"My First Red-Headed Woodpecker!"

Needless to say, I was shocked when I saw this Red-Headed Woodpecker this morning.

They aren't a commonly-seen bird in this area.

They are mistaken for the Red-Bellied Woodpecker many times.

This bird is know to tuck live grasshoppers in the bark of a tree and feed on it later.

The males and females look the same, however, the immatures are typically all dark in color.

 

'Don't Shoot or I'll Jump!"

"Put your hands up!" "Don't shoot, or I'll jump!"

"I'm serious!!"

"Aaaaaa!"

"My Poor Red-Bellied Woodpecker"

This poor juvenile Red-bellied Woodpecker didn't stand a chance against the attack of the adult Sharp-shinned Hawk!

It broke my heart, as I raced out the door, in attempt to save the Red-Belly but the Sharpie flew away with him instantly, and my attempt failed!!

"Do I Have Bad Breath??"

Just having a little fun!!

"NIKKI'S STORY...A PIT BULL TERRIER"

This is the story of NIKKI, my 10-week-old Pit Bull Terrier. I adopted her from the Westmoreland County Humane Society in Greensburg, PA, over a week ago. She was approximately 14 pounds at that time. Previously known as Nicknack, she is a blue and white pitty and was taken from a very neglectful situation, by a humane officer at the shelter. I couldn't find out any history or details due to privacy issues; it's probably better that way, since I don't want any mental images!! She and her brother were both at the shelter when I adopted her. I wish I could have adopted him as well, but with having Maya, my 6-year-old boxer at home, I know my limits!

Nikki, is already spayed and microchipped by the shelter and is up-to-date with her shots. She has the most beautiful blue/grey eyes!!

The shelter is an hour and a half drive from my home and I knew I would need a harness for her so I called my daughter to meet me at a local pet store to fit her with a harness. While there, we bought her a few toys and food dishes.

I choose using a harness on this type of dog since they are broad-shouldered and it gives me more control of the body rather than putting all of the stress on their neck, as you can see in the following photo.

You can see in the next photos, the baby gates are up again!! I thought they were stored away for good!! Poor Maya doesn't understand why she's blocked from the kitchen, unless it's play time for the two of them.

This is a highly supervised time while they are going through the 'get-acquainted' stage. Those razor-sharp puppy teeth could provoke an unwanted but necessary nip from Maya, just to let her know that her behavior is unacceptable. There is alot of sleep time in the crate for Nikki since she is still a puppy (baby) as well as play time outdoors, chasing her ball and frisbee. Crate training is very important for puppies. It's a safe and secure place for them.

Eat, sleep, pee, poop and play, what a cycle! I must be crazy going through all of this again...just when my life was quiet and normal!! She is so loveable with all of the people she meets. Socialization is a big must for her, with both canine and humans.

If anyone has any advise or tips that you care to share on puppies or pitty's, please feel free to comment. I hope to update weekly or even more, depending on how much sleep I get, hehe.

"NOW, THAT'S A MOUTHFUL!"

This American Robin, apparently has a nest full of youngsters waiting for their meal! What a well-balanced diet...earthworms and mulberries! Mmmm!

Not that I would eat worms but, maybe if we would take some cues from Mother Nature, we would be a healthier society!!

'NATURAL BEAUTY'

Today was another beautiful day!

The plants in my hanging baskets are now starting to bloom.

The sun was in the perfect position

to make this shot pop!!

Aren't the colors just gorgeous!!

"WHO WHO'S THE OWL EXPERT?"

I need some help identifying this owl.

While walking in the wooded area of my front yard,

looking for nests in the trees, I spotted it.

I've never seen one perched in the tree in daylight hours.

Had it flown, I probably would have peed my pants

since I was only 8-10 feet away from it.

I'm not sure if it's a young owl or just a small one.

It's maybe 7-8 inches high.

It kept a very close eye on me as I moved around,

only turning it's head.

I was thrilled, needless to say, and would appreciate

any help!!

'YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER'

Not only has it been a beautiful Easter weekend but, again a beautiful day today. I'm trying to get some outdoor work done. And as you fellow-gardners know, it takes alot of time and work!

In November of 09, I was very excited to have a female Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker visit my backyard. Well, today I was just thrilled when a male visited the same tree. In all of the years I've lived here, I've never had one visit the yard.

Isn't he a beauty!!

'MYSTERY BALL OF DARK FUR'

Today was a day I really needed a break!

So I grabbed my camera,

jumped in the car

and went for a drive.

Along the way, in a snow-covered pasture,

I noticed a small, dark ball of fur.

Could it be a cat just enjoying the afternoon sun?

No, it was just too big for that.

I found a safe place to pull off the road

so I could take a few photos to zoom in on whatever it was.

Hmmm...could it be a dog?

I could see one ear in pointed upwards.

I called out to the animal,

(as if it would answer me!)

Well, I guess my voice must have stirred it's curiosity.

It moved!!

And then...there were two ears.

Oh my gosh, I thought, it is real, and it's alive!!Patiently waiting, I could see a bit of something white.

Well, at this point, I was in a panic. I could see it was an animal

and it was definitely alive, but it's Mama isn't near

and it's lying in the cold snow!

Is it weak, sick, is it ok???Again, I called out to it...

and it turned it's head toward me.

Aaw, it's a very young calf!!! And, oh how sweet it is. Look at that precious face!

Take a look at those long, white eyelashes.

For those of you who know me,

you know that I just wanted to run right in there

and check it out to make sure it was alright.

But, there just so happened to be a pretty large bull

in the same field! I thought if I kept calling to it,

it may move around more. I just couldn't imagine a young calf,

lying in the snow, without it's Mama around it.

And then, she stood up...YEA!

Not very strong on her feet,

but she managed to walk to the barn with wobbly, fragile legs. Oh yes, I just wanted to dive right in and help her,

animal lover that I am!She almost appeared to be keeping an eye on me.

Maybe she was just attempting to get a little

Vitamin D from the sunshine today...do you think?? ... and I had to come along and disturb her.I managed to find the owner of the farm,

and he informed me that she had been born only a few days ago,

and that he was keeping a very close eye on her.

I certainly hope she is ok,

(and you know me, I will check up on her :)

'WITH A WHITE BACKGROUND'

If it's snow that we must work around,

well, let's make the best of it!

Here are just a few of the critters in the backyard

and they stand out so well with the white background

of snow.

Curiosity got the best of me when I saw a hole dug in the snow

at the base of the forsythia bush.

When I opened the shade on my dining room window one morning,

THERE was the culprit...a bunny!I seem to have an abundance of Bluejays this winter.

But I appreciate their brilliant colors

during these gloomy days!

Mrs. 'C' doesn't visit the feeders nearly as much as her mate,

so this was a welcome visit.

And last, but not least

Mr Grey Squirrel...

...patiently waiting for the snow to melt

and Spring to arrive.

'DAILY FAVORITES'

We all have different views when it comes to photography.

For instance, you may see two types of woodpeckers in the first shot...a Downy and a Pileated.

However, I see two black and white

birds with red heads. I was particularly inspired to name this young Pileated Woodpecker,

'Matchstick' with it's fluffy tufted crest.

And these two (Tufted Titmouse) leave nothing to be said but, CUTE!

Take the time to really look at your photos with an open imagination.