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

If you have a suggestion, or an idea, or if there's a FReeper you would like to see featured, please drop one of us a note in FR mail.

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!

[La Enchiladita]

You have FReepmail...;-)

[JustAmy]

I like the small daffodils better than the King something or other. :)

The smaller flowered daffodils have more blooms and are a little more ruffled. I've forgotten what they are called.

[GodBlessUSA]

Freepmail back. :)

[GodBlessUSA]

They are so pretty. I didn't realize they were daffodils at first because they do have a ruffled appearance. They look great with the ranunculous.

[JustAmy]

This is a close-up of the daffodils.

[GodBlessUSA]

Thanks JustAmy
I do have to get them. Besides liking the flower better, they are such a pretty shade yellow also.

[La Enchiladita]

Here is another photo of a Cedar Waxwing taken in Washington state, just sent to me by e-mail from a friend who knows nothing about this forum or that we're talkin' birds right now!

A little out of focus, I guess. I've never seen one of these around here, or anywhere!

[La Enchiladita]

Here's an equally unfocused shot of a flicker, also from eastern WA state:

[MEG33]

Cedar waxwings sometimes come in swarms when the berries are ripe and absolutely get drunk on them..I have rescued them after they knock themselves out flying into the sliding door glass. They are lovely birds.

[La Enchiladita]

Oh gosh, that's exactly what my friend described them as doing. She said it's sad and funny at the same time. Some of berries ferment, I guess and they get tipsy!

[MEG33]

I guess!

[La Enchiladita]

Now, you are both talking my language. Raptors are my favorite. Although I live in a huge urban area, there are lots of trees and other roosts -- such as tall buildings -- for hawks. I am good at spotting red tails, usually hanggliding the air currents, and always thrilled when I do.

And, as you say, GeeBee, there are times a mockingbird or raven will harass and chase off the hawk. What a hoot!

[MEG33]

I would love to see a painted bunting.They are gorgeous. I had missed your lovely cedar waxwing pictures..Some years they come and some I miss seeing them. I spend a lot of time with the binoculars when they are around!

[Mama_Bear]

Thank you for sharing your beautiful pictures and experiences

Thank you for being so sweet to thank us. :-)

Good night, ((((((((MEG)))))))).

[Mama_Bear]

Those cedar waxwings are strikingly beautiful birds. I love their coloring! I have never seen one around here. Like so many other interesting birds, they probably aren't native to this area.

[PreviouslyA-Lurker]

You think of me when you see squirrels or when you chipmunks (pooping on pillow chipmunks...)

[Diva Betsy Ross]

Yes... you made me pee my pants laughing. A bit graphic there -I know- but how else to describe how funny it was? I think it was one of the top three funniest things I have read on FR. Hehe!

[PreviouslyA-Lurker]

HEY, it was a true story!...but I'm glad you enjoyed it!

; )

(If you have the link FReep-mail it to me & I'll put it on my home page.)

[PreviouslyA-Lurker]

Pee your pants? I thought you put your fist in your mouth so that your co-workers wouldn't hear you laugh?

What were the other 2 funniest threads you have read on FR?

(See what happens when you were gone Amy, I think you were on vacation that day...)

[Diva Betsy Ross]

You have a good memory! I think you are right Amy was gone that day.

It was the summer, I think-close to the fourth of July perhaps?? I am a stay at home Mom- so I don't have co-workers- I have gremlins.(hehe)

I other funny threads are prolly one of the dummie comix and one of pookies cartoon threads. (funny stuff!) There are some really witty freeps out there.