It's Hot Outside....

     The bird bath: 

      Where birds of all feathers gather together.

Our birdbaths are rather popular this time of year, with the temps soaring.

This Cardinal looks to me like he is saying, "Should I or shouldn't I?"

Waiting the in tree for his turn in the bird bath.

Got a little snack to pass the time....

Whoa! I don't know.  That's a big dude behind me....

The hotspot in our backyard.  This is where it's at.

"I think we make an awesome colorful combo, don't you?" said the Cardinal to the Dove.  And I might add, amazing Divine Design.

This time of year birds begin to go through a molt (replacement of all or part of their feathers).  Some undergo a second partial molt depending on the season, age and whether they are male or female.  But during that time, they can look very scruffy as all their feathers get renewed.  The Cardinal on the right is well into the molting process.  And did you know damaged feathers are replaced during a molt?  A feather that has been lost completely is replaced immediately.  It takes a lot of energy for a bird to build new feathers. More Divine Design in action.

 Our backyard.  Plenty of places for birds to take a dip and...

 plenty of places for birds to take a siesta or hide.

Little family gathering.

White-winged doves are graceful, gorgeous creatures even though, due to their size, they tend to monopolize the feeders and the birdbaths.

This juvenile Cooper's Hawk has yet to learn to be afraid of potential predators.  I was able to get within 10 feet of him and take all the photos I wanted.  He just posed majestically as if we had a photo shoot appointment.

REFLECTIONS....

Flowers that Fly....

"Just living is not enough," said the butterfly,

"one must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower."

~Hans Christian Anderson~

These divinely designed flying flowers have found their way into our garden recently:

Just Peachy....

My neighbor planted some peach trees between our two properties about four years ago.  With a lot of TLC and a small window of idea climate conditions this year, the trees were so heavily loaded with gorgeous peaches, the limbs are bent over almost to the ground.

 You can take it from me these peaches are absolutely delicious.

And....here is more proof they are delicious.  I watched this squirrel climb the tree, carefully select a peach and then start to climb back down.

 

               As you can see, he couldn't wait until he got all the way down....

Yum!!!  I thought he was so cute.  When I showed my neighbors this pic, they laughed saying it solved the mystery of the half-eaten peaches they were finding on the ground.

With our drought and blistering heat, part of the TCL of these trees was to shower them with water from a sprinkler.  I love the cool and refreshing ambience emanating from this photo.

This little chickadee thoroughly enjoyed bathing in the spray of water....and taking bites out of the peaches too, I might add.

Until next season...hoping for the same abundance by the Divine Designer.

More Backyard Distractions

The Divine Designer opens my eyes, letting me see the beauty that has made my heart adore Him.  Sharing His beauty with you from my own backyard and gardens.

Zinnia, so common, yet so perfect in design.

It's colors are so brilliant.

The little Tufted Titmouse is active and conspicuous in the treetops in eastern forests and parks.

I only had one Balloon Flower this year, but my neighbor had loads in her front yard.  Wish I could solve the mystery.

Snapdragons were my favorite flower as a little child.  I loved to open them up and put my finger inside....  I guess that's why they are called Snapdragons.

The butterflies love Pincushion flower blooms.  But I never noticed, until I zoomed in on the blossom, that it actually looks like there are little pins stuck into it.

 Another variety of Rose of Sharon.

Texas Sage blooms are so gorgeous.  But they only last a few days and then they are gone.  My bush will re-bloom only a couple of times in the summer.  Fleeting beauty.

Just had to post another photo of our House Finch, commonly found.  But we have an especially vibrantly-colored one in our yard this summer.

Backyard Distractions...

So, I was talking to the Divine Designer the other day, but I kept getting distracted by His creations I could see through my window and just couldn't resist running outside into my backyard to take photos.  I don't think He minded though....