January 28, 2017

My Yard is Full of Critters



We are fortunate that we have a yard that attracts birds including geese and ducks. Squirrels come to feast on bird seed, and once in a while a cat comes through.


The yellow cat appeared to be waiting for birds to show up. I went outside and she ran away.


I love the pretty cardinals and photograph them often. The male is bright red and the female is colored more subtly, probably to avoid attracting predators when nesting. I often think of my mom when I see these fine birds, for she liked watching them and she sometimes wore a red sweater!


Many years ago I read a book called The Cardinal but it had nothing to do with birds. It was about a Catholic priest who rose up through the ranks. I was young when I read it; I remember being appalled when he let his sister die during a difficult childbirth rather than have the baby's life sacrificed. It was a horrible choice to have to make, but it left her husband without a wife and her child without a mother. Other than that horrific incident, I enjoyed the book.

14 comments:

  1. Lovely series of critters. Cardinals looking so beautiful birds.

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  2. Nice pictures - and I think I may give that book a miss!

    Sorry about slow reply - I have been in New Zealand and blogging has taken a bit of a back seat.

    Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

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  3. Don't you find it amazing how the wildlife finds stop overs such as yours? I do. It's like somehow the word of mouth [beaks perhaps] carries through the air waves.

    Enjoyed your images.

    I also want to convey my thanks to you for sharing this with us birders at I'd Rather B Birdin'....it's always much appreciated.

    ps...that book, if I read it, would be a tearjerker.

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  4. Hello, beautiful birds and a cute kitty. I do hope the kitty is not hanging around the bird feeders. The cardinals are beauties! Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Have a happy day and new week ahead.

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  5. I'm so jealous of that beautiful view you have of the mountains... and you have critters, too. No fair!

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  6. ...religion can be a strange thing.

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  7. Some cats are quite skittish about strangers. I had one sitting on my front porch today who bolted as I returned from an errand.

    Excellent shots!

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  8. What a beautiful collection of 'critters'. Really special.

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  9. Beautiful images and mix of critters.

    All the best Jan

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  10. A wonderful selection of critters. I love the cardinal and its stunning red colour. It's a beauty.

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  11. You captured that Cardinal well.

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  12. Lots of cute critters. That cat seems oblivious!

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  13. Wonderful -- your yard is like a Nature Park! So many birds and critters -- you see more out of your window than I do often when I go to a park on purpose to look for them.

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  14. Great series of shots. Bright red cardinals are so cheery to see in the winter time.

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