Backyard Bird Nerd

Sunny Sunday Swallowtail

Posted on August 18, 2019 by kathydoremus

Between the scorching heat here in “Hotlanta” and the duties and distractions of everyday Labs…I mean, life…I haven’t gotten out with the camera as much as I would like. So, setting the lame excuses aside, I decided to take some time this sunny Sunday afternoon to remedy this unacceptable situation. I am so glad I did, as I was rewarded with a visit from a Pipevine Swallowtail, who graciously lingered long enough for me to have a bit of a photo session with him.

You can differentiate the Pipevine from some of the other black swallowtails because of it’s bluish-black spotted body and it’s single row of orange spots.

This guy was not one to sit still, and quickly flew from one flower to the next to slurp up some nectar.

As he gathered nourishment from the zinnias, I stood and nourished my soul with his beauty.

What a great way to spend a summer afternoon. 🙂

A Triple Taste of Independence

Posted on August 1, 2019 by kathydoremus

Three juvenile Red-bellied Woodpeckers showed up today shortly after I filled the feeders. It seemed that each was getting its first “taste” of independence!

The first youngster chose the peanut pole as his personal feeding place. I think this one is a male because I can see a hint of red feathers on the top of his head.

The second opted to hang out and sample Bark Butter, and was quick to display a ruffled head feather warning when any other bird approached.

And the third, who seemed the youngest of the trio, was discovering the bounty of the peanut feeder.

To be honest, calling these Red-bellied babies “cute” is a bit generous, but one day they will be truly striking – like this full grown fellow below.

For now, I’ll just enjoy the pleasure of watching these juveniles discover the joys of my backyard feeders.

Posted in Backyard Birds | Tagged birds, georgia birds, hobbies, nature, outdoors, photography, red-bellied woodpecker, woodpeckers, writing | 5 Comments

Peanut Poachers

Posted on July 25, 2019 by kathydoremus

The other day I filled up the peanut pole and watched as one blue bandit after another swooped in to load up their beaks.

These Jays made quick work of emptying what I had just filled!

I’m pretty sure that by the time the last peanut poacher departed, there was nothing left but peanut dust.

Now, I could complain that peanuts ain’t cheap, and these birds are eating me out of house and home – but the way I figure it, I am simply paying for the pleasure of watching their entertaining antics, which is better than Netflix any day!

Posted in Backyard Birds | Tagged backyard birds, blue jays, georgia birds, hobbies, nature, photography, writing | 5 Comments

Funtastic Flitterary

Posted on July 21, 2019 by kathydoremus

Okay…so it is really a fantastic Fritillary, but the name in the title would be fitting as well.

These beauties are so much fun to watch as they flit from flower to flower.

I so enjoyed taking photos of this fellow (although it could have been a gal) as he enjoyed
the zinnias.

Aren’t his patterns amazing?!

Butterflies are one of the best things about summer!

Posted in Butterflies and Blossoms | Tagged beauty, butterflies, flowers, gardening, gulf fritillary, hobbies, nature, photography | 4 Comments

A Commotion of Cuteness

Posted on July 17, 2019 by kathydoremus

The baby Bluebirds have arrived, and are causing a commotion of cuteness in my backyard!

There are four youngsters this time around, and to say they are keeping Mama busy would be an understatement.

While she is focused on feeding one, without fail, there is another waiting impatiently in the wings.

Sometimes I cringe a bit when I watch her feed these greedy little guys – it looks like they are going to bite her beak off!

You can’t blame her for trying to deliver in bulk. I think she is bringing four mealworms at once in the picture below!

I have discovered that these little ones are not quite as helpless as they would have Mom believe. One minute they are loudly demanding that she feed them…

…but the moment she flies off to feed another, they help themselves to a snack.

I had to laugh at one point, when she was just getting ready to deliver a mouthful of food to one of the youngsters…

…and the rest of the crew came crashing in. A frenzied feeding photo bomb!

Suffice it to say, patience is a virtue they have not yet acquired.

Ah well, they may be causing a commotion, but at least they’re cute!

Posted in Backyard Birds | Tagged baby birds, bird watching, bluebirds, georgia birds, hobbies, nature, photography, writing | 14 Comments

Granny’s Gauntlet

Posted on July 11, 2019 by kathydoremus

One of the joys of blogging is connecting and being inspired by other bloggers, like “Granny” over at Granny Shot It, who recently threw down the gauntlet, issuing a “Bird of the Day” challenge. Needless to say, that sounded right up my alley…so…

…my “BOTD” is a female Red-bellied Woodpecker.

Check out Granny’s site and play along with the challenge. 🙂

Posted in Backyard Birds | Tagged backyard birds, BOTD, Granny Shot It, photography, red-bellied woodpecker | 8 Comments

Vibrant Visitors

Posted on July 7, 2019 by kathydoremus

Sunflowers are some of my favorite summer visitors!

Seriously, it’s just about impossible to see one and not smile.

My Goldfinches, who like to pick the petals to partake of the seeds, agree that their appearance is most welcome!

And this year was especially delightful because not only did we have our traditional yellow sunflowers, but we had some radiant red ones pop up as well!