Settling Into Summer

We're seeing less newcomers around the porch, and seem to be settling into the summer pattern of activity. We are still enjoying the Painted Buntings, and welcome the first pics of the Green Heron this week. We also get some Screech Owl pics from some of our neighbors. Enjoy this week's offering.

 At the office, the House Finches are very active.

 You might notice my birds always say 'Grace' before eating!

 A young female Lesser Goldfinch, checking out the thistle feeder at the office.

 The female Cardinal atop the feeder in the yard.

 A young female Cardinal in the trees off the deck at the office.

 The Cardinals are numerous at the house, not so much at the office. 

 The lantana under the sprinkler at the yard. This image brings back childhood memories of this little bouquet.

 The Carolina Chickadee in the yard. 

 I was sitting real close to the tree this furry-tailed tree rat was descending. He decided to turn around and go back up the tree.

 We have been hearing and spotting the Green Heron for a few weeks, but hadn't been able to get a pic. This morning the male was chasing the female around the pond. Eventually, one was high in a tree making its call. I had to leave the porch, but did get a few shots.

 OK, hold the comments about 'Green Heron'! I don't name these things!

 Hoping that the chase means they will be nesting and producing young. Stay tuned!

 The female Painted Bunting in the yard.

 I had just complained to my business partner that I never can get good Bunting pictures at my porch. Then my yellow-bibbed Bunting shows up about 6' away, and changes the game.

 Just can't get enough of this guy. Glory!

 Every once in a while I get to share a pic sent by a friend. This is a Screech Owl that has been visiting Don and Nita Bradley's backyard in Leander. They report two now regularly.

The Gainers in Sundance Ranch have a family of Owls every year about this time, and will be charging entry fees to their yard starting next year. I understand Hallie will also be catering the events. Here are two of the young ones, and the report is that their activity is waning, so the young'ns may be ready to fly the coop, so to speak.