THE "GRANDCAT/Camera Critters

Soon there will be a new home and new sights for this cute fellow...but for now the "grandcat" is settling in on the East coast with us, while his owner, our daughter, prepares to graduate next week on the West coast! He has found a nice sunny spot and in less than a minute.....

is the picture of relaxation. Life is hard, then you take a nap!!

THE POWER OF COLOR!!

I read with great interest that the cardinal, also known as the "red bird" or "cardinal grosbeak," is a member of the Finch family. Finches are thought to be one of the most highly developed and skilled of all birds. In the 1800s cardinals were trapped and sold as a caged pets, however, this type of behavior was brought to an end with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in 1918,.. thank goodness!

Cardinals were thought to have been named after the Cardinals of the Catholic church, who donned bright red robes! Of course, if you ask the female bird of this cardinal family, she will tell you that she is attracted to this brilliant red bird because his bright color signifies to her that he's very territorial and protective, and that he has a huge appetite.. so, he most likely will be a great provider and... hmmmm.... he will have a greater reproductive success than his duller-colored cardinal friends!!
Wow, you cute little red puff ball ...what a rep you have!! ;-)

Skywatch Friday

There is one spectacle grander than the sea, that is the sky; there is one spectacle grander than the sky, that is the interior of the soul" ~ Victor Hugo
A new day is dawning...and it will be forgiving.

two birds, two stories...

From what I've read the White-crowned Sparrow is one of the most researched song birds in North America. They say that much of our knowledge of bird song and development is based on studies that were made of this bird. This guy was quite striking when I first saw him at the park's feeders several weeks ago. The stripes of that black and white crown really caught my eye and I tried to get as close as I could for a few decent shots.I believe he was a little shy as he stayed close to the trees that were in front of me, all the time hopping from one branch to another.

But, there seems to be one in every crowd that loves to put on a show! He was quite bold as he scratched around the ground foraging through the corn and seed shells .
....and just as I was getting ready to leave this poor little guy shows up at the finch feeder. He has a tumor or growth on the crown of his head. He hopped around the feeder, seemed alert and even called to other finches... I stayed and watched for a while.....
He was quite perky and looked well-fed, but I'm not sure if he will make it through the cold and windy winter without having good plumage and being in better health. I stayed just a few seconds more, wished him well and left. Hoping he does well but knowing sometimes you don't always get what you wish for ....