Monday, November 3, 2008

The Bluebirds are Back!

There are always certain flower seed heads that I leave for the goldfinches. They seem to enjoy the cosmos, zinnia, and...

especially the purple cone flower seeds. The kitty and I take great pleasure in watching them close-up from the windows.

I was in the kitchen a few days ago and noticed a flash of blue in the neighbors shrubs. I think he has some type of shrub dogwood that is loaded with whitish berries. The birds are really enjoying these berries and the bluebirds seem to like them as well.

I was delighted to see a few of them coming into my own yard.

This one was actually checking out the bluebird box. Hopefully he will remember it in the spring. I was so disappointed that it wasn't chosen this year by a bluebird couple. It gives me something else to look forward to about spring.

This has been a frustrating time for me. I have so much to do but have had one illness after another it seems. I had a really nasty stomach bug. The lymph nodes under my armpits were infected, causing some rather uncomfortable symptoms, with some mobility limitations. And now when the weather warms up and it is amazingly beautiful outside, I think I have the flu. This is so not fun!!!

I hope to get the front bed cleaned up and those tulip bulbs planted soon. Hopefully once this passes I will have a long season of good health.

I hope everyone else is in good health and enjoying this lovely autumn weather.

24 comments:

Patricia said...

So sad to hear that you've been under the weather, Robin, and still not well. I'll be praying for your health to return - and soon.

What lovely birds. I don't believe I've ever seen a bluebird here on Pollywog Creek, but I am anxious to see the goldfinches return for the winter and early spring.

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Oh Robin, I am so sorry to hear about your string of illness. It seems like you are getting all of the winter bugs out of the way, hopefully once and for all. Do take care.

I hope your blue birds come to live in your garden next year. They are such fun to watch. Good luck.

The Giraffe Head Tree said...

Ah, honey, I hope you do not have the flu. That's just so icky and uncomfortable and not fun and miserable. However, you have Bluebirds visiting and that's a blessing! Maybe they'll chase the flu bug away, eh? We can only hope and pray. I'm going to post a bluebird picture for you in hope it helps you feel better. Come visit now, ya heah?

Anonymous said...

What a difference a week makes... The weather is beautiful here in WV too but last week we also had some snow.. I sure hope you feel better soon, so you can get back outside on these pretty days..
I enjoy your blog very much !!

Anonymous said...

I wish you a speedy return to good health, and that the bluebirds use the nesting box this spring! I too, put up a bluebird box, but a house wren took it. We are trying hard to bring back the bluebird population here in Southern California. Seeing them in my garden this summer was the best gift ever!

Diana said...

Robin - I'm sorry to hear you've been sick and sick again and again. That's so hard, especially when the weather is nice outside and you have things to do. Stay inside and take it easy and watch those beautiful bluebirds from afar while you're drinking hot tea and sitting with your kitties resting. Hope you are well again soon.

Philip Bewley said...

Dear Robin,
What a delight to see those birds in your garden. They know they have a sanctuary there, and I love that you leave things they like for them this time of year.
I send you all the best in health, and I hope you are on the road to recovery soon.
Best regards,
Philip

Anonymous said...

Sorry you've been sick. That's no fun at all! I've never seen a bluebird, but I'd sure love to! But we get lots of goldfinches here. I love the way they chirp and swoop when they fly.

F Cameron said...

Sorry to hear that you've not been well. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Your photos, as always, are stunning!

Our North Carolina bluebirds don't migrate, but they are joined by the northern bluebirds. Our neighborhood has bluebird houses all along the board fences and we have several on our property.

Gorgeous birds!
Cameron

Anonymous said...

Healing thoughts going out to you Robin. It has to be uplifting to see the bluebirds again tho. I remember reading your posts this spring and wishing like you, that they would move into the box. Darn those sparrows. I wonder how long they'll stay around now? Do you think they're just on a "stop-over?" Get well soon.

Gail said...

Sorry to hear you are ailing...it isn't fun when there are other things you want to do...Let's hope it passes quickly and you are outside shooting more wonderful critter photos. The Bluebirds look like they might like the rental house you are offering!

Gail

Debbie said...

Robin, I am so sorry to hear you have been under the weather. Prayers for a speedy recovery.

What beautiful pictures of the bluebirds.

Kylee Baumle said...

Robin, I'm sorry to hear you've not been feeling well. Nothing wears you down like having one illness after another. Hopefully, your bluebirds will bring you happiness in the form of better, healthier days and soon!

I'm so jealous that you have bluebirds! We haven't seen a single one here this year, which is rather unusual. We saw them last year. We missed seeing the rose-breasted grosbeaks this spring, too, as well as the indigo buntings. Not sure why!

Pat said...

Never saw blue birds. Very pretty.
I wonder if we can get them in NJ.

beckie said...

Robin, isn't it the pits to be sick! I hope this is the last of it for you and you can breeze through the winter healthy.

Your blue birds are beautiful. I've never seen them here, but maybe I don't have what they like. Surely they will remember the empty box next spring and take up residence.

Sherri said...

Robin, I just love bluebirds. I am glad they have come back to you!

Anonymous said...

Love all the lovely birds in your garden. Thanks for sharing and I hope you feel well soon!

Anonymous said...

Hi Robin, that is so horrible that you had all those sicknesses one after another. Eat more garlic! ;-> Seriously, I am sorry to hear about that and know how hard it is to not be able to get out and enjoy these beautiful fall days. But on the bright side, seeing that bluebird is fantastic! That is supposed to be good luck too. Get well soon, my friend.
Frances

Yolanda Elizabet Heuzen said...

Dear Robin, get well soon, this can't be fun for you having one illness after the other.

Those bluebirds are such a lovely shade of blue, wish we had them here too. But I musn't complain as our blue tits are very pretty and blue too.

Take care!

Balisha said...

Sending good wishes for good health. Hope you are feeling better soon.
The bluebirds are doing the same here. I have a bush with white berries also...I haven't seen them on it. I will watch more now.

Mary said...

Awww, Robin. I didn't know you are fighting flu and not feeling well. I hope you are back 100% soon! Hey, at least you have bluebirds visiting! I have one bird - a Mocker. Blah...

I have ladybugs crawling all over, too. I don't mind at all.

Your photos are wonderful! Keep your camera with you while you are on the mend.

Hugs,
Mary

CIELO said...

Ahhhh, delicious pics... I'm putting up lots of bird houses this year hopping some blue birds will fly that way--and stay for the winter! :)

cielo

IlonaGarden said...

Sorry to hear you aren't feeling well.
Your photos are fabulous, though; a real treat to see. I haven't had visits from bluebirds for many years I miss them:(

A New England Life said...

I love the Bluebirds, though I seldom see them. Hopefully your's will be back to visit in a few months.

We used to grow large Sunflowers but it seemed like they had a lot of worms in them. Seeing your pictures makes me want to try again.

Sharon