Bad Bird Pictures

 I don't know why I take these far away pictures....guess I want to show that I did see two different bluebirds and a Catbird (meow). Sometimes birds are more cooperative, come close and pose but most often not. Anyway, it was a great birding day at Kensington on Friday and I found that I am recognizing more birdsong

A Walk in the Park

What a wonderful walk on Friday at Kensington...perfect weather and the birds were all singing me a morning greeting! 

Sandhill Cranes out for a morning walk. When they got even with me (I stepped off the trail) I said "ladies first" and cautiously passed them.

Elderberry

 Much dispute as to what bird this is....posted it on a facebook bird ID group. The final consensus was a "Traills" a flycatcher. I even emailed Paul at the metropark and he concurred. I thought it was a Peewee but I am not a very good birder.

 Red-winged Blackbird...male

Red-winged Blackbird...female

 Alvin..who else?

 Butterfly weed

Tree Swallow

 Could this be a Red-tailed Hawk feather?

 This little toad was smaller than a dime

 Birdsfoot Trifoil

 Milkweed....by the look of the chewed up leaves, I am hoping that there is a Monarch caterpillar around.

 Forget-me-not

Thistle

Watch this space for "bad bird pictures" coming soon  :-)

Kensington

 Had a lovely walk at Kensington metropark this morning. 

 Took some really bad bird pictures 

and met a few friends on the trail.

More photos to follow.

Love this funny Egret!

What to do on a rainy day...

 Monarchs

A rainy morning in April...what to do? Just get in the van and drive around Brookgreen Gardens and then check out the butterfly house. No long lines on a day like it was...I had it all to myself.

 Luna Moth

 Buckeye

 Red spotted purple

Still sprinkling

On to my favorite bird feeder spot at the Nature Center to see if one of my favorite little birds is there...and yes he is.....a Painted Bunting

Eastern Towhee....female

Charleston, SC

The tragic events in Charleston makes me feel so sad. I visit the city every year and when we were there this past April I took many great photos...a lot from the carriage that we rode in. Charleston is so full of history, some bad but the past can't be changed nor should it be forgotten or ignored. The old Slave Market is a good example. As we shop for souvenirs, clothes and other do-dads, we must remember what these building were used for originally. The wonderful houses, churches and cemeteries, are all steeped in the history of southern living. Although it seems charming on the surface we must remember the past so history does not repeat itself.  

Beautiful Charleston