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!)

We can watch the young feeding literally from our doorstep.

The pileated woodpecker has been very active too- I wish I could find its nest!

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.

It seems I have competition in the photo category. Brian just got a new camera and is already taking great photos! Check out the beautiful swallowtail butterfly.

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".

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!

Brian brought his harmonica and serenaded me (and the neighbors).

Vultures of Gila.

Red-tailed hawk

Definitely a highlight- seeing kestrels for the first time!
They are so cool!

Western Meadowlark seen near Ft. Bayard on the Forest Rd.

Black hooded oriole seen outside the casita.

Seen at the Catwalk entrance.

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.

DIY Squirrel Baffler

The first thing I saw when I drew open my curtains this morning was a Coopers Hawk. It made me happy.

The male downy woodpecker that has been visiting our yard introduced his mate to the suet feeder.

The resident squirrel gets denied

For some time now, the resident squirrels have been running the suet feeder- scaring the birds away. I saw the male downy woodpecker try to defend the feed by buzzing the squirrel a couple times to no avail...I quickly grew tired of chasing the squirrels away every time they neared the feeder so I turned to the internet. I read online that some people have greased the pole with petroleum but did not like that idea. I even sprinkled chili powder on and around the food- they say birds don't mind it but squirrels do. I have found that to be false.

Finally, my brilliant husband made his own squirrel deterrent by shielding the post with steel wire mesh. The squirrels have made several attempts to get to the feed, but so far no luck. One squirrel climbed a tree about 20 feet away and looked longingly at the suet. He seemed to be surveying his options and wondering if he could make the jump. And the birds don't seem to mind the mesh at all. Flickers and downy woodpeckers both fed without incident after we installed the new squirrel deterrent.

Longfellow Creek Sunrise

I was late out the door to work yesterday because I wanted to photograph the sunrise over the Longfellow Creek watershed. So beautiful!

New Year Visitor

I finally put up my Christmas present from two years ago...a suet bird feeder and a lovely Downy Woodpecker has been visiting ever since!

69 hours after exposure...

The other day I decided to get the H1N1 vaccine. My local pharmacy was offering the vaccination on a drop by basis up until 7:00 pm. I didn't even have to miss work to get it!

When I stopped by the pharmacy there were only a few others in the pharmacy area...I waited as an older couple ahead of me got the shot. I took off my jacket and the technician informed me that wasn't necessary since I was to have the nasal spray.

I asked to have the shot instead since I've never had a nasal vaccination and don't like sticking things up my nose. But she was adamant-saying I was healthy and she needed to save the other form for those who were more at risk...so I complied.

Unfortunately, this was the day before Christmas Eve. That night I could hardly sleep because my nasal cavity became so dry. Things quickly developed in to a head cold. By Christmas Eve, I was huddled in a corner feeling rather bad at a family gathering. Christmas Day, I decided not to attend a different family gathering because I did not want to expose others...especially the week old baby that was the guest of honor.

I've had regular flu shots in the past and never developed symptoms that lasted for days and up until now, I had worked with coworkers who had been sick and was the only one not to fall victim...Today, after 11 hours of sleep, I fell much better but am still blowing my nose every 5 minutes. I'm sure I will be fine by the time I have to go back to work Monday.