Honeysuckle Vine and Hummingbird Moth

We had a nice visit today from another fine featured friend. At least I think they are feathered. It was really quick and getting good pics was not easy. However this is what I got...Enjoy.

Nature Quirk

Every once in awhile Mother Nature has an off day and things just don't turn out the way they are suppose to...Case in point:

This Grackle is, well, a little bit out of sorts..........

This guy kept saying..."I feel light headed"

Here We Go 'round The Mulberry Tree

A very very long time ago my Grandmother taught my sisters and I a song about the Mulberry Tree/Bush. For over 50 years I have, from time to time, remembered some of those lyrics and thought it would be cool someday to actually go 'round the Mulberry Bush with my grandchildren. About 7 years ago my wife and I purchased 25 Mulberry Tree seedlings. We planted them in various locations around our property and after a few years of no berries and losing all but 4 trees we discovered that it usually takes about 7 years for these trees to mature enough to produce fruit. This year all 4 remaining trees produced a bumper crop and all 4 of the trees had an abundance of patrons including us and our grandchildren. Beside us, the featured and furry critters had a feast for a few weeks. And we enjoyed watching them enjoy it.

"Here we go 'round The Mulberry Bush........"

The Red Saucers and The Baltimore Orioles

I have read and have had many people tell me how the Orioles love oranges. I don't deny that. I just can't, in all honesty, confirm it. We have had many summer Oriole visitors over the years here in Chemung, NY. And that's all they were...just visitors passing through on their way to parts unknown. All the orange slices weren't enough of a draw to keep them here for very long. Last year we heard they also like grape jelly. Bingo!! The one or two transients became 6 or 8 breeding pairs who have stayed. This year the homemakers have really filled the air with there wonderful songs and calls. They come to the saucers continuously throughout the daylight hours. We are scolded if we are too active on the deck or if we are to close to "their" snack dishes. Oh, and they (The Orioles) are very picky also. No generic stuff for them either. Top shelf is all they will eat. In this case it's Welch's Grape Jelly. They can't get enough. And it all leads to some very beautiful pictures as well as some very happy Orioles.