Birding and Freds

What a few days in terms of temperature. Hot days previously, with cold warnings overnight, hanging plants were brought indoors. I woke at 2 a.m. and it was 10 ℃. By 6 a.m. it was down to 5!

The lilacs are in bloom, see in my header. I walked outdoors and couldn't figure out what beautiful thing was blooming! 

🐦 Birding

It's been a great season for 🐦birding. I haven't gone far. OK, not anywhere else. May is the season to bird during mating season when they are calling. Also, when the leaves aren't out in full. My back deck needs work, but we are so happy overlooking the yard.

Merlin's App certainly helps. I knew I had to look for Great Crested Flycatchers. OK, not great from the back deck! I am not quick enough, and have to switch between looking out to find them and then sliding on my reading glasses for the camera focus! 

Dunno, 'Proof of Life?' You can almost see them. This is me on the back deck, aiming into the forest.

I decided to venture out in the bugs in the early morning. Sure enough, in the back 40, where Barry 🦫 is busy. The results weren't as good as I thought. This is a bad photo of the Black-and-White-Warbler. Maybe it's not worth it?! I can listen to them...

Archive photos of Flycatchers. 

Swainson's thrush

Ovenbird

Goldfinch!!!

Robin

Fred Groundhog

Yesterday I had to document the tree losses. It is Fred's Groundhog's turn for fame. 

MiniFred and Fred had a fight. Momma Fred came over and chased her.

Momma Fred has been clear about MiniFred being around. There have been 2 chases that I've seen.

 

This is why! Caitlin thought of it. There are at least 2 kits. I have evidence...

Fred has been working on my Hosta! We just have to laugh.