Squirrely

Took these shots on the last day of April at Bluebonnet Swamp. Sometimes when the birds aren't cooperating I turn to other critters to pass the time.

Nom nom nom nommmmmmm

Who, me?

What'd I do?

What is that bird DOING?

Time to skedaddle!

This is the blind I use at Bluebonnet Swamp. As you can see, the area is getting
quite overgrown. Last week, my compadres found a cotton mouth snake near the tent.
No more blind sitting for me unless I wear my thick rubber boots, which is not likely in this heat.

Strike a Pose

Photos taken Jan 3 and Jan 12 around our Capitol. I don't mind seeing these guys when I'm out and about. Just as long as they stay the heck out of my yard.

A cherished gift from the bread lady.

Happiest squirrels don't have the best of everything, but they make the most of everything.
Squirrel Quotes on Twitter

Bird Friends and an Army of Enemies

I've been feeding and observing birds for over five years now. At first I thought it was cute that the birds shared their food with the squirrels. Well, I've learned the birds are not really sharing, they're tolerating these ravenous little varmints. It's really getting downright annoying as the furry rats take over the feeders, gobbling up food that is not meant for them.

For a while now I've been sending my golden mix, Chance, to chase them off. While it's a fun few minutes of exhilaration for him, he's getting old and arthritic; plus, it's just not working. So I started doing some research on what might deter these little $#@*&!. One suggestion that appealed to me was to spray Pam on the shepherd's hook pole. Easy peasy. Pam in hand, I marched my hiney outside and sprayed the heck out of the pole.

So far it's working, and doesn't seem to have a negative effect on the birds. I did catch one squirrel at the top of the feeder the next day while three others fed on the ground. I wish I had thought to video the escape--his slide down was like greased lightning. I'm sure all his squirrel friends were all, "What the heck happened to you? You're almost ready for the fryer, dude!" Moving the feeder farther away from the fence in conjunction with the Pam seems to have done the trick.

Who's there?

Trying to get up his nerve to jump. He finally gave up and walked away.

Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday and I'd Rather B Birdin'. Thanks Stewart and Anni!!

Choose Mother Nature

On Saturday Double D and I took an afternoon stroll around the State Capitol and its surrounding lakes and grounds. Rain is predicted for the rest of the week, so it was imperative to take advantage of the pleasant weather. I'm so glad Double D is down with all this nature stuff because it would make me sad if I could not share my passion for flora and fauna with him. We saw so many groovy things on our walk. Come see!

Robins were in abundance.

The scent from the rose garden was heavenly.

This cedar tree reminded me of something from Van Gogh's paint brush.

Squirrel nibbling on a late afternoon snack.

I came across this sign and thought it would make a good title for my post.

Nutria swimming. I love the psychedelic blue and silver swirls in the water. Groovy, right?

A young hawk perched in the shade of an oak tree about 10 feet from where I sat. Stunned, I watched
as he clumsily went after a blue jay. A big brouhaha ensued. Naturally, the blue jay went ballistic, warning
all the birds within a mile radius. As quickly as it started it also ended, with everyone settled down and back
into their normal routines, going about their business as though nothing ever happened.

A type of magnolia. If anyone knows the type, please share.

Nutria and her baby. There were three babies total, but they would not come together for a family portrait. :)

On a more serious note, the nutria population is damaging the Louisiana coastline (and other coasts) to a significant degree.
If you're interested, more information can be read here.

Thank you for blessing me with your visits and comments; they truly brighten my day!

Sharing with Our World Tuesday.

UPDATE: Thanks so much to Hilary, of The Smitten Image for selecting this post in her Phine Photography category! It's always an honor to be chosen. Please visit Hilary's blog and the other POTW recipients.

Nurturing Nature

Since Tuesday was supposed to be the last of our sunshine for a while, I found myself back at Bluebonnet Swamp hoping to spot the Eastern Towhee I had seen last week. No such luck, but I met a very nice fellow blogger visiting all the way from the UK. Steve, I enjoyed your delightful accent and showing you around the swamp introducing you to our native wildlife. Hope you will visit our wonderful state again sometime!

An abundance of lizards were out in force.

Downy Woodpecker, female

Gray Squirrel munching on a sweet gum ball.

Damselfly

Steve helped me spot this little fella. 

Titmouse

Titmouse with visible tongue getting ready for the suet.

When I returned home the sun was still very bright, so off to the backyard I went where I was dazzled even more!

Look who came to visit my neighbors' Chinese Tallow tree: the Cedar Waxwings!

If only I could get their back wings - the color and spots of red are exquisite.

Some type of sparrow resting on the palm tree.

Yellow-rumped warbler swallowing a crane fly. Good! One less to enter the house.

Participating in these wonderful memes. Please drop by and support them if you have a chance. 

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Flora and Fauna, Part II

Leftover fall foliage, Bluebonnet Swamp, 1/25/13

Dried grass, Bluebonnet Swamp, 1/23/13

Unknown blooms, Tickfaw State Park, 1/26/13

Glistening pine needles, Tickfaw State Park, 1/26/13

Calliope Hummingbird, Bluebonnet Swamp, 2/2/13
I've been waiting to get a clearer shot, but I've not seen him since and may not again. Sigh.

View of eagles' nest from atop the levee. Notice the red barge floating behind the trees. 2/2/13

Northern Cardinal, Bluebonnet Swamp, 2/5/13

Wildflowers among the cypress, Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge, 1/27/13

Wildflowers, Bluebonnet Swamp, 2/1/13

American Goldfinch, Bluebonnet Swamp, 1/25/13

Purple Finch (immature or female), Bluebonnet Swamp, 1/25/13

On another note (but still somewhat in the fauna category), I'd like to wish my little Sparky a happy birthday. Ten years ago today he was presented as a lost stray at the emergency vet clinic while I was working there. We immediately locked eyes, then souls, and have been connected ever since. He's about 11 or 12 now and the effects of old age are starting to slow him down. Spark Plug, I love you. You're my sweet little monkey and always will be.

Please visit Madge and her wonderful meme. Thanks for hosting!