Oh when the red, red Robin comes bob-bob-bobbin' along....
A flock of Robins flew in with the first cold front in September looking very tired and bedraggled by what was apparently a fast journey southward. They were the thirstiest birds we've seen in a while and stayed for about six weeks. As their condition improved they moved away from the house to roost in the trees by the creek. We kept the water dishes full and they recuperated before taking off for their winter homes. While many Robins do remain in colder climates this flock apparently prefers to be snow birds and head south for the winter.
This hanging basket of Portulaca suddenly began looking quite tatty so I staked out the scene and discovered a pair of Lesser Finches had developed a taste for the vegetation.
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Yes, I see you!
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Caught in the act!
So much for my idea of seeing a pretty basket of bright orange blooms from the kitchen. The plant was decimated by the end of October and I filled the basket with cold hardy succulents for winter. I'll consider planting Portulaca again since it's fun to attract birds with something other than birdseed whenever possible.
This month's deer photo is from June when we had about three inches of rain. The deer often turn up after the rain to play in the creek and we've had another three inches of welcomed rain overnight so we expect to see a similar scene in the next few days.
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To see more garden wildlife head on over to My Gardener Says... or, even better, join Tina to share wildlife in your garden.
This is so cool Shirley. Love the moving robins. Nice work!
ReplyDeleteThose are great photos, Shirley. I just love the one of the finch with your portulaca in her beak. She doesn't look the least bit embarrassed. Your attitude is a good and appropriate one: to encourage wildlife, even if it means your plants don't quite look like you hoped. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteInteresting about those robins and I love the video! I haven't seen a robin in my garden in years, sadly. I did see several in Bend, Oregon when I was there in September--love those birds!
Thanks so much for joining in and adding so much to Wildlife Wednesday.
Such cool moving photos, Shirley, you have skills! The robins spend their summers here so I guess they are gone. How cute to have finches eating your portulaca! I've been putting my squash guts out on the deck railing and the Stellar's Jays love them, but they are very shy, they fly away even to see us in the windows. How do you manage to get such good shots?
ReplyDeleteI take most bird photos through the glass of the kitchen door with a 300mm macro zoom lens. This allows me to go undetected though they do often spot me and scatter. The Finches are not as shy and more intent on feeding so they are easier.
DeleteI am new to pho graphing flowers wild life etc what camera shoul I get as a beginner without breaking the bank? I have been reading about Nokia D3300
ReplyDeleteYou probably mean a Nikon D3300 which I don't know much about. I use a Canon EOS and have been very happy with it. As a beginner you should look for a camera that is easy to hold and use. When on the road I often use a small Canon "point and shoot" and I don't know that readers can tell the difference.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos! After hosting the robins for 6 weeks, I expect your house will be on the robins' annual itinerary. I didn't know the finches would eat foliage like that - I guess I spoil mine with feeders.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great point Kris! It would be so cool if they return. We do get Robins briefly in both spring and fall but they rarely stick around.
DeleteCute! As you mention, we do have Robins here in the north but they only hang out near open water, which is scarce in the middle of winter. When we hiked at the Arboretum last winter, though, we saw a huge flock of them at a warm springs that never freezes over. Your auto awesome photos are always so fun to see. Great finch and deer shots, too. :)
ReplyDeleteRobins are interesting birds. Here we see them in the garden all year but some are migratory. How do they decide? Your photos are, as always, great! I especially think the finches eating your portulaca are adorable!
ReplyDeleteOhh you have that moving photo again which is such good fun! You're so lucky to have such cute bird visitors in your garden. Deer are nice too but happy not to have them in our garden.
ReplyDeleteI see Robins rarely but haven't had any for a year or so. I agree with Kris - I'm betting your place is now staked out as a good stopover point. Only one of many rewards you richly deserve for being such a great hostess to the wildlife in your area.
ReplyDeleteThat finch! I wondered if they were really after those tiny seeds portulaca have but honestly, your (adorable!) photo leaves no room for doubt. I wonder if the finches are after the moisture or if it just tastes good? I love the birds but I love the succulents too. I'd like to have both, so tatty plants it is!
I am in love with that finch! cute cute cute. And the deer ... so pretty. I know this will sound weird but I saw my first robin in Texas only this year. I assumed they just didn't live here. Your post made me think that a lot of people have birdfeeders but I kind of think birds would be happier with clean, fresh water.
ReplyDeleteWe also have robins here all year too...great you were there to rescue them....and what a cute deer playing in the water.
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