BACKYARD ACTIVITIES

The weekend weather was perfect! Perfect for puttering in the yard. I staked some yard art that likes to topple when the wind plays havoc. I relocated a hook used for a birdseed feeder to a different location and, on a whim, put the hummingbird feeder on the hook. Within a few hours, I witnessed hummingbirds enjoying the nectar. They are back!! This news made me smile.

Yes, the owl is still in residence. I haven't heard her/him calling except for the initial announcement that the owl box was being used. I have seen the owl sitting in the opening and then withdraw into the box. I've not seen it come or go. It is either sitting in the opening or it isn't. But it's now been about a week since the discovery of its presence, so I have to assume this will be its permanent home for at least a while.

Will try to remember to have my camera at the ready as I continue to putter with the flowers and gardens.

Until then....

NO VACANCY!!!

Last year I was excited when I heard owls near my yard every night. I was more than thrilled when I saw them visit my birdbaths at dusk during the hot evenings of summer.

I practically stay glued to the Owl Cams at multiple locations around the country. The feeling I get while watching Nature undisturbed has a powerful affect on me. So much so, that I began investigating how to attract owls to nest in one's yard. I found many designs available online, each one seeming fairly easy to construct. As I asked family members if they had this tool or that tool available to loan me as I pursued building an owl box, my cousin Mike said he had plenty of wood and the tools, too. I shared the various designs with him and he built a box.

About 2 weeks ago he was ready to mount the box in one of my trees. I'd not heard an owl in the area since late fall, but I was willing to wait.

Knowing that owls lay eggs in March, I also reasoned that it might be too late this year, but perhaps in subsequent years the box would get used by something!!

Tonight I was sitting on the patio after I puttered with the tomato plants. Then, I heard an owl. I thought I heard one the other night, but it was very distant. But this was different. It was very close. So close in fact, that I realized it had to be in one of my trees. Out of curiosity... and ever so slowly... I crept to a location where there was an unobstructed view of the owl box. There, sitting in the opening, was an OWL!!!!! A Screech Owl. I literally got goosebumps at the discovery.

Hurriedly, but inconspicuously, I grabbed the camera and snapped some photos. Here is the new tenant; first with the regular lens and then with the telephoto lens.

 To say I am thrilled is an understatement!!! Thanks, Mike, for making this possible.

Until I settle back to earth....

8 YEARS.... OOPS, MAKE THAT NINE YEARS!!!

Today this blog is EIGHT NINE YEARS OLD!! Looking back, I've shared hundreds of photos, could have shared thousands more, was diligent with my posting, failed to post for long periods of time, and have thoroughly enjoyed having a place to call my own for musings.

So today, to celebrate the eight nine years I've been blogging, I will post yet again.

Life has been a merry-go-round. Or a rollercoaster. Maybe it's been a Tilt-A-Whirl... you know... that amusement park ride that goes round-n-round and then starts going up and down as well. I always liked those better than either the merry-go-round (made me dizzy) or the rollercoaster (didn't mind going UP, but coming DOWN always made my stomach turn).

The weather has been decidedly spring-like lately. DUH!!! It's March 20th, the first day of spring! During my lunch hour at work my favorite thing to do is drive to a nearby park to read or watch the ducks. (I used to walk to the park, but hip problems prevent me from doing much walking of any considerable distance these days).

The other day I discovered a new route to one of my favorite lunchtime hangouts. Thought I'd share.

This is where I would live if  1. I could afford the house, and 2. I could maneuver the 2-stories with my bum hip (and ankle and knee).

Here:

Or one of these...

 

 

Because THIS would be my front yard.... literally......

 

 



 

A rose garden!! I have to admit, Farmers Branch (Texas) has some beautiful parks. My favorites are like this one, tucked away in quiet residential areas.

 

Owl box? On closer inspection there is evidence the box has been used, but whether or not by an owl remains to be discovered.

 

It truly is a "City in a Park".

And if I lived in one of these houses, even Arthur (my yorkie) could venture to the park with me without fear of thirst. How convenient is that???

 

Until another day....