I am reminded of our feathered friends today by the noise of the incoming Blue Jays. Sounds like a warning for all the other birds to get out of the way. If I keep sunflower seeds out on the feeder in the driveway, they don't come up to the window table. They sure are pretty. I am more certain than ever that the noise is made by the males. Sit back and watch as the first to arrive sit up in the trees and then what would be the ladies, move in to eat and drink. The males will eat and drink when the girls are safely back up in the trees. The above photo was taken last winter. 

Dorothy Tweedt had asked if I had any Robins yet. She has feeders and had seen some. It's been about 3 weeks now that I've been seeing them. First I noticed a few out in the woods. I had heard the prettiest song and wondered who was singing. Don't know if it is their song but Randy saw one this past weekend. It had come up into the yard and was at the big water pan. That's the ugliest old refrigerator vegetable tray but just try to replace something that works so very well. I was reading an advice page that debated the colors of water pans. They were relating to those fancy things with a pedestal that cost a lot just for a lightweight plastic one. The best advice I ever read said that the feeders and water pans should always be on the ground or close to the ground. The color doesn't seem to matter at all. If the pan has an edge that the birds can grasp with their feet, it will work fine. The rounded edges are okay for birds that will walk down to the water but you'll not have nearly as many visitors. I dump and refill my water pans every day (or at least every other day.) I will get a better photograph of the Robin one of these days. That's why I want to move the seed table.

There must be at least 3 dozen goldfinches here right now. I was wondering about bigger feeders for their seeds when Randy reminded me of the great feeders he'd made out of the 2 liter bottles. Oh yes, and they emptied them so fast we would have needed to buy seed in 50 pound bags and have it delivered. Whew. They are sure hungry. They are messy but there are plenty who will scarf up all the seeds on the ground. 

It rained all day yesterday and all of this morning. I am looking at a still soggy seed table right now. It has been picked over and is near empty. I will move around the rocks so their spots can dry out. In some ways, I wish we had an awning to cover it table. It would keep out the predator birds and it would keep the table dry. Then I think about wanting to move the table to the side and have advantage to take photos of the water pan and yard beyond.  I am still working on better ideas for cleaning the window. It has streaks of white sealer that was used to patch the top edges of the trailer house. Groan. 

The noise from the geese has been close, loud and very often of late. I finally got Randy to realize that the sounds were not coming from up in the sky. There was no formation to look for. They were coming from our southwest; on the ground. 

The huge turkey flock has been making a bit of noise lately. One morning very early, I could hear turkey calls from three different groups. Never saw a turkey one but their call is distinctive.  With the colder weather, they stay quiet. Hunters have been many and close by since the beginning of the season.

Now is the time when we plan for the new flowering plants that will attract the hummingbirds. I had lots of seeds last year that were saved from a lady's garden. She was kind to share but I had a lousy sprouting rate. So this year I will get what I need from a regular seed company. The trumpet vine made nice blooms and I've learned how to make the vine grow better and produce more. This year will be better. Hummers don't seem attracted to the honeysuckle at all. Live and learn. We had a good number of the Asarina blossoms but I never saw a bird at a bloom. The only flowers that did well last year were the ones that came up volunteer from last year's blooms. Zinnias and nice big colorful ones. The butterflies were beautiful but I don't know the new camera well enough to chase them yet.

Part of planning the house we are building is the courtyard. Randy's brainchild. The house is built around it and will be big enough for several flowering trees. They are already ordered from Arbor Day. We have seeds yet for the Cypress Vine and hope to have good stands of it started. Every window will be a view and many spots for taking photos.

I found the directions for a "Teacup Birdfeeder" and want Randy to look at it. I have no Tea Cups with matching saucers but it is so cute that I will look for a few next time we go to Goodwill. If you have any good ideas or have seen plans for birdfeeders or bird houses, please let me know.

There are at least two owls that call all night long, most every night, that I notice anyway. I have only seen two owls since we've been here but I hear them all the time.