Welcome to JOYFUL REFLECTIONS. Also welcome to MARCH!!!! My header picture this month is a photo I took of the pretty Crocus blooms in our yard... The Crocuses and Daffodils are the first signs of spring here in Tennessee. I am definitely ready for SPRING...

Friday, April 5, 2013

Two New Backyard Birds in my Yard

Purple Finches
I got so excited last week.  On Wednesday (3/26/13) during the morning,  I spotted THREE colorful birds on my plate feeder.... SO--I immediately got my camera and took some pictures....At first I thought they were House Finches ---but they just didn't look quite the same.  They had more of a raspberry color about them AND there was more color on them than on our House Finches.... Guess what?????  I had  PURPLE FINCHES at my feeder for the first time.  (Don't ask me why they are called "Purple" Finches --since they are definitely not purple in color.....??????)  I had seen Purple Finches when in Arkansas --but had never seen them here before.  As you can imagine,  I was very excited.

The picture above shows all three of the PURPLE FINCHES.   Be sure to click on the photos to see enlargements.




Purple Finch
I  cropped one of the photos of the PURPLE FINCHES to get a better photo of one of them.  What a gorgeous little bird!!!!




Red Crossbill
THEN---that afternoon (same day),  I saw another colored bird at the feeder.  I really didn't have any idea what this bird was ---so I took some pictures and sent one to my birder friend, CHRIS,  to find out the name of this bird....

He wrote me back and told me that I had a RED CROSSBILL at my feeder.... Wow---was I even more excited???  Another LIFE bird for me!!!!!!  I apologize for the photo since there was a shadow on part of the bird/feeder.  I lightened it some ---but the bird was much prettier than the picture shows.

What I do want you to see is the way the bill does 'cross' each other.... (Click to enlarge.) SO---Crossbill is a perfect name for this bird.  I did not have this bird pictured in any of my 'local' bird books --except for the Birds of the Smokies.  They do have Crossbills there ---so I guess he just came my direction just to visit!!!!  How nice!!!  That little guy just made this old woman VERY happy!!!!!




male Eastern Bluebird
But--there are other special birds in my life.  One is this little male EASTERN BLUEBIRD.  To tell you how much I love Bluebirds,  I ordered some MEALWORMS and a new bird feeder JUST for them.  How do you like the new feeder?  I put mealworms in the bottom and suet on the side containers...  Neat, huh???  Love the fact that it has a dome --so I can leave it out when it rains.




female Eastern Bluebird
Here is a female EASTERN BLUEBIRD at the Mealworm Feeder.  These little birds are nesting ---so I wanted to provide a special treat just for them!  Mealworms are expensive--so I may not  be able to afford getting them year-round ---but right now,  I'm enjoying being able to give them this treat which they love.




male Red-bellied Woodpecker
Here's a good picture of one of our resident RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS.  He is being nice and waiting his turn at the Suet Feeder.




Flying Finches at the Plate Feeder
I seldom get photos of birds in flight....  BUT--when I saw all of these finches on the plate feeder,  I jumped for my camera and snapped this one JUST as some of them flew away..




Goldfinches
Our adorable male GOLDFINCHES are getting their 'mating' colors now!!!!  They are very drab during the winter ---and then turn bright yellow (and black) in Spring/Summer....




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Deer in the Snow in our Front Yard
I'll close with two more of our recent snow pictures.  We had snow for about three days (March 22-25, 2013) --but never did get alot of accumulation. (maybe an inch or two at most).   However,  we caught four DEER trying to nibble on our English Ivy in the front yard.  Of course,  that is a NO-NO... I grabbed my camera and ran outside to get some pictures before running them off!!!!!  But---I felt sorry for them ---out there on that cold day in the snow!!!!!  As you can tell, it was snowing hard when I took this shot.




Deer in the snow
Here is one more picture of two of them --as they ran into the empty lot across the street.  Aren't they beautiful creatures???

Hope you have a wonderful day.   I feel the need (call it burn-out) to take a blog break.   I love blogging --and have been doing it since 2006.  BUT--for the past year or so,  I have been struggling  to keep it up--including all of the commenting on your blogs..  Both George and I have said that it has become work instead of pleasure, which is not good...  I know that many of you take breaks --so I'm going to try it.   Not sure when I'll be back ---but hopefully April 15 or so.  I want to work on Family History and work in the yard IF Spring ever gets here, along with other things.

I will still be emailing  and will be on Facebook some (which is simple)---so feel free to write, especially if something happens which I would want to know about... Many of you know that I'm an email person ---so don't hesitate writing me.   So many of you are very very special blog friends --and I don't want to lose touch...   Not sure what my future holds when it comes to blogging...  But--I'm thinking about making some changes (like I have done off and on in the past).  In the meantime,  thanks for loving and caring about me.   Love you ALL.

Hugs,

72 comments:

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

Betsy ~ What a thrill to have these lovely birds visit your feeder. The photos are great. Love the pics of the deer too.

I know what you mean about blogging. I'm thinking about a break of some kind too. I have much to do around here. Blogging though has really been a help to me these past 4 months.

Love and hugs to you both, I wish you well.

FlowerLady

Elizabeth Edwards said...

have a good bloggy break. nice birdie pics. glad you had a chance to see some new birds. big big hugs. ( :

Catherine said...

We are having freezing rain at the moment! Our poor birds are probably very confused by the weather. As are us humans! LOL!

Wishing you a most wonderful weekend Betsy and have a terrific blog break!
xo Catherine

Eat To Live said...

I think we all get burned out at times with blogging. Been there done that!

Those are amazing pictures of the birds and the deer. Love Bluebirds..

Arkansas Patti said...

I am so sorry about your burn out but totally understand. Blogging should never get to be a "job" and when it does, time to step away for a while. It got that way with me and I found once a week posting fits my schedule and puts the fun back in blogging for me. You will find your comfort zone. Enjoy the rest and we will wait for your return.

Janice K said...

How exciting to see some "new" birds at your feeder. I keep watching for something different to be migrating through.

I am amazed how you have kept up your blog so continuously for so long. Enjoy the warm weather a being outdoors for a while. You have such a lovely yard to enjoy. Have a wonderful Spring!

God bless!...Janice

Miss Debbie said...

Pretty birds...what a treat for you!I love the deer in the snow pictures....beautiful!!

linda m said...

Those are some great pictures of your "new" birds. How exciting for you. Enjoy your blog break; we will be here when you get back. I pray that you find a blogging schedule that better fits your needs - one that isn't a chore to keep up - as I do so enjoy your blog. Have a great time on your "vacation".

From the Kitchen said...

I don't know how you get anything done other than watching those beautiful "visitors". Those finches are beautiful and the bluebird--breathtaking!

Have a great weekend.

Best,
Bonnie

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Hello Betsy. Happy Spring. Your bird photos are very delightful to see. I especially love your Purple Finch. I have never seen one. What a very beautiful bird. Thanks for sharing them all with us. Hugs Judy

diane b said...

It must be exciting to see new birds in your yard. Your yard sounds like a smorgasbord for birds. I understand how you feel about having a blog break. There are so many other things to do and so little time. I'm feeling exactly the same. Like one of your commenters, I find once a week is enough.

Shug said...

Morning Betsy...
You really do have some beautiful birds hanging around the place. And...the deer pictures are so nice!
I really do not know how you and George keep up with all you do. You both are so active, and this is wonderful. I enjoy your blog and I enjoy visiting with the two of you on FB... go ahead and take that break..you deserve it!
What ever you do, have fun doing it!
hugs,
shug

Jo said...

Congratulations Betsy on the two new lifers at your bird feeder! I love the Crossbill as well as the "Purple" Finches. And the Red-bellied Woodpecker shot is PERFECT, Betsy. And I kept scrolling back down to look at the finches in flight - WOW! They're all stunning images. I, for one, hope you find your comfort zone in Blogging as I would MISS you dearly if you stopped. I'm also on FB but much prefer Blogging still. Have a wonderful break and catching up on family history. Perhaps you could tell us about it (said tongue-in-cheek) on blogger! Bless you sweet Betsy and see you when you get back. Mwaaah. Jo xxx

MadSnapper said...

cranberry finch is what they should be called and my favorite photo today is the flying finches. so many beautiful birds and now it is spring so they will be flocking to your camera lens.

Serenity Cove said...

Lucky you to get two new birds at once. I would love to see a crossbill at my feeder!

I understand taking a blog break. It's very time consuming and as much as I like it, I just don't have time to update as often as I like. Especially this time of the year. Enjoy your time off and I do hope you come back. Your's is one of my favorites.

Sylvia K said...

Such beautiful, colorful birds and how delightful to have them in your own backyard!! Wonderful captures for the day as always! Hope you have a good break -- we all need them from time to time even from the fun of blogging!! Enjoy and have a lovely weekend!

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

What fun to see your birds again. That cropped close-up of the purple finch and the one of the red-bellied woodpecker are just outstanding.

I lost my blogging momentum when I was sick a few weeks ago, and I've had trouble getting it back. So I totally understand your need to take a break. Just know that your faithful readers will be here waiting when you're ready to post something. Meanwhile, relax and enjoy this beautiful season of the year.

HolleyGarden said...

I loved seeing the photo of the crossbill! I didn't know about this bird - and how unusual to have that crossed bill! Love that you're adding to your life list. And the photo of the flying finches is incredible! Have a great blogging break. I hope the weather is perfect for you to go outside and do some gardening. I agree - when blogging starts to feel like work, it's time to take a break or make some changes.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Wonderful photos, Betsy! Enjoy your blogging break. I know how hard it is to keep up with everything, especially this time of year when we want to be outside or going somewhere. Speaking of, I'm heading out the door in just a few minutes myself! Have fun and we'll see you when you get back.

Tabor said...

Great photos...never got the bluebirds to eat my mealworms, though.

Ruth Hiebert said...

Beautiful birds that visit your feeders. They know where the good food is. I understand the break in blogging. I do not post very often,but do enjoy keeping in touch.Have though of quitting,but I don't think that is an option at this point.

Anonymous said...

Enjoy your break! These are beautiful bird pics. We look forward to having wildlife in our new yard again. Your deer pics would make great Christmas cards.

Terry and Linda said...

Your kitchen cafe is just full of delight!

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

You've got some lovely visitors- it must be so relaxing to sit outside and watch them. Good luck with your family research- I've been working on mine a lot more than usual...but what I really need is some outdoor time.

MTWaggin said...

I think I spotted my goldfinch last night and my bluebirds won't eat the dry mealworms...maybe they find enough live food.

Dee said...

Dear Betsy, I've never been a birder, but this posting of yours and other blogs I've read have really prompted me to get a "bird book" so I can recognize the individual ones as you do. Now I need to study what foods to get. Thank you for your enthusiasm!

As to taking a blog break when keeping up becomes work, I applaud you. I take breaks throughout the year because I get behind in other things and need to catch up. A breather is necessary. So take as lone as you like--two weeks, a month, six weeks. You need time to get your "groove" back!!! Be gracious to yourself. Peace.

Ginny Hartzler said...

AWESOME post!!!!! And a CROSSBILL, oh my GOSH!!! And you got such a good, sharp picture of the woodpecker. We have a whole lot of house Finches. I have NEVER been able to tell the difference between those and the purple ones. What is the key, Betsy? We could have the purple ones and not know it. WHAT changes? What is gong on...e-mail me!!! WISH you lived closer, we would have a cup of tea.

Out on the prairie said...

I always watch for the purple finches, their visit often is short.I have seen a few sites to raise your mealworms.I never tried it yet.

Latane Barton said...

You are getting so many interesting birds at your feeder, Betsy. They are a source of constant joy and entertainment aren't they? Hope your weekend is warmer!! and that you have tons of birds to visit.
Hugs

Nellie said...

Beautiful pictures, Betsy! Make the most of your break!

xo Nellie

Rose ~ from Oz said...

When blogging starts to feel like work - it really is time to reevaluate. I've completely lost my oomph at the moment for blogging but can't quite explain why!
The birds are absolutely gorgeous and I am green with envy. Oooh, I do feel sorry for the deer though, I hope there is other things for them to eat.
Take care Betsy and rejuvenate!!
xx

Mimi said...

Love your pictures and posts! Hope you'll blog after your break. This is a good season for a break and enjoy the nice weather!

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Betsy, you see the best variety of birds at your feeders! I'm so glad you are able to take such good photos of them for us all to enjoy!

Enjoy your blog break -- we all need time away from the computer now and then to refresh ourselves.

{{{ Hugs}}}

Pat

Linda G. said...

You sure do get the colorful birds at your back yard feeders!

Loved the two pictures of the deer, especially the second one. The deer in the front seems to be saying to the other deer "come on; let's get out of here".

Enjoy your blog break. I want to share a quote with you that I read every day I visit your blog. Keep the quote in mind, as you make your way through the next couple weeks. "Life is all about choices and attitude. Make the right choices, keep a positive attitude-- and you will find JOY through all of your ups and downs." - quote by Betsy Adams

Ann said...

I started reading your post and my first thought was I wonder why they are called purple finches when they aren't finches and then I got to the line where you said not to ask so I won't....lol
Beautiful sightings in your yard and it's always exciting to see new and different birds arrive.
Love those shots of the deer too.
Enjoy your blog break, I can certainly understand how you feel as I've had a bit of the same feelings lately

Connie said...

Wow, you got some really great shots of the birds and deer there, Betsy! How exciting to see two new ones you haven't seen there before too! I hope you have a nice weekend and enjoy your blog break too.

amy @ Life in Pink Hi-Tops said...

The birds are gorgeous. I've never seen a purple finch before or a crossbill. I got so excited the other day when I saw a woodpecker at my friends house! I started pointing and saying, "Woodpecker! Woodpecker!"
Hope you enjoy your break.

Nancy said...

Betsy, you certainly gave us a post full of beautiful bird pictures today. I can just image how excited you were to see new birds at your feeders.....They are all so beautiful...

I will miss you during your break but I certainly understand...It's so hard especially this time of year to blog and get all the other spring time duties fulfilled....

We will be waiting for you when you come back....You and George have lots of fun....

Mary said...

Wow...purple finches and a Crossbill! Some great birds. I have never seen a Crossbill of any kind. Neat! I've always thought the name "purple" was wrong, too....Raspberry Finch...much better! Take a nice long break....you deserve it! Spring is a time to get out and do things and not sit in front of the computer. We all spend way too much time on the computer.

Big Dude said...

You take such good care of your little feathered friends. We get house finches but I've never seen a purple finch on our feeders. I have seen red crossbills one time and a red bellied wood pecker went up the tree I can see while I was reading your blog. Have a good break.

Marie said...

How exciting! I love the flying finches photo! Deer are so pretty, aren't they?! Pretty photos!!!

Thank you for the birthday wishes!
hugs,
Marie

troutbirder said...

Have fun on your well deserved break. But don't forget to come back. Those two lifers at you feeders deserved a reward in and of themselves...:)

Small City Scenes said...

How special to have new birds at the feeders. Love the Purple finches and the Red Crossbill. I have a pic of a Crossbill I took high up in the Cascade Mountains. The only time I have seen one. I can't wait til the Goldfinches come back to visit our finch feeders.
Take care and we will be here for you. MB

Linda P said...

You must be very excited to see some new birdie visitors. They are all so pretty.
I enjoyed my week's break this week with the grandchildren around and I spent some time doing some family history organisation of photos with my grand daughter helping. Also reading (which I'm slow at because I have this eyesight problem). Even managed to do a few rows of my on-going cross stitch picture! Next week I shall be taking a break again from blogging as the grandchildren are with us and then we are going to my home town for a family reunion weekend. It's good to take a blog break now and then so enjoy yours even though we will miss you!

Unknown said...

It must be lovely to have all these beautiful birds coming to visit the feeder every day. The purple finch is adorable.
Enjoy your weekend!

Hugs,
Eva

Grandma Bonnie said...

Very beautiful purple finches. I feel bad for the deer also. I hope they find enough to eat.
I do understand the need to take a blog break. I just took a couple days off this week from blogging. I have cut back some and feel much better about my time spent blogging.

Janie said...

Love the purple finches and the crossbill. We don't get those here.
I know what you mean about blogging becoming work, Betsy. I've felt the same, so instead of a schedule, I just blog when I have something to share that's special to me. That way, I can be more enthusiastic about posting.

Chatty Crone said...

Well that is just a week - not a very long break - you are going to get a lot done in that week!!! lol Well I love your birds and enjoy looking at them with you. And I hope you have a wonderful break Betsy. You are such a dear friend and gal. sandie

Anonymous said...

What lovely shots - the purple finches are fabulous and I love the umbrella the birds have!

Enjoy your blogging break. We all need one every now and then.

We'll keep in touch on Facebook.

Jeevan said...

Wow! The Purple Finch looks alike our little house sparrows. I love the second picture! The bluebird with dome feeder was a fabulous composition. It’s really wonderful seeing colorful birds in this post... quite beautiful shot on the Deer.

Take care Betsy! Enjoy as well working :)

DeniseinVA said...

Fabulous birdy photos Betsy, and pretty deer in the snow! Enjoy your blogging break. When things start feeling like a chore it's time to step away for a while. You will be missed and hope it won't be too long before you feel like blogging again.

Sikoreczka said...

Sweet and Beauty animals foto.
Nice.. very nice and beautifull blog.
I'm sory. My english is not very good.
Bye.

Wendy said...

What stunning pics you take of your backyard friends! I've never seen the cross bill or purple finch. I like your mealyworm bluebird feeder. I'm going to check on-line for one too.
I'm moving May 1st back into a house and can't wait to hang up some bird feeders!

Enjoy your break, Betsy - there's more to life than blogging. I don't blog as often - still love my blogging buddies, but don't want to sit at a computer when the sun is shining and the outdoors is calling me.
Hugs

NatureStop said...

Betsy, you are really lucky to have all these beauties visiting you... I can feel the excitement. I love the dear shot! You take care and ENJOY the break!

Shantana

Anonymous said...

Loved all of your fantastic bird pictures! I too have had these same birds at my feeders. I was so excited to see a Red Crossbill, I had to do some research to find out what it was. There is a terrific website called "What's that Bird", check it out. :)

Becca's Dirt said...

Love the snowy picture of the deer. Love seeing the birds that come to visit you. And how neat that you had some new visitors. Take whatever break you need Betsy. I totally understand. I felt the same way a while back but I am glad to be able to get back in the groove and share some of my gardens. I've noticed lots of bloggers have stopped posting a lot or quit all together. Can't wait to see your gorgeous roses soon.

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, Other than the woodpecker, my favorite, I am intrigued that you had a Crossbill. I have never seen one. Lucky you! Have a great Tuesday! I hope your weather is fine this week.

Rose said...

I would love to see one of those crossbills!

I will miss you, but as you know the past while I have been and on/off blogger much of the time.

imac said...

Great pics Betsy, love the bird in flight

Susie Swanson said...

I'll miss you but take as long as you want.. We'll be here.. I may have to take a little break soon myself since spring has finally decided to arrive..You take care and enjoy. Hugs, Susie

Fred Alton said...

Betsy, both you and George have been such a blessing to me through blogging. I too have had to slow down. It seemed I was living here in my office chair. I'll see you of course on fb and e-mail if anything were to happen of major importance here. I thank you for all the support and prayers you have prayed for me.

Beth said...

I love your bird pictures. I think it's exciting to have new visitors---really cute ones too.
My favorite photo is the one with the birds in flight---well done, friend.
Most of us take a blog break occasionally--I hope you enjoy yours. ♥

Beth said...

Wow, this has been an exciting bird year for you, Betsy...the roadrunner in Arkansas and now the purple finches and crossbill! Thanks for sharing your lovely sightings with us---the finches in flight made my heart take flight. :-)

I hope your blogging break is restful and that you find a way to make blogging fun again. I do so enjoy your posts about your wonderful trips and would miss them keenly if you stopped, but I do understand your weariness. I myself am experiencing a good bit of ambivalence towards my blogging.

Unknown said...

I so know what you mean! I'm glad we can keep up with each other on Facebook because I found myself taking a bit of a blog break without meaning to! Life just kind of jumped into the Looney Toons Crazy Lane, and I am finally pulling off that road to more calm paths, or at least that is my hope! Hugs and Love to you, George, and all your wild critters!

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

Pretty birds...and deer in the snow. I had to slow down my blogging, especially when it seems like a job and I have nothing to say. Enjoy your break...see ya whenever you feel like it

Travel Quest said...

Lovely birds they are so cute nice capture, and the deer it looks like they really enjoy the snow. I am very surprise of the snow here in East Tennessee, feels like I never move from Buffalo :) however Im looking forward for summer.

Betty Manousos said...

oh my word, betsy, those little bird are gorgeous!! and i can feel your excitement!
your post totally uplifted my morning. thank you:)
i do love deer too. what charming and graceful creatures deer are!
loved seeing them...thank you for posting those beautiful deer photos!

have a great weekend

big hugs!

Betty Manousos said...

...and i hope you have a lovely break...we all need one every now and then.
enjoy!

big hugs~

Unknown said...

Wow, Betsy, wonderful photos! Enjoy your break...enjoy your birds!

Unknown said...

Wonderful photos Betsy! Enjoy your break, and your birds!

Joe Todd said...

Deer are wonderful unless they are in your garden LOL

eileeninmd said...

Betsy, I hope you are enjoying your blog break. It should be about the fun and not just work. Congrats on your new yard birds, they are great. Love the post and your photos. Hope all is well, take care Eileen!