KATES CABIN

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

THE KING IS BACK! ELVIS RETURNS FOR A HUMMINGBIRD SPRING SURPRISE!

Hi Everybody!!
SURPRISE: Guess who returned this spring with a mate and had babies in a nest at Kates Cabin? It is Elvis, King of the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. Last time I saw Elvis was in October when he left for Mexico! The really strange thing is the hummers do not usually come back here in the spring-only the fall migration. (See complete photo documentation in archives or photo album). Anyway, there are about 10 hummers here now to my delight. I find photographing the birds at sunset reveals the brilliant light on their feathers, especially when he flashes his ruby red gorget! You may wonder how I know it is Elvis? He is the only bird that comes where I am watering the flowers, to buzz me and fly into the water spray! He likes it if I squirt him-HaHa! And, he claimed the same tiny branch as you will see in today's photos. Enjoy!

Notice his neck feathers (the gorget) appear black. He is in complete control of when he moves his feathers just so to flash the red color

link to G+ Photo Album:
https://plus.google.com/photos/117645114459863049265/albums/6142948655821406065

This is his tiny branch above the feeder

Bees showed up with the hummers

He is the size of your thumb! (tiny bird)

He is fluffing his feathers which makes him look fat!

He is not afraid of me or my camera or he would not keep on sitting here.

He sucks up nectar with the straw-like beak.

Yes, he is watching me. They watch me all day just to see what I am doing!

For great info, check out this link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruby-throated_hummingbird

Here is a Flash!

And another flash!

Elvis is staying here in the Memory Garden.

The sun going down as I am walking to the cabin.

Heat Map of sunbeams(Picasa)

...this is brendasue signing off from Rainbow Creek. See you next time!

O+O

Monday, May 4, 2015

ROSES, ROSES, ROSES COME OUT FOR MAY!

Hi Everybody!!
Roses are likely the most familiar and favorite garden flower of all time. Today's post looks at a few varieties starting to bloom here at the Bird Sanctuary. Roses grow best in full sun. Here, I have dappled shade so I stay with a few climbing roses and Knock Out bush roses. The color has faded on my early spring blooming azaleas, so the bright roses are a delight in the month of May. I make tea from the rose hips. There are many things to learn just walking among the flowers! Be sure to stop and smell the roses. Enjoy!

Purple Lady Banks climbing rose

Link to G+ Photo Album:
https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/117645114459863049265/albums/6144281577146944305

Thanks Google Auto Awesome for this creation!

Pink Knock Out Rose

for more info on roses, check out this link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rose

Red Knock Out Rose

...this is brendasue signing off from Rainbow Creek. See you next time!

O+O

Saturday, May 2, 2015

THE BOTTLEBRUSH TREE BLOOMS IN APRIL AT KATES CABIN

Hi Everybody!!
A treat for your eyes today with the new blooms on the Bottlebrush Tree. I planted this tree last year, in honor of my G+ photo friends, +david and +Jane Wilson over in Scotland. I have trees planted for many of my internet friends in my 'Google Garden'. I sit out in this spot to take my photos and write this Blog. I am happy to be part of the new possibilities of global friendships, thanks to Google. I really enjoy seeing all your Nature photos around where you live. Together, we are raising awareness of Nature, our Earth and each other. Enjoy!