Sonja Says

Yesterday was the first time, in what seems to have been months, that the weather was ideal for a walk.  I pulled on my hiking boots and started up the hill beyond our house and took the usual tour.  It seems each time, even though my walk covers the same territory, there is something new to see.  Yesterday was no exception. 

 There was a lot of bird noise across the road from where I stopped to catch my breath so, of course, I walked over to see what it was all about.  Sitting on a rock with a morsel in her beak was Mrs. Rocky (rock wren).  She didn’t fly away when I got close, but sat patiently waiting to see what would happen.  Small chirps were coming from the hillside and, as I scanned the rocks, lo and behold, in a sandwich of flat stones, the filling was a nest of tiny rock wrens.  When mama decided no harm would come to her brood, she hopped in and stuffed the little tidbit into one of her chicks.  All of this happend at eye level so the whole experience for me, a birdwatcher, was absolutely the best.  Guess who didn’t have a camera while all this was going on?

Rock wrens are great little birds and information about them, including picutres and their song, can be found by Googling Rock Wren.

This is the fifth spring and summer we’ve been living at our current address.  We’ve  been surprised with the arrival of a black throated sparrow who stayed to raise its family. They’ve provided great entertainment in that the fledglings are following mama around and asking to be fed.  She’s trying desparately to ween them;  however, they’re still trying to avoid fending for themselves by plumping themselves on the ground and waiting for service.  Here are photos of the little guys actually on their own.

Earlier in the year, while ordering poker primroses for Katie, I stumbled across pineapple lilies in the catalog.  In my effort to have new plants each year, for educational purposes, of course, this plant couldn’t be passed up.  Now that the blooms are almost full, I thought you might like to see what they look  like.

Hope you find these photos of our newfound flora and fauna fascinating.

It’s been a while, again, since writing.  This message has been put off because it’s difficult to write.  Our little, beautiful blue budgie, Punch, recently passed away.  John and I  really miss him because he filled the house with his singing.  Punch particularly loved Stocks in the News and would add his comments each evening as we watched the program.  Many times they were  disapproving squawks.  He was also very helpful contributing input to my cooking and and John’s solitaire games.

He was called Punch because, early on, he was part of a pair with Judy.  She was a real bully and, even though we provided two feeding troughs, she would control both, which made us feel really sorry for Punch.  Judy has been gone for six of Punch’s seven years.

There is a photo of this prince among birds, which can be accessed through Sonja’s Website HERE.   By scrolling down & clicking on ‘Wildlife’, you’ll see a 2006 photo.

It’s been a wonderful spring for bird watching.  While hanging clothes today, an unfamiliar bird song floated through the air.  Sitting in a juniper close to the patio was a never seen before black-throated sparrow.  To make certain the ID was correct, I checked the internet for it’s song and, yes, I was right.  My life bird list is growing.

What an amazing sight! This morning as I went past the diningroom window, there was this gorgeous blue-headed bird and it’s mate looking at me. That was a terrific surprise and, of course, I had no idea as to what they were. Out came the bird books and the description of lazuli buntings fit perfectly. They are stunning.

I am posting some nice things that are around here this spring.  I hope everyone enjoys them!

First, here are my blooming Geraniums.  They spent their winter in the garage, keeping John company.  They are blooming beautifully!

Next is a small cutting from Katie’s Crassula ‘Morgan’s Beauty’, which is growing really nicely.  Katie says it looks a lot better than hers.

Here is my ‘desert cabbage’ (Kalanchoe thyrsiflora), which I am putting outside every day, to try to get it used to being outdoors.  I am hoping for a little red color as it gets more sun!

This is a Lithops.  I have 3 of them.  This one shed last years leaves in January, and it’s finally ready for water and growing!

Last but not least, John’s little fruitless mulberry trees in the back yard have been accepted by the bird community, it seems.  It’s surprising that the little tree held up this nice, big raven!  The second picture shows the raven in flight.

Hope you all enjoy the first installment of spring stuff!