather Saturday morning.

You know the water supply is really sorry when they'll take a sip from a stagnant pond.

I have been spotting the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds for about a week, but haven't been able to get any good shots. Today I got to spend enough time to catch a few. This is a female.

Late today this male was camping close to the feeder, jealously watching in case anyone else should want a sip.

It just takes the right angle to get that throat to light up, and I'm sure that when this one is flying at you, the offender gets the full benefit of the visual.

Mercedes Noel is fascinated with the dog food bowl, and decided to try out the fit for her throne. She liked it.

Saturday morning it was 61 degrees on the porch, so Mercedes got to bundle up.

She has yet to meet a stranger, so man and animal get to benefit from her hospitality. And that is why my porch is like heaven!

Midland Run

2010-08-20T18:48:00.000-07:00

It's amazing what you might see if you just step out into a typical suburban Midland backyard and observe. And even more amazing what you might see inside! Enjoy.

The Robins were very busy, and spent a lot of time on the ground picking up bugs.

A hummingbird caught my eye at the trumpet vine that was spilling over the fence from the neighbor's yard. Later I saw more hanging around at the turk's cap close to the house.

I spied something in the fig tree going after a fruit.

It turned out to be a Mockingbird.

A large White-winged Dove was in the tree above.

The squirrel provided me a nice composition.

A Curved-bill Thrasher flew in and poked around in the yard a little.

I first became acquainted with this bird at the Matthews' home in Uvalde.

Spied these two birdies at the house, and we all traveled to Midland to visit the Matthew Griffins.

Morgan is demonstrating a Brazilian Judo move on his dad, called 'full mount'.

Mercedes already likes playing 'mommy', and attempts to feed Viola.

The Grands all gathered around Viola. Aren't they wonderful?

Dan Jacobson's gracious neighbors the Bradleys provided a rocker for Mercedes.

GG tried her hand at hair dressing with this top-notch pony tail for Mercedes. Looks like a trend-setter to me!

A Month of Sundays

2010-08-08T20:19:00.000-07:00

It does seem like it has been that long since I posted some bird pics. And some days it seems like there are no birds to photograph. Then I venture out into the yard, and all of a sudden I have 200 pictures to go through, edit, delete, and offer up for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy this week's offering of the good, the bad, and the ugly.

We have been seeing a lot of the Red-Shouldered Hawk of late. One afternoon when I got home from work, he was out by the creek, hopping around in the tall weeds, probably looking for a lizard that was missed on the first pass.

Then one day I just heard him out by the creek, and ventured out hoping for a shot. I got off a few before he flew.

And was able to get one on the wing. Almost looks like the American flag on those wings.

The female Painted Bunting is a regular at the feeders.

And sometimes I even get a picture in the natural habitat.

Like this one of her mate. I always wonder what these birds eat besides the seed I offer. Here the male Painted Bunting is chowing down on some seeds of a tall creek-side weed.

Really love it when they show up at the bird bath.

The Black-chinned Hummingbirds are still active around the feeders.

This female was chattering at somebody.

An amazing creature.

The Titmouse likes to grab that black oil sunflower seed and take it to a limb where they can work on it.

The Phoebe is hanging around the pond, catching the bugs on the fly.

Here is the fat coon that I am convinced is destroying my impatiens one plant at a time. It had startled the two fawn pictured below.

They are enjoying my labor, a freshly mowed field on the other side of the pond.

I've been hearing the White-eyed Vireo, and this could be an immature male. More likely it is a female Yellow Warbler, because the beak is sharper.

I'm glad that these pictures of a Golden-cheeked Warbler were not taken on my property.

Yesterday the Great Blue Herons were providing us with a lot of entertainment by chasing each other around the pond. I guess they don't just mate in the spring-time.

They would fly, croak, fly away, come back, and circle around.

Not sure what this action is, but I'm sure it is part of the game.

That wingspan is about 7 feet. Another example of God's creation displaying His glory!

Mercedes' First

2010-07-24T19:50:00.000-07:00

We are so blessed to have Mercedes close enough that we can bake a cake for her and have some birthday celebration. She loved her party hat, didn't even try to take it off. And you will see how she loved her icing!

She was very excited about getting a birthday card from Mawmaw.

We're a little concerned about this look of glee as she sits on her first car. Please note the perfect point position of that foot.

GG put together a perfect birthday cake, and here we see some other gifts.

Just as her Uncle Matt did, some of her first words are 'dote tut', translated 'don't touch'. How about that party hat?

Daddy Ryan was helping with blowing out the candle.

Her kids will tell you, GG knows how to party.

She even thought of providing personal-sized cakes, and Mercedes really appreciated it.

Looks like the sugar has already hit the system.

Did you say that was rum cake under there?

She is so lovable, she has even learned to pucker!

What a difference a year makes. Happy Birthday, Mercedes!

Sylvia's 86th

2010-07-18T19:14:00.000-07:00

Family members and cherished friends gathered at Roadrunner's Roost at Canyon Lake to help Sylvia (Mom, Mawmaw) celebrate her 86th birthday on July 7th last. There was one participant who was around for the blessed event 86 years ago, her 90 year-old brother Wesley Norman Schulze.

Bridgette provided the wonderful birthday cake for Mom. Just a good thing that she didn't go for all the candles, we would have needed to call the local V.F.D. to provide fire coverage.

Mike and Rachel's youngest Thomas Aiden Baughman. "Is any one looking?"

Sylvia Rosalyn Schulze Griffin with her cake.

Mawmaw enjoying the singing of 'Happy Birthday'.

Mom might be accused of living by the adage,'Life is too short, eat dessert first.' Or her version, 'Don't let the icing on the candles go to waste.'

Mom surrounded by her kids Becky Adams, Wesley Carroll, and David Waid. Timothy Lee had just visited from California and was headed home.

Summer Mixed Salad

2010-07-14T20:04:00.001-07:00

We have had some good rains in July, very rare for this part of Texas. The birds have come out, the plants are flowering, and I've had two male Painted Buntings visiting my yard regularly. Enjoy this week's offering of a summer mix.

The Bewick's Wren is still hanging around, and is one of my favorite songbirds.

The Black-chinned hummingbird has been showing up more, with a little more activity around the feeders.

When I'm losing natural light, I'll switch to flash, and it gives me the opportunity to get some action I might otherwise miss.

I can't help myself, it looks like bling to me.

The female Black-chinned gets a rare sitting at the feeder.

Out at the office, on a rainy day, this Black-chinned hummingbird was showing a little bit of a 'do'.

This afternoon there were four young bucks, showing their felt-covered racks. I just caught two of them.

An immature male Cardinal. You can tell because he was speeding and drinking alcohol.

The mature male Cardinal, with all his plumage.

A young Titmouse visits the platform feeder.

Somebody tell me what the name of this dragonfly is.

A young Great Blue Heron strolling and fishing on the other side of the creek.

The Green Heron, able to stand and fish out in the middle of the pond on the pond weeds.

The Painted Bunting sharing the grapefruit feeder with a Cardinal.

We've had such great attendance at the chapel that we've had to enlarge the side doors.

A female Painted Bunting on the deck at the office.

Can't get enough of that Painted Bunting.

These were taken at the office feeder, where I can get about 6 feet away from the feeder at a window.

There's no other bird than the female Painted Bunting that appears this green.

We close with a shot of my impatiens along the planter I did for Jan last year. Our dog Cozmo is serving nightly duty sleeping on the porch and keeping the 'coon away who loves to dig up the dirt for bugs, and kills the plants in the process. Good girl, Coz.

Birds of a Feather for 4th of July

2010-07-05T18:55:00.000-07:00

We were blessed to have our kids in for the Fourth of July weekend, the Matt Griffins from Midland and the Ryan Hopkins bunch from Burnet. Your heart if full to be surrounded by your children and grandchildren. And throw a visit from Matt Parker in there for good measure.

Matt took some portrait quality pics of Mercedes with his Canon D7.

Here Mercedes is practicing for her debut.

Out in the yard with most of the kids. Ryan was blessed to have work, so you'll see him later.

Papa Wes, GG, and their grandkids, Morgan, Emma, Viola, and Mercedes.

Kate gathered the grandchildren on the porch swing, but Viola wasn't too happy at first.

Why is my porch like heaven? 'Cause you'll find me there with Mercedes and Viola! (pay no attention to that gadget affixed to the side of my head.)

On Saturday we headed for Mawmaw's in New Braunfels, and took her out to the new restaurant Schoebel-Goebels. But first we took some pics at her apartment.

We pretty well filled up that living room, but later somehow everyone found a spot to nap. You might notice Mawmaw's leg brace. She is recuperating from a tumble while vacationing on the Frio. Rumor is she was dancing, but that is unconfirmed.

Back in Liberty Hill, GG catches Papa Wes with two of his favorite people.

On Sunday afternoon we headed over to San Gabriel Park in Georgetown for the annual Fourth of July festivities and fire works. Morgan and Emma loved the petting zoo.

Morgan is very familiar with Peter.

Ashleigh helped the kids with the piglet.

GG joined them on the train ride around the grounds.

Uncle Matt Parker brought his pole so they could drop a line. They immediately caught a good sized catfish, followed by enough to make some memories of fishin' at the park.

GG always packs a great picnic basket, and Morgan got his fill of watermelon.

As did Emma.

Mercedes got to ride around the park a little with Mom Kate.

Ryan got a break from working to join us for the day. Since his birthday is on the 5th, I lured him with promises of a gourmet breakfast to stay the night. (It was waffles!)

Matt and Ashleigh enjoying the celebration.

One more group pic of the grands at the house. Yes, I'm proud.

The Griffins from Midland paused for one more before heading home. It was such a blessing to have everyone during this special time of the year.

God's Surprise Lighting

2010-06-26T06:05:00.000-07:00

You design a building, site it, and God provides the special lighting effects. Chapel of the Innocents is one of those once-in-a-lifetime projects one might be blessed to be a part of. God continues to bless this project, and maybe one day Midge will publish a book chronicling every story.

Close to sunset.

The walls are of glass block, with the names of infants in memorium etched in the glass.

Sunset at the Chapel of the Innocents.

On the morning of the summer solstice, the sun came through one of the transom lights over the east doors and lit up the face of the angel Raphael.

Father's Day 2010

2010-06-20T20:05:00.001-07:00

Children are a blessing from the Lord, and I am blessed to be a father and a grandfather. Thanks for all your Father's Day greetings.

Papa Wes and his very photogenic grandchild Mercedes. Do I hear any contract offers?

Why is my porch like heaven? 'Cause you can find Mercedes and GG there!

Heron's Return

2010-06-20T07:10:00.001-07:00

It has been a dry spell in more ways than one; seems the birds are not coming around like usual. But this week's offering is still a wide variety, with the return to our pond of the Green Herons, and including a first time i.d., which turned out to also be the first time we've seen ducks on our pond in the summer. Enjoy

We start out at the office, where our Leghorn chicken is still hanging out. Here we see a male House Finch, female House Finch, and a female Cardinal.

The White-wing Dove and the Mourning Dove have been very active at the office feeders.

The Bewick's Wren couple are feeding their young, providing a lot of chatter as they approach. They are not too happy about the two cats that seem to be paying attention.

Mama seems to have lost her tail feathers, but it doesn't affect her ability to navigate at all.

Last Friday at dusk, a pair came circling in and landed on the pond. They displayed very prominent black and white areas on their wings. I could see that the orange beaks, long necks, and wing colors were going to make them easy to i.d., since I had no idea what they were. Say hello to a pair of Black-bellied Whistling Ducks. They are tree ducks. Check them out on my bird i.d. website link and listen to their call. Oh yeah, in the picture, one has his head stuck under his wing preening. That's why it is hard to tell if there are two ducks.

A few weeks ago cousin Paul Velte in Hays County said they had more Katydids this year than ever. They have found their way to Williamson County, and raise quite a racket at night. This is the first time we have ever been able to witness one vibrating their wings to make the call.

Black-chinned Hummingbird.

Exit, stage left!

Female Black-chinned hummingbird.

Saturday the big Swallow-tail Butterfly was in the yard. When he lit, I took off across the yard just hoping he would stay still. He obliged, and I was able to get this close-up.

I had heard the Green Herons, so I knew they were back in the neighborhood. This one was fishing on the far side of the pond.

So as I sat there shooting the first view, this guy caught my eye up the creek to the left. You can scarcely believe they are the same bird, as their colors appear very differently with different light situations, plus their ability to stretch their neck out.

Hmmm, visions of some rock star prancing about.

How about these proportions?

They are stealthy hunters, and really like the little frogs in the pond.

They cluck like chickens sometimes, and every once in a while send out a loud screech. Did he get a hold of someone's hair dye?

I'll be watching to i.d. their nest location, and see if we can get pics of their young ones.

Babies and Buntings

2010-06-01T19:45:00.001-07:00

You are probably thinking that because of my recent posts, this title could as well be about grandchildren and blankets, but it really is about chicks and Painted Buntings! This week's offering covers a wide range, including a new i.d., and a hungry hawk at the office.
Enjoy.

We are enjoying the morning glory at the house. It truly is glorious.

Our columbine planted last year are actually producing blooms this year, much to our delight.

The mama and papa Carolina Wrens have been busy. Dad brings food, but many times he's singing while mom is bringing bugs. I'm sure it is an important duty for him.

They stage on a limb nearby, then hit the swing chain a foot from the door, then the entry hole.

As soon as they hit the hole, the chirping begins.

Then they pause for prayer upon exiting. Very appropriate!

We knew the time for exiting was near, so we secured the porch from the cats, and trusted the babies would find their way to the nearby woods. We got home just in time to see the last one, still with pin-feathers on his head, perched just outside the fencing. He could fly about 4 feet at a time, but made it to the woods.

Another batch of young-uns, the Phoebes nesting under the office.

And I caught mom with the most luscious looking worm, gently preserving it for her kids.

One day I spied something large fly in from the left, and grabbed the camera to see what I could get. This is a red-shouldered hawk, and he does not hesitate to go after the dove that love to feast on my bird seed. He didn't stay long, but will return at an opportune time.

While having fun watching the Painted Buntings fight themselves in the office reflective window glass, this previously unknown showed up. This is the Ash-throated Flycatcher. Always nice to see one you've never seen before.

In the twenty six years that we have officed in this location,(well, there was a short gap in there) we have had Cardinals pretty regularly fighting their reflections in the reflective glass of the conference room windows. But at present, we have a male and female Painted Bunting that have taken up the fight, and they are providing us with a lot of entertainment. Right, Dan?

Feast your eyes.

Wonder what the background was that this bird was supposed to blend in to?

Creation truly speaks of the Glory of the Lord.

Lindsey's Bridal Shower

2010-05-31T19:47:00.000-07:00

Most of the Griffin clan gathered in Dallas at the home of Mike and Rachel Baughman to celebrate the coming wedding of Lindsey Griffin and Neil Paltridge. Enjoy.

Amber Adams and Thomas James Adams came to help celebrate.

The cake, a mixture of sweetheart and Irish. So appropriate.

Kate Hopkins, Mercedes and Becky with Thomas.

Two of Mawmaw's grans, Kate and Lindsey, and one of her greatgrans, Mercedes.

Mike and Rachel did such a fabulous job of entertaining, with lots of good food, fresh and grilled.

I want Neil to take note of how tenderly Lindsey handles this child.

Becky advising Tim on the expenses he can expect in relationship to the wedding. Oh wait, she has only boys, so she wouldn't know. But then, Becky knows at least a little about everything! Especially finances.

Chowin' down.

Bridgette, one of Lindsey's cousins on her mom's side, and a dear friend from the Dallas area.

She looks like the blushing bride, or maybe that's beaming.

David wasn't thinkin' about the orange in his hand.

There it is again!

Tim and his girls, Lindsey and Kaylee.

Lindsey and a bunch of her cousins.

The whole sh'bang. A good time was had by all.

Morgan and Emma Visit Liberty Hill- Day 4

2010-05-27T18:56:00.001-07:00

My how they drop off after a busy day. We got to keep Mercedes an extra night, and we can't get enough of her. So Mercedes was returned to Ryan and Kate at lunch today, and Morgan and Emma will be off early tomorrow to meet Dad in Eden, but not before Papa Wes feeds them some of his famous omelets.

Don't move or the bear gets it, with the orange!

If you know Morgan's maternal grandmother, you can see a lot of Tacie in that smile.

Three peas.

Emma enjoys helping Mercedes dress a doll.

Now we're gettin' to it. This picture is a foreboding of times to come with this crew! All I can say is,'don't mess with Mercedes!'

How quickly she returns to her angelic self. (melt)

GG enjoying one of her favorite pastimes.

This is the part in the Pecos Bill story where Bill can only speak 'coyote' because that's who raised him.

Rapt attention.

Two of my favorite people. Can't wait for them to come back.

Morgan and Emma Visit Liberty Hill- Day 3

2010-05-26T18:51:00.000-07:00

They are snoozing soundly, so here comes day 3 of the most wonderful adventure at PapaWes and GG's.

Since Mercedes was in for the day, Papa Wes took the day off to help. Nothin' better than starting the day on the porch with the grandkids. We got to watch the mama and daddy wrens shuttling food to the house, and hear the babies peeping when food was near. Then Papa Wes fixed waffles, topped with bananas, strawberries, pecans, and peaches from our own trees. Yall come!

Mercedes enjoys her 10 o'clock bottle prior to the morning nap. I'm looking forward to returning to that schedule myself.

GG prepared a laripin' picnic lunch to take to the Foundation Park. Here are the kids all loaded up in their safety seats, ready to go.

Like I said, laripin'. The rest of the day was filled with activities around the house, but not a lot of picture-takin'. Stay tuned for tomorrow's installment.

Morgan and Emma Visit Liberty Hill- Day 2

2010-05-25T19:01:00.001-07:00

Day 2 is done! The kids are soundly sleeping, and PapaWes is dutifully blogging. GG really outdid herself today, just thankful that the root canal was yesterday!

Started the day off with blueberry muffins, then off to the Robin Bledsoe park on Bagdad. You old Leanderthals will remember it as the city swimming pool, but it has been updated and is a very nice park.

Emma is checking out the view from the playscape.

No, he doesn't need Milk of Magnesia, he's listening to someone on the other end of that tube!

More of the park.

Emma thought she would test out her lung capacity and see if she could perform at the amphitheater without a sound system.

Then on to the Cedar Park Library for story time.

Emma is pretty serious about her play time.

Must be summer, because there was a good gathering of kids and parents.

Emma gets to go through the 'kid-size' door.

Back at the house, Strappy is cornered. He has been steering clear of the kids mostly, but eventually, they will get their petting in.

These kids love helping the cook, and GG is obliging.

Whoo hooo! Mercedes came for an overnight visit so her Mom could make a run to Houston for a pacemaker check-up. Can you say 'hawg heaven'?

It was hard to stop smoochin' on that girl.

This is a classic pose. Do you see any family resemblance?

Around and around they went.

And she led a merry chase.

Just for good measure, PapaWes played goalie while Morgan and Emma tried to get their bouncy 'soccer' balls past. I try to do my part to wear them out.

Morgan and Emma Visit Liberty Hill- Day 1

2010-05-24T19:02:00.000-07:00

We had a fabulous visit to Midland this weekend to celebrate Emma's third birthday. The special ending was getting to bring Morgan and Emma home with us for a week-long stay. I made some crazy claim about blogging the photo-journal each evening, so here's installment one.

While in Midland I got caught up in watching 101 Dalmations with the kids, and reverted to my old tv viewing position.

There's danger out in them thar woods, so sometimes the wire fence closes off the steps. Our pets are getting old, and I think they appreciated the separation!

A yogurt-in-a-tube snack in the playhouse. Sounds like a product from a comedy movie.

They trekked out to the peach trees, which are loaded like they have never been before.

Emma wasn't too sure.

But once they bit in, the peaches were gonners. Of course, they begged for more, but GG knew best, and limited the consumption.

Curious George for a little video time. They also got a first installment of the Shirley Temple version of Heidi. We noticed that when bed-time came, little wiffle snores were heard soon after the lights went out.
Stay tuned for next time.

Mid-Spring Remix

2010-05-16T20:16:00.000-07:00

This week's offering includes the welcome return of the Painted Bunting, and a newcomer to our house, the Bewick's Wren. Enjoy.

This House Finch offered me a good pose at the office feeder. They are probably our most consistent visitor, and provide a nice song as well.

When the Painted Bunting showed up a few weeks ago, he provided some of my best views ever. The light was right, and he came up close.

At first he was hanging in the shadows.

Eventually he came into the direct sunlight, and showed all his glory.

I don't think I've ever captured the green bars on his shoulders. A most amazing bird, and aptly named. We can't get enough of this guy.

The Phoebe continues to nest under the office, and is often seen close to the deck, so there must be some flying bugs around.

We were surprised recently by this new addition to our bird population. I suspect a half-grown female Leghorn. She is staying around, and I figure it's because of the plentiful bird seed on the ground below the deck. I'll be lookin' for eggs.

This day there were three Lesser Goldfinches at the feeder, and when there was a commotion nearby, all the eating paused to check it out.

Welcome the Bewick's Wren. This wren is thinner and grayer than the Carolina Wren, and has a distinctively different song. Please click the link to the bird i.d. website, type in Bewick's Wren, and you can listen to the song. You'll probably recognize it as one of those that made you wonder,'what bird is that?'

The Bewick's Wren has built a nest in our moon feeder, most likely because I wasn't keeping it full.

The excitement this morning occurred when the Carolina Wren was chasing a moth, and came too close to the Bewick's nest. The Bewick gave chase, and there was quite a battle across the yard. I caught a quick shot of the two trying to intimidate each other.

The poor confused Titmouse showed up at the feeder with his own sunflower seed, and didn't know what to do with himself.

The hummingbird activity has been somewhat sparse, so I was happy to catch this Black-chinned hummer coming to the feeder.

Jan has caught some of my birding fever, as evidenced by her sneaking out on the porch to get this shot of the Great Blue Heron on the pond. She used our old Olympus, and got a great picture.

We traveled to Summer's Mill Retreat Center east of Salado with our church group this weekend, and were blessed by the beautiful facility and walking trails. There was a variety of birds around, but I was only able to get a shot of this Eastern Bluebird on the fence line.

Mother's Day on Adams Lane

2010-05-10T19:47:00.000-07:00

Wanted to share with the family some shots from celebrating Mother's Day at sister Becky's place in south Texas. She is situated relative to San Antonio kinda like we are to Austin; outside of the rat race. Amber's Mom and Dad were there, as well as Tommy's parents. And it wouldn't be complete without our special guest Nattie, who is staying with the Davis's. Enjoy.

Some of you haven't seen Thomas James Adams since he developed his personality. He is a cutie!

Big John Adams gets to take Thomas for a ride.

Becky's poor dogs were starved for attention, so I obliged.

The wild flowers on Adams Lane were incredible.

Somebody tell me what those coral-colored Indian blankets are.

After partying for a while, the Moms were a little tipsy.

But we got some hot black coffee down them, and they sobered right up.
Happy Mother's Day all!

Frio Fun Vol 3

2010-04-28T17:03:00.001-07:00

This is our final installment on the trip to the Frio. It was a time of refreshing, and we got to visit some of the old haunts in Uvalde as well.

The most common bird at the cabins was the Common Barn Swallow. To appreciate this title, one must rent the old Jimmy Stewart film 'Mr. Smith Takes a Vacation.' His stuffy boss would use this name with the most condescending tone.

Back at the station behind Neal's Store, we were joined by a large group from Massachusetts. They were some kind of excited when the Painted Bunting came in to the platform feeder. We also see here a female Goldfinch, Inca Dove, and House Finch.

The American Goldfinch was back for Saturday.

As was the Golden-fronted Woodpecker. He gives us a good view here of the red-orange patch on the top of his head.

This was also my first Painted Bunting to see this season. But when I got back to the office, one showed up on the deck and came really close. Stay tuned for those pics.

The Vermilion Flycatcher was all around down at the swimming hole.

We met up with the Mass. bunch again at the next feeding spot, and Bob Rasas offered to take anyone that wanted to go, up to the hilltop where the Golden-cheeked Warbler hangs out. We hiked up the hill, among dense mountain juniper (cedar) that wouldn't even let ground brush to grow. We were standing there in complete silence, when Bob hears their call. We start looking up in the tree branches, and got to watch two Golden-cheeked Warblers foraging around.

A view at Seven Bluff Cabins of the cypress trees by the Frio.

The Frio is flowing nicely. It was too cool to tube, but I can guarantee there wouldn't be any walking because of shallow water.

One of our favorite things to do in the area is eat at Neal's Cafe. You can always count on seeing old friends. Jan's brother Jimmy and his wife Aggie joined us for lunch on Friday.

This is the bluff over Seven Bluff Cabins. You can hear the Canyon Wren calling from the hillside, and watch buzzards and hawks land in their nests on the cliffs above.

Our cabin, from whose porch you can spy any variety of birds, or just nap!