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Thursday, May 16, 2013

Scattered

My mind has been so scattered lately. The root of it all (I suspect) is something that starts with an M and ends with a PAUSE. I've been forgetting about my favorite memes, so I hope it's not too late to enter them. I read a book called Still Alice recently, recommended by Lisa at Two Bears Farm. It's a fictional account of a 52-year-old with early onset Alzheimer's. While I loved the book, every little instance of forgetfulness makes me paranoid that I have the disease.

What was I saying? SEE?! Oh yeah, the memes. Here are some bird shots taken in my yard and at a nearby park.
Red-bellied woodpecker

Downy woodpecker baby being fed

My first sighting of the Eastern kingbird. Not the best shot, but at least I have a new bird to add to my list.

Loggerhead shrike aka butcher bird

Eurasian collared dove
These birds inhabiting North America are the result of a pet store robbery in the
Bahamas in the 1970s where several escaped. The store owner then released
the rest of the flock—another 50 or so. More interesting facts here.

LINK

LINK

LINK

As usual, I will be laying low for the weekend. My new computer policy, in addition to quitting Facebook, is to only blog during the week. While I don't post every day, I do still visit my favorite blogs each week day morning (and sometimes evenings). Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Edited to add two more memes I forgot about:
She Who Carries Camera: Garden Party!

Skywatch Friday
Eagle's nest in February


53 comments:

  1. TexWisGirlMay 16, 2013 at 8:42 PM

    your kingbird shot blew mine i took this week out of the water! have chased a pair around the driveway this week. really nice shots!

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  2. KarenMay 16, 2013 at 8:54 PM

    Perfect shots, I must cut down on my computer time as well, and facebook, never do. Have a lovely weekend.

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  3. Coloring Outside the LinesMay 16, 2013 at 8:54 PM

    Awesome Gail, these are all wonderful pics!

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  4. KarenMay 16, 2013 at 9:00 PM

    Fab shots Gail, love the butcher bird!

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  5. Linda at To Behold The BeautyMay 16, 2013 at 9:03 PM

    As usual, the shot that you're most critical of yourself is one of my favorites. I think the Eastern Kingbird picture is truly lovely. But, of course, I like them all. :)

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  6. Ruth HiebertMay 16, 2013 at 10:00 PM

    Amazing pictures as usual.

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  7. HilaryMay 16, 2013 at 10:39 PM

    Wonderful shots, as always. We have eastern kingbirds around here, also. I thought it was a mockingbird the first time I saw one. They're so lovely as is your image of him. So cool to read that about the doves.

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  8. CarlettaMay 16, 2013 at 10:42 PM

    Terrific captures!
    LOVE the red-bellied - so sharp!
    Sweet shot of the downeys.

    That M-PAUSE is a culprit of many worried thoughts - ignore her. :)

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  9. ArijaMay 17, 2013 at 12:20 AM

    Love your butcher bird, does he have a lovely song like ours in Australia? The shot of the wooddies on the lichen covered tree is beyond beautiful.
    Don't worry about the forgetfulness, it can have many simple causes like dehydration or zinc deficiency. Always assume the best rather than dwelling on imaginary ills, we have enough trouble without that. Just do what you enjoy and have a great time, I find that to be the best cure all.

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  10. UnknownMay 17, 2013 at 1:13 AM

    Excellent shots! I love the woodpeckers.

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  11. Brian KingMay 17, 2013 at 3:18 AM

    Both of the woodpecker photos are fabulous! So is the kingbird! I haven't seen one is a long time. I've never seen a shrike, but I've always thought they were very striking birds. I've never seen that species of dove, either.

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  12. Anni May 17, 2013 at 5:26 AM

    M - pause. Oh I know the feeling! Okay, 'nough said. Let's get back to the birds---wonderful images. I have one of those images of the kingbird from the East....and your photo makes mine look like a bunch of twigs. Beautiful Gail!! Love the woodpecker being fed. Superior.

    Oh and Facebook? Not for me. Never was, never will be. I have an account, but only to read what my daughter is doing these days/HER photos. LOL

    Have a glorious weekend. How was your birthday?

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  13. Buttons ThoughtsMay 17, 2013 at 6:12 AM

    Oh Gail awesome shots as usual. I have yet to read that book as Lisa recommended since my Mom is dealing with the disease I am hesitating but I know I should read it.
    I take weekends off too and it is along one for us in Canada. Enjoy yours. B

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  14. Gone CountryMay 17, 2013 at 7:29 AM

    Great shots!

    Interesting tidbits about the Eurasian Collared Doves. We have lots of them around here and all I knew was that they weren't native to here.

    I don't know anything about the 'Pause' yet, thankfully, and I'm not looking forward to finding out either, lol!

    Have a great weekend!

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  15. Amy BurzeseMay 17, 2013 at 7:31 AM

    Love the woodpecker shots!!! Scattered, aye. Yep, been there, doing that.

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  16. ShugMay 17, 2013 at 7:52 AM

    Seems that I am the one with some issues....so glad I went back and re-read your last post. I did not see the word (facebook). I immediately assumed that you were taking a sabbatical from blogging. Crazy me!!
    Glad I'm wrong.
    Those little woodpeckers just thrill my heart. love seeing them.
    hugs girl..

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  17. DeannaMay 17, 2013 at 8:55 AM

    Wonderful images...I so enjoy visiting here...I see birds I have never seen before.

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  18. Lisa @ Two Bears FarmMay 17, 2013 at 8:55 AM

    Beautiful shots. I only blog during the week too. Weekends are just for family.
    Are you taking b-12? It's great for memory!

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  19. Daniela AugustkaMay 17, 2013 at 9:34 AM

    It is very nice photo series. I hope you understand my English text. On my balcony went all winter woodpeckers and a few days ago he began to walk again one. He comes several times a day. Still has us ready to feed.Right now again come :-)

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  20. hootnonnyMay 17, 2013 at 11:00 AM

    Love your birds. Enjoy your wireless weekend!

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  21. Chatty CroneMay 17, 2013 at 12:26 PM

    Great shots - looks like you had a nice party with some great visitors. sandie

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  22. Sallie (FullTime-Life)May 17, 2013 at 1:42 PM

    Great bird portraits...loved that the sinister-looking (and acting) butcher bird is next to the peaceful serene dove in your series!

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  23. photowannabeMay 17, 2013 at 1:43 PM

    Amazing shots.
    Glad you remembered to post. (:0)

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  24. AnonymousMay 17, 2013 at 1:56 PM

    Lovely photos!

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  25. Rambling WoodsMay 17, 2013 at 1:59 PM

    I posted everyday until last summer when my mom was ill... I let it go...love the photos Gail.... Michelle

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  26. EG CameraGirlMay 17, 2013 at 2:43 PM

    I have been forgetful lately too but in my case the problem is too many non-blogging groups I belong to! Sometimes I seriously wonder why I cannot learn to say NO!

    Super photos, as usual! Have a great weekend.

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  27. UnknownMay 17, 2013 at 3:27 PM

    I know all to well about the M word. No fun at all. I always enjoy your photos my friend. I do hope you have a happy weekend.

    Hugs~

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  28. KerryMay 17, 2013 at 4:29 PM

    These are really spectacular bird shots Gail. You should be so proud.

    I've noticed that a lot of bloggers take the weekend off; I don't think its a bad thing when the blogosphere quiets down; it gives me a chance to catch up on people.

    I bet if we had a contest I could forget more things at a faster rate than you can. And hardly anybody has noticed yet! So it's ok.

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  29. Spare Parts and PicsMay 17, 2013 at 4:38 PM

    Stunning photography, Gail!! Enjoy your weekend.

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  30. StephanieMay 17, 2013 at 6:02 PM

    Love the woodpecker baby shot - so sweet :)
    Have a beautiful weekend!

    Hugs to you!

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  31. bethMay 17, 2013 at 8:05 PM

    i love your birds, totally relate to your menopause forgetfulness and love that your computer is napping on the weekends.....

    xo

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  32. NeilMay 17, 2013 at 9:18 PM

    Great series.

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  33. NatureStopMay 17, 2013 at 9:29 PM

    You got some amazing bird shots...I love that red-bellied woodpecker.It's so nice to see them...over here in Muscat(Oman) we are already at 47decgrees Celsius and all the birds have disappeared....
    That last shot is beautiful!Have a great day!

    Shantana

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  34. Murr BrewsterMay 18, 2013 at 12:33 AM

    Terrific, especially the dapper loggerhead shrike. Oh, and there is nothing horrible I wouldn't feel free to put down to menopause. Whatever screwy thing happens to you for the next few years, don't panic. That's what IT wants you to do. Pffffh.

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  35. eileeninmdMay 18, 2013 at 3:25 AM

    I love the all the woodies. And the Shrike is cool. Nice view of the eagle nest. Awesome shots, Gail! Have a happy weekend!

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  36. AnonymousMay 18, 2013 at 6:32 AM

    I just googled the Loggerhead because of your comment and EEEK!! What a cruel little bird! That second shot of the downies looks like a painting! And, that's for that awesome bee macro!

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  37. Kalyan PanjaMay 18, 2013 at 7:27 AM

    beautiful colours...lovely!

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  38. NoushkaMay 18, 2013 at 11:18 AM

    Hello Gail!
    What lovely pictures of woodpeckers here!
    They seem quite a lot more familiar than ours, lucky you!
    Well enjoy your Sunday, cheers!

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  39. IndraniMay 18, 2013 at 11:56 AM

    Lovely bird captures. Very clear and crisp.

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  40. DonnaMay 18, 2013 at 1:18 PM

    I found once I was done with menopause, my memory was better....of course I will bet retirement soon will help as well....I hope to work during the week at home and with the blog and garden and rest and have fun on weekends...hope yours was wonderful.

    Your bird pictures are amazing!

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  41. AnonymousMay 19, 2013 at 2:19 AM

    Your photos are superb, as always! Love that bee clinging onto the flower.

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  42. rainfield61May 19, 2013 at 9:42 AM

    Hopefully the mind of these birds will not get scattered too.

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  43. Stewart MMay 20, 2013 at 5:58 AM

    Ah, woodpeckers - who could ask for more.

    Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

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  44. Phil SladeMay 20, 2013 at 7:50 AM

    Tremendous shots again Gail.That is an interesting fact about the Collared Dove that I never knew, I just thought it was a series of escapes rather than a deliberate act. Collared Doves spread rapidly to Europe from the east in the 1950s and thay are now very widespread and successful - so perhaps look out.

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  45. Optimistic ExistentialistMay 20, 2013 at 10:02 AM

    I always love your woodpecker captures. Such lovely birds.

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  46. AnonymousMay 20, 2013 at 11:00 AM

    visiting from The weekend garden party -- that bee is so clear and shape -- nice -- I mean real nice shot.. and I've learned something new about the Collared Dove -- thanks..
    Hugs

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  47. Bas.May 20, 2013 at 12:16 PM

    een heerlijke serie.

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  48. Charlotte WilsonMay 20, 2013 at 12:57 PM

    I just finished "Still Alice" yesterday. Although it was well written and I enjoyed it, I think I will get away from the assisted suicide themed books and depressing themes.


    what was the other book that you were reading? It started with an "M".

    Beautiful shots as always!

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  49. Evelyn S.May 20, 2013 at 1:14 PM

    I went through menopause a few years ago...I think it's the number "70" that has hit me! Of course, I didn't have the most organized mind to begin with. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE all your bird images! And I appreciate the info on the collared dove---of which I feed in flocks! Hawks seem to be their only natural enemy; we watched the dramatic end of one of the doves last week right under our family room window!

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  50. Kittie HowardMay 20, 2013 at 2:23 PM

    Beautiful shots! I had to brake today for a tiny bird who had problems taking off. I could just hear its mother say, "I've got every reason to worry about that one." :)

    Congrats on quitting FB. I think some of this social media stuff is more hype than reality.

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  51. BarbaraMay 20, 2013 at 6:10 PM

    Oh, boy, do I totally understand the memory thing. I gave up on memes a long time ago! And days will go by before I realize I haven't checked my favorite blogs. Sigh. Anyway, you have such a diversity of birds near you - gorgeous!

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  52. Laura Delegal - Leroy PhotographyMay 21, 2013 at 10:54 PM

    Oh how I love your birds!

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  53. MICKAN from QUEENS FIELD¸.•°`♥✿⊱╮May 31, 2013 at 1:29 AM

    Thank You!
    I must say that you are a very good photographer. Wow so many lovely picture and a lovely blog.

    Have a really nice day and take care.

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