Birds & Bits

Even though there are still some hot and humid days lingering, the feel of fall is in the air :o) It's during this month that DH and I see a special kind of bird flying high in the sky. Over the years, they've been too high to determine what they are but this year, I think I've finally figured it out! They're called the Common Nighthawk and contrary to their name, they are not strictly nocturnal.

This year they were flying low enough that we were able to identify a white band on each wing and we could also pick out some brown, where before we thought the bird was completely black. It's so interesting to watch these birds because they fly in small flocks and they sore the sky like jets, scooping up insects in the air. I read in our bird book that one Nighthawk alone will consume over 500 mosquitoes! Heck, I'd set them up with housing if they would stay around all summer ;o)

Our other bird encounter this year has been with the American Goldfinch. For as long as I can remember over the past several years, there has always been one male and one female around our place. That's it! No other Goldfinches whatsoever. I'm always wondering if it's the same pair that comes back every year. You know they're around because you either hear their beautiful song or see a streak of yellow fly by :o)

This year we had quite a few sunflowers by the back patio and they were just the right height, around mid-thigh. About a week ago I startled the female Goldfinch when I walked out the patio door. Then I noticed why she was there. The sunflowers were turning and going to seed and she was packing up for the winter :o) I tried several times to get some good pictures and I don't think I was too popular with her at first -

But finally, with lots of patience, I snapped this one -

On to other things...I've noticed from my last post that I received quite a few comments! To my new readers, this is just a sample of my twisted sense of humour and I hope I didn't offend anyone. It's meant to be a funny post and I want people to laugh with me so I hope you will and never feel bad about doing so :o)

I know a lot of people are using Google Reader now so we're not directed to a Blogger's main page anymore :o( I just wanted to point out that my Cadbury Easter Cream Egg marathon has finally run its course. With those few extra from Shannon last month, I was able to achieve a breaking record but you'll have to go to my main page to see what it is ;o)

A lot of you have asked about Brie and don't worry; I will be putting up a post later this week about her. I have something very interesting to show and I didn't have the camera with me the first time around :oS She is doing just fine though and gaining even more strength in her hind end. DH and I think that she loves her new bed just a little too much because we've had a few mornings that 'we've' had to get 'her' up. LOL!

And finally...I want everyone to know that my mother now has her own Blog! That's right :o) I helped her set it up on the weekend and I'm quite proud of her :o) She's the quilter in the family and has even won a Grand Champion. I'd love it if you would head on over to her Blog, Quilts & All, and just say a little hello. She's been tickled pink with this new adventure and I'd like her to be welcomed into the Blogging community.

Stay tuned as there's more to come this week :o)