A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....1-24-06....A Birders' Eye View

GodBlessUSA

[GodBlessUSA]

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day

Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997.   Over 100,000 people have registered for posting privileges on Free Republic, and the forum is read daily by tens of thousands of concerned citizens and patriots from all around the country and the world.

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day was introduced on June 24, 2002. It's only a small room in JimRob's house where we can get to know one another a little better; salute and support our military and our leaders; pray for those in need; and congratulate those deserving. We strive to keep our threads entertaining, fun, and pleasing to look at, and often have guest writers contribute an essay or a profile of another FReeper.

On Mondays please visit us to see photos of A FEW OF FR'S VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY

If you have a suggestion, or an idea, or if there's a FReeper you would like to see featured, please drop one of us a note in FR mail.

We're having fun and hope you are!
~ Billie, Dutchess, Dolly Cali, Mama_Bear, GodBlessUSA ~

One beautiful spring morning shortly after we moved in to our home, my 3-year-old daughter pointed at a bird and said, "Look Mommy." There on the tree was one of the most beautiful birds I'd ever seen--one I had never noticed before. I now know that it was a Redbelly Woodpecker. We were so thrilled to see such a beautiful bird in our yard, we jumped in the car to the store and we bought feeders and food for the birds.

Since that day, backyard birdwatching has been a passion of mine which I have a combined with my passion for gardening. Now my daugher and I garden for the birds, and my yard has become a place for everything from the common, but still beautiful, Robin to rare Warblers, Rose Breasted Grosbeak, and flocks of Chickadees.

I’m not an expert on birds or gardening. I’m always learning. I’d like to share the wonderful facts and stories I have learned in future threads. So many of us love spending time with nature, please share your stories of anything you do that gives you peace and enjoyment. Here are a few pictures from my backyard.

       Redbelly Woodpecker                 Blue Jay

Flicker Woodpecker     CatBird       GoldFinches

"I'd rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck". Emma Goldman

Recently, my kids and I took a trip to a bird preserve. This is a tranquil place with easy-to-follow trails. Once out of the wooded paths, there's a trail to follow and you reach the beach and have magnificent views.

The truly unique part of this preserve is, the birds will land on the palm of your hand and take seed. You will know when the birds are there because the birds will call to you. Holding a few sunflower seeds and nuts, they love the peanuts in winter, out in your palm and wait for the chickadees to land on your hand and grab the seeds. It's incredible to experience a small delicate Chickadee, Nuthatch or Titmouse picking through seed in your hand. This is a very special place for my kids and me.

Woods Path to Beach                   A View From Beach

Chickadee                                     Downy Woodpecker

Chickadees on my daughter's and son's hand.

Mallard Ducks

A Rabbit and Robin, they think we can't see them. :)

Nuthatch                                     Tufted Titmouse

"I once had a sparrow alight upon my shoulder for a moment, while I was hoeing in a village garden, and I felt that I was more distinguished by that circumstance that I should have been by any epaulet I could have worn."    Henry David Thoreau

12-28-05 ~ Hall of Fame #14

Click on the photo to view the album. To submit your photo, please contact dansangel or .45Man at danbh59@yahoo.com and include Freeper Photo Album in subject line.

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' Every Thursday at the Finest The guy's good, folks!

[luvie]

Didn't she do an excellent job, Dita? She has worked so hard and it paid off big time!

[luvie]

Ahhhhhh...beautiful, Meg!

[Victoria Delsoul]

Outstanding thread, GB – really beautiful.

[GodBlessUSA]

Hi Victoria
Thanks so very much! Hugs backatcha :)

[Victoria Delsoul]

:-)

[GodBlessUSA]

I love that Meg! Excellent photo. I love the colors with the Titmouse. They are favorites of mine too. They are just so cute. :)

[MEG33]

I created that on Sunday for fun..and had no idea you were sharing your beautiful pictures and experiences with us today..I did it because I love birds and of course your thread was a perfect place to post it..

Your thread is truly a treasure.
Thank you!

[luvie]

CONGRATULATIONS
GODBLESSUSA                  

                                                                                                       

[GodBlessUSA]

Hi Dolly
Thank you! I'm thrilled you all have included me and gave me such a warm welcome!
I look forward to your post in the morning.
Hugs to you and have a good night :)

[Kitty Mittens]

I was on my Way to Bed for the Night when I Saw your Ping! Your Thread is just Beautiful, GodBlessUSA!! I Love Birds! I'll be Back to Read the 2nd Part of your Thread Tomorrow; it's Wonderful! (I'm Proppin' my Eyes Open with Toothpicks, Lol!)

I Love your Graphic of the Titmouse, Meg! God Bless, and Goodnight, Everyone!

[meanie monster]

Meanie,,,luv's it here!!!

[La Enchiladita]

You have nailed it, LUV. The hummingbird is a most loveable creature. I see them often around here, feeding on red flowers. They're magical. I recognize their call and love to call back to them. Sometimes, they swoop down past my head just for fun.

You must have some varieties of hummers, there? We have the ruby-throated hummingbird. I think it's also called Anna's Hummingbird, or maybe I'm thinking of another.

[GodBlessUSA]

Thanks Dita
They can sure make it difficult to photograph. The Chickadees, Titmice, Nuthatch and Downey have become pretty tame in my yard. The Jay eating the peanut, If I sit on a chair still, they will land about 2 feet away to get them. They come in group, screaming to each other, there are peanuts, LOL and take turns coming in for them. It's such fun. :)

[GodBlessUSA]

Good Evening Tuliptree :)
Thanks!

[GodBlessUSA]

Thanks So Much :) I love the Hummingbird!

[luvie]

They are lovable...and fierce little fighers amongst themselves. Beautiful, though. I love them!

[luvie]

Somehow I knew you would. EGS taught me to do that double table.

[GodBlessUSA]

Hi Kitty Mittens
Thanks very much, see you in the morning.
Good night :)

[GodBlessUSA]

Hi meanie monster :)

[La Enchiladita]

Jays make such a racket sometimes, don't they. Here, we have the scrub jay. It's blue but not crested. Further north, they have Stellar's Jay, which is blue and crested.

I have had some funny scenes in the backyard with jays. One came and screeched for something to eat, so out I came with some kind of bird seed on a paper plate and left it on a table. Well, the jay couldn't manage the paper plate; it went all over the place.

So, I interceded and just tossed the seed on the table which worked out fine.