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...

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Blossoms and Birdies


One of our REDBUD TREES in our yard; You can see the white dogwood to the left --but it is not completely blooming yet.





A neat macro of our REDBUD TREE




Our PINK DOGWOOD in the front yard




'
A macro of our PINK DOGWOOD; Isn't it fabulous??? Thanks George!!!




Can you see what I see???? Besides that gorgeous BLUE sky, the LEAVES are popping out on the trees..... Aren't they pretty????? BUT---the birds will be able to hide from me now!!!!! Sigh!




I guess I need to give a Bluebird Update... The Bluebirds are still coming to the feeders ---but they are NOT nesting ---at least not in my nestbox YET. I know that last year, they didn't nest until the end of April... SO-- I'm not giving up hope yet... AND--they had two broods last year.

The Chickadees are still around --but they aren't nesting either. SO---right now, the box is empty. I am concerned that the 1.5 inch hole in the new nestbox may be too small for the Bluebirds. I read on the Bluebird website that 1.5 inches is fine --and the nestbox I bought is definitely for Bluebirds. But--the old nestbox had a MUCH larger hole. AND--we never had any trouble with Chickadees before this year.

SO--if we don't get any Bluebirds using the new box, I will take the box back and get the hole enlarged.... Hopefully, the Blues will use the nest ---and all of my anxiety will be for naught.... We have had Bluebirds nesting in our yard for many years ---so I hope that doesn't ever stop!!!




Please tell Mama Bluebird to check out my nestbox.... Okay??????? Sniff Sniff!!!




I'll close with a new picture of our front yard--taken from the road on the upper side of our yard. You can see the Redbud tree, the Dogwood tree, and our new flowerbed in front... Spring is such a wonderful season.

Hugs,

P.S. For those who asked, we purchase our DAFFODILS from Breck's. We've used Breck's for years and are VERY happy with them. Contact them at Brecks.com.

54 comments:

Darla said...

We have one Bluebird house being used and one not...baby house wrens in the mailbox in my garden...Spring is a great time!

Kirigalpoththa said...

Wow! those pictures of flowers are fantastic!

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy...just visited your blog and what gorgeous pictures...and I am envious of your bluebirds...or any birds LOL..our neighborhood is a very busy place...birds don't seem to linger...and hubby isn't really a bird lover anyway...and the cats...need I say more??? and we are not far apart...neighbors via the interstate you might say!!! I hope to be a follower and a lurker from time to time if that is ok...LOL..so enjoyable learning about folks near and far...God Bless...hugs from Ora in KY

Julie said...

Gorgeus large Dogwoods!!! Your Bluebirds are so pretty! I love your new front garden also. Very spacious property! Just lovely, Betsy! Have a wondereful day...
xoxo- Julie

From the Old InkWell said...

Beautiful shots! Love the dogwoods! And imagine, they came from right here in good ole TN! Have a good day, my TN friend! :)

Beth said...

That pink dogwood is so beautiful, Betsy. And I love the redbud. Our neighbor across the road has some and they always look so lovely illuminated in the morning light. They gave me some seeds last year which I planted, but I'm not sure if the seedlings I see are redbud or not. Anyway, your yard is gorgeous---thank you for sharing it with us.

pam said...

That macro of the pink dogwoods is stunning! Way to go George!

Busy Bee Suz said...

I want a redbud and a dogwood tree!!!!!
Your yard is so pretty already!

Judy said...

Beautiful dogwoods you have. I love the macro shot. Hopefully the bluebirds will start nesting in your nest box.

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

Thanks for the tour of the beauty on your yard.Love those Macro shots.Can I come to take a few pictures myself? If only it was that easy to do.Sigh!
Blessings,Ruth

Dorothy said...

Betsy, your yard is gorgeous!! Your birds are, too! I read that
1 & 1/4 inch hole is large enough for a Bluebird. I would not enlarge the hole. The Chickadees built in both of our boxes but are not using them!

Susie said...

Hey Betsy,

I see spring has arrived at your home. Love the pics.

We have 4 eggs in our bluebird house.

We don't have plans to hike in the Smokies right now. But then again, you just never know. I'll let you know if our plans change.

Harriet said...

I love your pink dogwood tree! You have a beautiful yard.

Rose said...

The dogwood and redbud shots are fabulous...

I bet the bluebirds do nest there again...if they have been there for years they are not likely to change.

Sunny said...

How lovely your yard looks, spring certainly has arrived!
Sunny :)

Anonymous said...

The only flowering specimen we have left is an old weeping crabapple tree. It is pretty too like your trees are pretty.

Thistlebrooms said...

Morning Betsy...
Well, you surly are in the Swing of things with Spring down there...The only trees we have blooming are the Magnolias...Your Redbud is absolutely
Beautiful
I used to have Bluebird trails up here and the hole size is perfect on your Bluebird box. If you get the Chickadees in there, let them stay. They lay an egg a day and bury it under the nesting material (so it looks like no ones in there)
Their the Sweetest BUT if you ever get English Sparrows their Killers of the Bluebirds. They'll break the eggs, kill the babies & parents!!!
Be Careful...

Such Lovely Color you have in your prosperous yard...

My Best~Marilyn

MadSnapper said...

the bluebird and the pink dogwood are rivals for my affection...

Small City Scenes said...

Color! Color!! Color!! dontcha just love Spring. Rebirth, renewal and COLOR!! I know for sure I am getting a Dogwood for my new garden----maybe today. MB

Jen said...

That Redbud tree is gorgeous.
Looks like you are being paid for all the snow you put up with, with a beautiful spring in TN. enjoy.

Tipper said...

Betsy-your yard is so pretty! The red buds and dogwoods are blooming here too.

Hope you have a good day!!

Anonymous said...

the dogwood is just so beautiful!

Deb said...

Very nice photo's of the Bluebirds. Love, love, the pink dogwood.

Anonymous said...

Beauty Beauty Beautiful pictures, Betsy! I love the pink Dogwood!!!
My yard isn't very big, but I'd love to have it filled w/ BLOOMS like yours!

God bless!

Cheryl said...

Glorious photos!! And I will keep my fingers crossed for your bluebirds to move right into their new home!!

Big Dude said...

Betsy - I think you could call your place "Almost Heaven - Southwest"

Ginny Hartzler said...

Georgous pictures, and I love the two macros!! But what are those pretty aqua and white pots lining your driveway? They are so colorful and pretty. Clicking still didn't show me close enough. Phil won't let me put anything along the driveway edges, he says people will run into it!

Jo said...

What beautiful dogwoods and what stunning macro photography, Betsy. Your bluebirds are so pretty too and I'm sure they'll nest in your boxes soon, Thanks for your kind and encouraging words on my blog. You are a precious and special friend. (((Hugs))) Jo

Anonymous said...

I sure do hope the Bluebirds start another family this year in your nest box!

The Dogwoods and Redbuds are so lovely as is your yard!

Your blog is a highlight of my Internet reading every day!

Roses and Lilacs said...

Hi Betsy, maybe one of your neighbors has bluebird box that they saw first.

I have chickadees in one of my boxes. I love the way they make their nest from soft mosses. I wish I could watch one of them collecting the moss. I'd like to see how they scoop up a little slab of it.
Marnie

Kay said...

Wonderful photos. I love that tree with the purple blossums.

Joe Todd said...

Great photos Betsy..I finally got the new garden shed put together. Linda read the directions and told me what to do LOL

From the Kitchen said...

Thank you for the gorgeous post today--especially the pink dogwood. Makes me miss Virginia even more. Most dogwoods around here are white. They are beautiful as well. However, I grew up surrounded by pink dogwoods.

Best,
Bonnie

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Ohhh what beautiful blossoming trees you have, down your way!!!

^_^
.

From the Old InkWell said...

Hi Betsy, in reply to your comment on my garden: 1st of all, thanks so much! You compliments are soooo kind. 2nd, my gardener is cigar man, my hubby. We do it all. Mostly, I tell him what I want and he does it. Great team! hehe!

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Betsy: Love your Red Dogwood and the Bluebird in full color. The fish must be biting if the Dogwood are blooming.

LV said...

With so much beauty and birds, you must live as close to paradise as you can get. You blow my mind with such glories photos ad sights.

dot said...

Excellent shot of the blue bird. The color is just plain gorgeous. The red buds are so pretty but the dogwood don't seem to bloom right any more (at least not here) Someone told me they have a disease.

Anonymous said...

Your bluebird pictures are always so wonderful to look at. I believe a couple tiny birds thought about starting a home inside a wind chime that I have hanging on my front porch. The wind chime is bamboo, has a hole on the top part. I just remembered I had a picture of it on Flickr.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pa_shutterbug/3916118770/

I went out on the front porch the other day to sit down on a chair that is underneath the wind chime. All of a sudden there was a flurry of activity above me. I think I was just as startled as were the two birds! I haven't seen the birds come back to the wind chime. It surprises me, though, that they would consider to build a nest in the wind chime. The wind chime moves when the wind blows and makes a lot of noise!

Chris said...

Hi Betsy, thank you for sharing your lovely spring yard with us. The blossom is wonderful and so are your visiting birds. I hope the bluebirds stay with you to raise a family. I love this time of year, there is something new to see every day.

Karin said...

Oooooooooo, I love all your beautiful trees! Lots of work goes into keeping it look so gorgeous!

Karin said...

Oooooooooo, I love all your beautiful trees! Lots of work goes into keeping it look so gorgeous!

Glenda said...

Beautiful yard! I'm jealous of your pink dogwood; it's so very pretty! Hope your bluebirds decide to settle in soon, and I'm sure they will.

The Retired One said...

So pretty, Betsy....can't wait for our apple orchard to get in bloom...it will be a while here yet! But we had a gorgeous day today and more and more birds are coming to our feeders too!

Catherine said...

You have so many wonderful colors in your photos today Betsy ~ so wonderful!

To answer your question about "Stanley's Garden Project" - nope - no 'couch potato' for my man! He plays on 3 hockey teams during the winter and would golf every day if he could (and often does). Hence why I have to get him to do my 'projects' in a very short time span! Ha!

Take care Betsy!
xo Catherine

Dar said...

Betsy, Your photos are great as usual. I just LOVE the pink dogwood, so dark and luscious looking. Your yard is wonderful with so many places to fill with flowers and trees. You are truly blessed.
I will look up the correct size for the bluebird hole, but I think that is correct. Patience, love, and they will come.

Diane said...

Your yard's really gorgeous, Betsy. You just have flowers bursting all over the place. It must smell heavenly. Diane

Connie said...

I love the Redbuds and the Dogwood, Betsy--so pretty! I hope you can coax your bluebirds to nest there again.

carolina nana said...

Lovely,lovely Betsy,don't you just love the colors of spring!
Thanks for the info on the washer,I have talked to quite a few people who have had trouble with them,not sure what I'll do yet. Have a blessed tomorrow.
Marilyn

carolina nana said...

No Betsy I haven't lost my mind. I was talking to Mildred about buying a washer and somehow got you all mixed up, it's late and I really need to be in bed!!!!!

diane b said...

Your yard is looking a picture of delicate colour. The blossoms and birds are so pretty. Do the birds ever nest in the trees or only in the boxes?

rosebudn6 said...

you just keep getting better and better with your camera. your yard and trees are looking lush and fillilng in so nicely. don't you just love this time of year? i am loving every bit(other than my allergies.) the macro of the pink dogwood is gorgeous.
happy springtime dear betsy.

SquirrelQueen said...

Your yard is really looking good, spring is bursting out all over. The Redbud and Dogwood trees are beautiful.

I do hope the Bluebirds nest in the new box, it would make a fine home for them.

Splendid Little Stars said...

I love Spring, too! All that beauty busting out of the ground! All your photos are wonderful. love the bluebirds!