A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....1-24-06....A Birders' Eye View

GodBlessUSA

[GodBlessUSA]

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day

Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997.   Over 100,000 people have registered for posting privileges on Free Republic, and the forum is read daily by tens of thousands of concerned citizens and patriots from all around the country and the world.

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day was introduced on June 24, 2002. It's only a small room in JimRob's house where we can get to know one another a little better; salute and support our military and our leaders; pray for those in need; and congratulate those deserving. We strive to keep our threads entertaining, fun, and pleasing to look at, and often have guest writers contribute an essay or a profile of another FReeper.

On Mondays please visit us to see photos of A FEW OF FR'S VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY

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We're having fun and hope you are!
~ Billie, Dutchess, Dolly Cali, Mama_Bear, GodBlessUSA ~

One beautiful spring morning shortly after we moved in to our home, my 3-year-old daughter pointed at a bird and said, "Look Mommy." There on the tree was one of the most beautiful birds I'd ever seen--one I had never noticed before. I now know that it was a Redbelly Woodpecker. We were so thrilled to see such a beautiful bird in our yard, we jumped in the car to the store and we bought feeders and food for the birds.

Since that day, backyard birdwatching has been a passion of mine which I have a combined with my passion for gardening. Now my daugher and I garden for the birds, and my yard has become a place for everything from the common, but still beautiful, Robin to rare Warblers, Rose Breasted Grosbeak, and flocks of Chickadees.

I’m not an expert on birds or gardening. I’m always learning. I’d like to share the wonderful facts and stories I have learned in future threads. So many of us love spending time with nature, please share your stories of anything you do that gives you peace and enjoyment. Here are a few pictures from my backyard.

       Redbelly Woodpecker                 Blue Jay

Flicker Woodpecker     CatBird       GoldFinches

"I'd rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck". Emma Goldman

Recently, my kids and I took a trip to a bird preserve. This is a tranquil place with easy-to-follow trails. Once out of the wooded paths, there's a trail to follow and you reach the beach and have magnificent views.

The truly unique part of this preserve is, the birds will land on the palm of your hand and take seed. You will know when the birds are there because the birds will call to you. Holding a few sunflower seeds and nuts, they love the peanuts in winter, out in your palm and wait for the chickadees to land on your hand and grab the seeds. It's incredible to experience a small delicate Chickadee, Nuthatch or Titmouse picking through seed in your hand. This is a very special place for my kids and me.

Woods Path to Beach                   A View From Beach

Chickadee                                     Downy Woodpecker

Chickadees on my daughter's and son's hand.

Mallard Ducks

A Rabbit and Robin, they think we can't see them. :)

Nuthatch                                     Tufted Titmouse

"I once had a sparrow alight upon my shoulder for a moment, while I was hoeing in a village garden, and I felt that I was more distinguished by that circumstance that I should have been by any epaulet I could have worn."    Henry David Thoreau

12-28-05 ~ Hall of Fame #14

Click on the photo to view the album. To submit your photo, please contact dansangel or .45Man at danbh59@yahoo.com and include Freeper Photo Album in subject line.

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' Every Thursday at the Finest The guy's good, folks!

[Diva Betsy Ross]

Hi Ms. PAL! I haven't seen you in a long time. *good to see you*

I always think of you when I read of squirrels on FR.. why? I do not know! hehe! Hugs!

[Diva Betsy Ross]

Amy-those are very,very pretty! I wish I had a green thumb.

It is *good to see you*

I haven't seen you in a long time either. I gotta check out these finest threads more.. there are some cool cats here. :]

[JustAmy]

It's great to see you again, Diva.

I haven't been able to be here as much as I would like.

I don't have much of a green thumb; I usually plant something that takes little maintenance. When it gets so hot in the summer, I forget the yard. :)

[MEG33]

http://www.westongardens.com/page%20content/plant%20library/redbud.htm

It's a redbud tree. A Texas native.

[DollyCali]

okay ... just got home and going thru the LOVELY thread & everyone's great contributions.

GeeBee.. love the sanctuary shots.. how very nice that is. Is that close to home so that you can go there frequently? We have a couple.. one is about 1/2 hour away (part of Cleveland Metro)& the other about 2+ hours away(state bird sanctuary on Lake Erie towards Toledo). In both it is a refuge but there are really no tame birds/animals. Feeding is a BIG no no also.

Great phototgraphy!

[MEG33]

OOH, I love your picture!

[DollyCali]

We have a lot of redbud here too Meg. It is beautiful with it's distinctive bark & fushia (not really red) blooms.. although when in the "bud" stage there is a darker hue. An early bloomer so also very welcome

[DollyCali]

Amy are these blooming now at your home? love the ranunculas.. we have a "wild" variety but it is very plain next to the multi petaled one here

Great Pix & table

[DollyCali]

hummingbirds are so fascinating.. closest thing to a fairie/elf to me... I have a few plants that attract them.. they really like the coral bells.

[JustAmy]

Oh .... thank you.

That picture is from the spring of 2004. My tulips and ranunculas are coming up. They should be blooming by the first of March. Our trees will probably bloom in February and March.

[Diva Betsy Ross]

Those look like you have been fussin over them for hours. Seriously. I need to get up to speed. When we moved into this house the yards had been really neglected. I hope you are well.

[JustAmy]

Good evening, Dolly.

The tulips and ranunculas are coming up and will probably be blooming by March 1st. I took that picture in March of 2004.

My redbud isn't blooming yet either. :(

[Diva Betsy Ross]

Thanks Meg!

[JustAmy]

I'm doing great. Marissa is keeping me busy.

Early in the spring, I don't mind getting out and weeding but when the temps get over 100, I prefer to stay inside. :)

[GodBlessUSA]

Hi JustAmy
This is so beautiful. Thank you. I love Ranunculous. I wish they lasted here longer than a month. I'd plant them all over :)

[GodBlessUSA]

Hi Dolly
Thanks. I hope you had a good day. That sanctuary is not too far. The kids love it too.

[GodBlessUSA]

Hi Diva
How are you? Thanks!

[JustAmy]

I love them too ..... but so do the gophers!!

I can only plant them next to the house or in pots. They seem to last longer than other bulbs here. I think they look nice planted with the daffodils. I think I called the daffodils tulips in an early post. I don't have any tulips (another bulb loved by gophers. )

[MEG33]

Thank you for sharing your beautiful pictures and experiences

[GodBlessUSA]

They do look so beautiful with your daffodils. Those are double blooming daffodils? They are so lovely.

I have planted tulips but I don't have many left in spring either. Or one will come up in a location far from where I originally planted them. The little rodents moves them. LOL