Cedar Waxwings!

A huge flock of Cedar Waxwings swooped in for a drink at our birdbaths on their way north this morning.  They also searched the trees for berries but there isn't much left as we've had several visits from these very social birds already this year.

Distinguished by their bright red wing tips which are waxy secretions and those yellow tail tips look like they've been dipped in paint.

Their visits create quite a commotion.  If you've ever hear their high-pitched squeals in unison you won't be surprised to learn grouping of waxwings is called an "ear-full." 

So happy to accommodate these beauties on their journey.

Plant ABC's - D is for Delphinium

Today's selection for the ABC's of plants in my garden is Delphinium or Larkspur as it its called here in Texas.   These Larkspur flowers are in my friend Kathy's garden where I took this photo when I visited her beautiful garden last spring.

   
Delphiniums are popular summer perennials in colder climates but here in Texas the Larkspur is grown as an annual from seed for spring flowering.  In addition to allowing some seed to fall naturally, Kathy collects and sows seeds by hand to ensure this wonderful explosion of blooms.

You might think I'm cheating just a bit because this series is supposed to be about plants in my yard.  I'm getting to that part.  Kathy generously shared her Larkspur seeds with me and I planted them last fall.  Here's how they look now....ta daaa!

Hmmm, well it will be a while until mine look like hers.  So you prefer seeing Kathy's flowers?  Thought so.

I've learned a lot about gardening in San Antonio from Kathy, most notably that you can grow lots of flowers here.  I plan to post more about Kathy's amazing garden transformation along the way too.

Garden Visitors - Rock Squirrels

Back in the spring I saw a pair of squirrels out by the shed.

At first I thought they might be black squirrels well outside their territory.  In the northeast and midwest, black squirrels are somewhat rare and are even a tourist attraction.  The photo below is from 2004 when we lived in Virginia.

A friend helped identify these as Rock Squirrels common in this area.  Rock Squirrels burrow in the ground instead of nesting in trees.   That turned out to be a challenge on this rocky site so they were trying to dig under the shed.  No deal.  We shut down that option and they found a place to spend the summer among the rocks on the opposite side of the yard.
 

They enjoyed water from the bowl out by the creek all summer.  Those dark coats must have been quite hot out there in the high temps and relentless sun.

We enjoyed watching them all summer, though they are quite shy and never came near the house like the fox squirrels.

 They don't seem to be around now, I'd love to see them back next summer.

Happy New Year!

Thanks to all of you who read this blog!

Thanks for your encouraging comments!

 

 
I have plenty of ideas and projects already planned for 2012!

Happy New Year to all!

Wordless Wednesday