Update on Jake's thistle sock

I was over at his house yesterday and while I was there, I saw some activity on his "sock".  Two things I know, American Goldfinch like nyjer seed and they like maple trees.

Here are some pictures I took...

 

 

And I saw this Eastern cottontail lying in the grass...I'll call him a "bonus bunny".

What's happening in Salina?

Regular reader, bird advisor and nephew Jon has been telling about a Mourning Dove nest in their front yard that is at eye level.  He told me eggs hatched just before they left for Des Moines (around June 25).  And now the babies are big enough to explore.  He sent me pictures of the nest and the babies in front of the garage.  Here they are and I'm very happy he shared them!

 

Who's in there?

Something I noticed while watering our flowers out front.  I don't know if it ate the flower or just likes what's inside...

 

Here is a truly unremarkable picture...but in my four years here, this is the highest growth in the woods that I've seen.  It's providing cover for many critters.

 

Spotlight on Jake today

This blog is about things I see outside in our neighborhood.  But I wanted to post two pictures that Jake took recently to showcase his creativity...because I can!

This was taken at the family gathering we had when the Salina crew was in town.

 

And here is an artistic shot...

 

 

I would say he has a good eye!

A "golden" surprise

I'm always trying to figure out ways to sneak up on the American Goldfinch in my front tree.  The other day, I was watering our flowers and standing near the tree and saw movement.  I played a hunch and got out my phone and got these pictures.  So instead of sneaking up, I guess I just need to stand close and wait!

Return of the trailcam

I keep thinking of ways to use Steve's trailcam.  So I thought I would put it in my front tree and see how pictures of American Goldfinch would turn out (or possibly a rogue squirrel).  And so I did that yesterday and here is how that turned out (the date on the photos is from me not setting the calendar on the camera).

 

 

Search and rescue

Happy 4th of July!  Here are two recent "search and rescue" operations involving our deep window well.  Looks like I'll be repairing a screen...

A vole

 

And a toad

 

 

Voles don't stick around for post-rescue photos!