This fella lives beside us in the Longfellow Creek area- he uses our driveway as access to and from the greenbelt. We saw him go down our driveway and decided to follow. He was on his way back when we came upon him. Typically we don't interact with it. We try to scare him away because we know our neighbors don't like coyotes in the area since they have cats. I personally don't like cats since they hunt birds.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Saturday, August 21, 2010
bye bye birdies...hello frogs
The hawks were driving me crazy- I was at the window from dawn until dusk and then one day they were just gone. Weird. But the last night I saw them, one came down and sat on our car almost as if to say goodbye.
This video is for the ladies at work.
We rescued these african dwarf frogs from a very small container that they shared with a betta. The betta repeatedly punched the frogs in the belly with its nose and the frogs cowered below hardly ever moving. I couldn't stand it any longer and moved the frogs to a larger bowl to finally this tank. We started feeding them bloodworms instead of the fish pellets (that the betta ate anyway) and we can tell they have grown. I adopted them and after a traumatizing drive home- they are adjusting and seem in good spirits.
We rescued these african dwarf frogs from a very small container that they shared with a betta. The betta repeatedly punched the frogs in the belly with its nose and the frogs cowered below hardly ever moving. I couldn't stand it any longer and moved the frogs to a larger bowl to finally this tank. We started feeding them bloodworms instead of the fish pellets (that the betta ate anyway) and we can tell they have grown. I adopted them and after a traumatizing drive home- they are adjusting and seem in good spirits.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Backyard Wildlife (and frontyard)
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Birds in the garden
Although this happened a few weeks ago, I thought I'd update what happened with the robins. After one week since I discovered the nestling robins, I was lucky enough to see them fledge the following Saturday afternoon. I only got to see the last remaining nestling take flight to the neighboring cedar tree where the mamma robin continued to feed it.
I haven't seen the robins since then and they didn't take up the same nest for a 2nd clutch. Oh well...I did have a visiting goldfinch...
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Meet the new neighbors...
I had a great discovery for the holiday weekend when I decided to find the robin's nest on Friday night. I knew there was a nest close by because I had seen a pair of robins for the past few weeks hanging around and darting in to trees while I was toiling in the front yard removing turf and creating borders.
The nest had to be close and my first guess was the snag of cedar trees until Brian said they never go directly to the nest. So I went outside to the side of our house where there is a beautiful overgrown flowering tree. I poked my head under the branches and resurfaced underneath the dense, sheltered perennial amongst the pink blossoms and yes, when I turned my head- the robin's nest.
I was face to face with the mamma robin! Perhaps a foot separated us and she dare not move- hoping I would not see her. I slowly retreated to leave her in peace. But we did snap a few photos while the parents were away. (Brian took the awesome photo of the nestlings!)
The nest had to be close and my first guess was the snag of cedar trees until Brian said they never go directly to the nest. So I went outside to the side of our house where there is a beautiful overgrown flowering tree. I poked my head under the branches and resurfaced underneath the dense, sheltered perennial amongst the pink blossoms and yes, when I turned my head- the robin's nest.
I was face to face with the mamma robin! Perhaps a foot separated us and she dare not move- hoping I would not see her. I slowly retreated to leave her in peace. But we did snap a few photos while the parents were away. (Brian took the awesome photo of the nestlings!)
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Birds in the Garden (and things with wings)
I almost mowed over this little guy. I found him planted face down in the lawn. Such a beauty and not a scratch on him. It seemed like it fell from its perch the way its claws are curled.
There seems to be a pair of western tanagers nesting somewhere close to my yard! I've seen these two for the past few days and I've read that the male only has the orange head when it's mating. I've only seen a male western tanager once before hiking. I'm not sure, but I think that is the female below.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Welcome to the Southwest
We just spent a week in New Mexico visiting the Gila National Forest and Silver City. I read an article about the Gila River in the Defenders of Wildlife and was intrigued by the ecosystem created by the river and the wildlife and birds it attracted.
After a little research on the internet me and Brian booked a week at the Casitas de Gila which was recommended by Sunset magazine as one of the top 10 places to visit. Ok- I just looked it up and it was actually top 10 romantic cottages, but I think everyone who has visited would say top 10 places to visit. We were hooked with the description and sign posting of a "stress-free zone".
After a little research on the internet me and Brian booked a week at the Casitas de Gila which was recommended by Sunset magazine as one of the top 10 places to visit. Ok- I just looked it up and it was actually top 10 romantic cottages, but I think everyone who has visited would say top 10 places to visit. We were hooked with the description and sign posting of a "stress-free zone".
Casitas de Gila get big thumbs up! I loved every detail from the freshly baked pumpkin bread upon arrival to the great cooking pans and comfy mattress! Becky and Michael provide an exceptional retreat I truly hope to visit again.
Sunset at Casitas de Gila.
Hooker Loop Road to Casitas de Gila.
Sorry about the smooshed bugs on windscreen.
Here's our lovely Nissan Altima Hybrid rental. What a comfortable ride with zip!
Love that car.
Where I had my morning cup. The first morning we were there I was awoken by the sound of frantic wings beating- the hummers feeding at the window.
What a view!
Sorry about the smooshed bugs on windscreen.
Here's our lovely Nissan Altima Hybrid rental. What a comfortable ride with zip!
Love that car.
Where I had my morning cup. The first morning we were there I was awoken by the sound of frantic wings beating- the hummers feeding at the window.
What a view!
Vermillion Flycather seen on the way to Gila National Forest campground in between Cliff & Gila.
This little guy was so cute- we went to see him again a second day.
He was in the same area hunting and posed for more photos.
This little guy was so cute- we went to see him again a second day.
He was in the same area hunting and posed for more photos.
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