Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Let Me In!


I was just fixen myself a cup of coffee when I heard a rapping on my window. I think this guy was checking up on me to make sure I was brewing "shade grown coffee".


This little guy decided to knock as well. The batteries on my camera had gotten low, so I missed the shot when he was up scratching on the window trying to get in. Silly wabbit!

Friday, April 24, 2009

April Roundup


Whew! Its been a long time since I've posted anything here. I've gotten pretty far behind. I've been deeply steeped in left brained endeavors, and up to my eyeballs in javascript and css. Not only has my blog been neglected, but I have not had enough time to pay a visit to all of my other favorite nature blogs. Perhaps this weekend.
I uploaded a bunch of shots taken around the yard in the last couple of weeks. This morning I looked up on my plant shelf and spotted a dozen dinky freshly hatched Praying Mantis's. These guys are only about the size of a sunflower seed.


I wonder how long they will make it before the tweets catch on to them and have them for lunch.


In an earlier post, I mentioned leaving the old dead honeysuckle wood up in tact for the little visitors. These Finches seem to be pleased with the decision.


A handful of my Lilly's have bloomed. This is a shot of a bud fixing to unfurl.



Here is a pair of Lilly's that have bloomed already.


The Mexican Primroses are in full bloom to.


This is my favorite Opuntia. They call it a "Dinner Plate Opuntia". Makes sense, as the pads are so big and nearly perfectly round.


Here is a close up of the Opuntia's blossom.


I'm not certain what species this bird is. Its not a real common visitor to my yard.



Here he is getting ready for a sip.


I sure wish this shot came out a bit better, but then again I'm happy to have it at all. I believe its a Vermilion Flycatcher. I was able to get a shot of one way back when I started my blog. I think it was in my very first post.
As always thank you for your visit.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Oregon Blooms


Last week I took a trip up to Oregon to visit with the kin folk and celebrate my mom's birthday. We all stayed at my sisters house in Grants Pass. That area is absolutely gorgeous this time of year. I decided to snap off some shots of some of the local color. I lived in Oregon a few years back, and despite its beauty, I decided to migrate down to the Sonoran desert. I guess I've grown hopelessly addicted to sunshine. That is of course until monsoon season rolls in when I become enamored with the breathtaking skyscapes.




Grants Pass was spectacular with all of the Cherries and Plums abloom. I decided to post a larger version of the plum blossoms. If you click on the picture above you can see the larger version.



I'm not really sure what type of wild flower this is that was growing in my Sisters yard. It certainly has a feminine look to it.




Now I know times are getting tough, but I guess in Grants Pass they actually have to give away the air in order to sell tires. It was a lovely visit, yet I'm happy to be back down in the sunshine.