Melora

Word of the Day is ‘ingordigiousness’ (18th century): extreme greed at the expense of principles.

The contrast between the rumpled, tired looking older lady cardinal and the fresh, sweet young thing caught my eye.

Wet bluebird

Wet cardinal

Wet mourning dove

Sitting inside and taking pictures of birds in the cold rain makes me feel kind of guilty. I mean, they Could come sit on the covered porch, but I haven't yet figured out how to communicate this to them.

Rhodesian Ridgeback wearing a fluffy pink party hat and looking somewhat embarrassed.

This is Scooby, a dog nephew of mine. Today is his birthday (he shares it with my sister-in-law) and apparently this pink princess hat is a birthday tradition. Don't feel too bad for him -- I'm pretty sure he also got a puppy cake♥️

Awakening. Dolomites, Italy. Oct 2016.

Safety Tip: in the event of an animal attack, show the animal that you do not have any treats in your hands. It could work, who knows.

A profoundly true observation.
I “read” this as an audio book and thought it was good but that I’d have preferred it in traditional format. It features a great deal of moaning. Still, an excellent reminder of how recent and fragile social progress has been in attitudes towards sex.

Oh my gosh! So cute and ROUND💕

First crocuses of the year! Yippee!

Last years leaves reflecting winter light.

A female cardinal, looking serene.

Male cardinal, just about at the breaking point! He was going round and round with another gentleman who wished to claim the same bit of woods.

I was so excited to see crocuses yesterday! I'm So ready for spring! But also, the winter light on the leaves is beautiful. And look at this poor stressed-out male cardinal! He and another fellow were disputing territory and I felt so sorry for him! The females are enjoying their last peaceful days!

A hawk. He was sitting in a neighborhood tree and I unintentionally spooked the home owner by pointing my camera towards their house (up into the tree branches, but I expect it looked more intrusive from inside the house). She dashed out, then got a better look at me (smallish oldish woman with a camera) and went right back inside!

Blue bird, looking perky.

Mallards, heading away.

Very blurry photo of a bald eagle! I knew we had some in the area but hadn't previously seen one here!

We had a couple pretty days but are now back to dark, cold, and drizzle. But I have pictures, so it definitely happened! A very floofy red-tailed hawk, some mallard ducks, and a bald eagle! The eagle is blurry because I was so excited that I forgot to change the shutter speed😂

Oh my gosh! That’s the cutest bug I’ve ever seen!

Nothing shameful to see though, I’m sure.🤬

I was a librarian in my younger days and the increasing attacks on libraries (and librarians) makes me very sad.

First, the title. Stopped me dead in my scroll. Second, every morning after I read the news my brain needs a total reset. Happy little planarians!

Lady cardinal

One last pic. I love the no-nonsense expression on this lady cardinal♥️

I felt the same when one of my kids asked "Who's Rush Limbaugh?"

Downy Woodpecker, upside down, giving me the side-eye

Bluebird, looking a bit grumpy. Apparently I need to refill the meal worm cup

Squirrel, just doing his thing

Downy woodpecker, in profile.

I keep meaning to find a new place to walk so that I might, perhaps, see new birds. But, then, I'm awfully fond of Downy Woodpeckers and Bluebirds and also, very much, a creature of habit😉

This lovely photo by Carlos Alejandro spoke to me tonight.

Or “Closed and Not One Bit Sorry!”

I need to walk Here! Such a lovely photo and beach💕

I’ve been strictly limiting my news intake and Still, stuff like this sneaks through …
“Whereas health care for women should also address the needs of men, families, and communities as they relate to women’s health care;”
(from this example of what Congress is up to www.congress.gov/119/bills/hr...

Oh dear. And thank you! I will look into what the other flea control options are!

I didn’t see these chemicals in the NexGard pills my Finn gets but must remember to check on the ones it does use. Poor songbirds have enough troubles!

Yellow rumped warbler. I think!

Northern Flicker

Robin. Posing prettily

Male bluebird

Ooof. It's been a while but it has been too cold for much picture taking. For me. Because my fingers get frozen very quickly😅 But this week is supposed to be warmer!

I’d be interested in reading more about this — could you provide a link or a little more information (I’m not finding anything about it online). Thanks!

a plump little bluebird

a red bellied woodpecker showing off his neck twisting ability

a handsome blue jay holding an acorn

red tailed hawk, moments before take-off

It's been a busy week but I found some time to sneak out and admire the birds anyway!

Oh my gosh! He’s so CUTE!

Cedar Waxwing on a twig, with berries

Tufted Titmouse, damp and rumpled and yet bright-eyed!

Goldfinch, looking pensive.

Finally a sunny day! Also cold, but really beautiful. I love how sleek this Cedar Waxwing looks, though I relate much more to the rumpled Titmouse!