This is from the RSPB in the UK, but it should still apply to pretty much anyone for enjoys providing food for our delightful friends. And don't forget a source of water!!!

http://www.rspb.org.uk/news/284908-feeding-birds-in-summer-mythbusting

  Thanks Bobbie!   
                       

I was thinking of you in particular re the backyard birds, MAK. Mind you, you are doing quite nicely, thanks, without too much coaching.
 

Safe trip, Don and Suzanne! May the PeFas delight you wherever you go.

Imagine this!

A 200-year-old bottle of French wine has become the most valuable white wine in the world, after it was sold for almost €85,000.

The 1811 Chateau d'Yquem has been bought by a restaurant owner in Bali.

Antique wine collector Stephen Williams, who sold the bottle, has said it is probably still drinkable.


I love the "probably" - haha on the buyer if it is simply ancient vinegar. I have some of that myself... Sure will make one expensive tossed salad...

Oh dear, Suzanne. More sad news this year. People here can get a bit ramped up about the various crow species we have, but we enjoy ours greatly. Great personalities and so intelligent.

[CHIRPY BIRD-DAY, NICOLE!!Slainte!]

CHIRPY BIRD-DAY, NICOLE!!

Slainte!
 

A good piece from "The Zen Birdfeeder" today about photographing birds, with suggestions for getting better pix in your own backyard.

http://wildbirdsunlimited.typepad.com/the_zen_birdfeeder/2011/07/featured-midwest-birding-symposium-speaker-marie-read.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheZenBirdfeeder+%28The+Zen+Birdfeeder%29

(Hmmm... kinda long, that... hope it works!)

Looks like Sunshine.

I can't help but wonder if they somehow know we're sad and need to see them.  I logically know they can't really know we can see them, but still...haven't seen a juvie on the ledge in weeks and here they are...

   It's called divine intervention Ei!   

And boy, do we ever need more of that this year! Could not believe it when I read that wee Kate was gone too. Poor things! So much hope shattered.

 

Chewey, my Jen Day Conure, who was suppose to be a boy and after having him for over 20 yrs, has just laid an egg. Now wait, how does this happen after so much time? Bonnie, I know you will know the answer to this. I guess I'm a new "Infertile" grandma. SHE, hard to say that, has another egg ready to come out. Was wondering why he has been acting so strangely over the weekend. Thought he was sick. Now we know!!

Oh my goodness, Donna!!! I am laughing so hard here! Now, this is not funny for poor old Chewy with a bunged-up patootie, but the very idea paints an amazing picture! Cannot wait to read the answer!

("Chewy" as in Han Solo's pal???)

Wow! Who knows, given the strange year we've had.

  Talk about unexpected house guests!!! 

And you don't even have to clean before they arrive - my kinda guest!

Now, this is an unexpected visitor - imagine! All we ever get are mice...

From the RSPB

http://www.rspb.org.uk/community/wildlife/b/brilliant/archive/2011/07/19/an-unexpected-visitor.aspx

Too funny!  Thanks! 

Well? Did one of them pee in the pool???

I saw what looked like but can't be sure! Didn't actually see a stream!! 

Well, look again, because this Dog Whisperer thought she DID! (Why this is of any importance in the face of nuclear annihilation, I do not know...)

Too funny!  Thanks! 

Well? Did one of them pee in the pool???