Ready, Set, Go!

The adult Bluebirds have been acting different and the babies are about 16 days old. So I've been watching close, I would love to see them fledge from their nest box. This one is getting ready. I actually think two have gone, and two more to go. So far this is the only time I have seen a baby looking out of the nest box. Sherri

I could not believe what I saw. As soon as I got done sending the last picture, I looked out the window and both adult bluebirds were by the nest box. So I got the camera and watched and look what I got to see. The Baby Bluebird fledging from the nest(1:00 p.m. 8-12-08). He dropped down a little then up to a dead branch just behind and up a little from the nest box and dad followed right behind the fledgling. What a treat to be able to see this. Sherri (PTC)

Beautiful Bird - Beautiful Feeder

Ruby throated hummingbird enjoying some nectar. See his tongue sticking out?

Steve (PTC)

Who Am I?

What kind of bird is this? It acts very tame. I can get about 4 feet away before it flies, even if I'm mowing the lawn. It spends most of the day on the ground below the feeders eating what has spilled. It CAN fly, but it waits til the last minute. I'm afraid the stupid cat two doors down is going to get it. I've never seen one act this way and can't say I've ever seen a bird that looks like this one. I watched it walk around the ground and both legs/feet seem to be okay. Got any ideas? Is it a baby??

Lynda (PTC)

Susan's Blue Jay

Blue jays in my back yard are usually very happy eating goodies that I throw on the ground. Now that they have baby blue jays, the parents are getting more aggresive about eating from the feeders. Those babies are hungry!

What beautiful birds!

Hello Up There!

Sherri's downy woodpecker seems to be checking out the big dove up there.

Thank you for another great shot, Sherri.

Speaking of Hummingbirds...

Since we have been getting all these great shots of hummers, I decided to get in on the act. Here is my chivalrous male guarding the feeder - ready to buzz away any intruders -while the little woman has a drink. I love hummingbirds! (Click pictures to see larger images.)

Susan (Sharpsburg)

Hummingbird Nest

With all of our interest in hummingbirds, I am including a blog entry from a Newnan friend who was smart enough to get pictures of a hummingbird nest in April and then nice enough to let us use them. Thank you, SouthernJoy. (Remember to click on pictures to see larger images.) Here is her entry:

If I ever needed a zoom lens, it was today! My mother-in-law discovered a hummingbird nest in the fork of a dogwood branch. The nest is about 15 feet off of the ground, and extremely hard to spot. It appears that the nest is still under construction... lots of zooming back and forth with bits and pieces in the beak. I can't wait to keep watching, and see how this progresses.
I read up a little just to know what all was involved in this tiny nest. Smaller than a golfball, the nest is made using spider web silk! Imagine that! And, the outside is covered with small pieces of lichen. If what I read is correct, mama hummingbird will lay two tiny white eggs.
My grandmother, Sweet Pea, would've loved this. I can't help but think that she was there today, peeking over my shoulder as I climbed to the tip top of the ladder and took these pictures.

Lynda's Hummer

He's watching every move I make while getting a drink!

Lynda (PTC)

Rob's Hawks

Here are a couple of Hawks I see around my backyard from time to time. One is a Coopers Hawk. The other I think is a Red-tail. The photos came out kind of blurry. It was overcast on one and the Coopers was on the move.

Rob (Newnan)

Steve's Bluebirds

Bluebird checking out the menu...

"I'll have the mealworms."

Home Tweet Home

Sherri (PTC) took this shot of a bluebird watching over his nest! We love those bluebirds!

And, as of today, the bluebirds have caught up with the cardinals as our favorite backyard guests. Have you voted?

The Birds and the Bees

I thought I might get your attention with this topic. But, since this is a bird blog and I wanted to show off my bee, I had to start somewhere!

I took this picture from the front seat of my car. The bee is on the windshield.

Yet another reason to keep your camera handy!

.....and let us remember that bees are important too!
Susan

Lynda's Nuthatch

I love these little Brownheaded Nuthatches, but they are so fast, it's hard to catch a good photo of them.

Lynda (PTC)

WBC "Green" Style

Tammy and Tim have been listening to their customers since they opened the store. It seems that many back yard birding enthusiasts enjoy doing their part to protect the environment. So after attending the Birdwatch America Conference, 2008, Tammy came home with many new ideas and promptly began working on her environmentally friendly shopping bag which is now being used by all the Wild Bird Centers in the USA. Great idea, Tammy! Here's Tim loading one up today!

Tammy and the Hawk

The next time you're in the store, ask Tammy about this one!

What a Show!

There is food for every one; just have to wait your turn. Sherri PTC

(Click on the picture for a larger image - you really need to see this one!)

Out Tammy's Kitchen Window

Tammy and Tim were able to watch the chickadees right outside the kitchen window. Talk to them at the WBC about birdhouses that might invite birds to your back yard! As always, click on pictures to see larger images.

Steve's Carolina Wren

Thank you, Steve (PTC), for sending us this photo of a Carolina wren. Nice picture!

Gail's Hummingbird

Hummingbirds are drawn to the beautiful feeder in Gail's back yard. This hummingbird feeder and many others are available at the WBC.

Thank you, Gail, for sending us this great shot!

Sherri's Bluebirds

Hi, I was excited tonight to feed my Blue Birds. The fledglings from the 2nd brood came to the feeder for the first time and I got some pictures to share. The fledglings have been out of the nest box for about 11 days now. Mom has been busy; there are 4 eggs in the nest box for her 3rd brood. Mom and Dad tag team feed. There was a Titmouse hanging right there with the fledglings. I don't know if he wanted to be feed or what. The pole system gives everyone a place to perch.

Sherri (PTC)

Blogmaster Goes to the Beach

Over the 4th of July, I was in the Perdido Beach area. I got these shots under the Oyster Bar Restaurant. These are barn swallows and they have chosen quite a beautiful place to live. As always, click on pictures to see larger images.

Susan

White-Breasted Nuthatch

Another great Georgia nuthatch is the white-breasted or white-bellied nuthatch. This bird seems quite happy snagging nuts from this acorn feeder. And, yes, the feeder and the nut blend are available from Tim and Tammy at PTC WBC.

This shot was sent in from Susan in Sharpsburg.

Sherri's Brown-Headed Nuthatches

Sherri (PTC) sent in this photo she took of two brown-headed nuthatches.

Thank you, Sherri!

Couldn't Resist!

None of us took this picture. In fact, I have no idea who took it. I don't even know what kind of bird it is. That usually will get a shot thrown out but I couldn't resist. The picture arrived in my email with the title "How to tell if you are Mom's favorite". Enjoy!

Steve's Goldfinch

Love this shot from Steve (PTC) of a goldfinch taking off. Looks like he's leaving behind a yummy feeder full of sunflower meats. I bet he'll be right back!

Great picture, Steve. Thank you for sending it in!