Fledglings

Happy Friday Friends~I'm so happy to have my man home again; I mean guys need their "guy time" as much as we need our "girl time" but seriously, I always love it when he's back home. Both daughters families came over last night and the grands were just as excited to see him as I was, of course so were the girls and sils.

I know I wasn't planning on taking any more pics of the birds, but I just couldn't resist seeing how big they are.  They appear to be ready to fly, their wings look ready.  Oh the mess they've made of my pretty welcome basket; thankfully it is made of metal and a little water and cleanser will clean it off. 
I'm off this morning to go to garage sales while hubby and his brother change the brakes on his car. 
Hunter was so glad to see hubby and was fine with hubby's brother; although the grands were a bit overwhelming for him, so I put him in his crate for a little bit. I hope you have a wonderful day and if you have to work, the time flies by.
Blessings, Noreen & Hunter

Birds of a Feather

Yesterday we took a peak at the nest on our front porch; we had discovered that at least one egg was bad, we took that out but one other is under the babies so we left it. They are getting bigger each day and often poke their heads out of the container.

At Carrie's house, they've had a Killdeer nesting; this bird nests in the rocks. As I approached her, she immediately went after me.  If a group approaches, the mom will limp off away from the nest pretending she is injured. 

You can see the gray speckled eggs; once they hatch she moves them pretty quickly.  Carrie found two other Killdeer nesting in adjoining pastures.

She spreads out her tail and makes a very interesting sound; I imagine this is her defense technique. 
I so enjoy seeing the baby birds but once they're gone I won't worry about people coming to the front door. 
It is rainy and cold here today; a help for the firefighters working on the fire north of here, but for those of us who'd rather be outside gardening, it is a bummer. The forecast for the next week though is nice warm weather; for now gardening can wait and books are waiting to be read.
Happy Saturday~Noreen & Hunter

Outdoor Wednesday

As you know, we've had a nest on our front porch wall next to the door.  We try to avoid using the door as much as possible and are being very careful not to disturb mom and hatchlings.  There is still one more egg to hatch; I imagine it will hatch tomorrow. They are not too pretty right now but by next week will look more like a wren.  I know that the parents will be back next spring but I wish they'd find a place other than near the door.  I guess they look for a safe haven and we seem to provide it for them.

Yesterday, I spent the morning watching three of four granddaughters for our girl, Kim.  Kim is giving her oldest, Miss S-age 7, standardized tests for the homeschool group they are in.
We went to the park, walked down a road looking for baby goslings and had a great morning.  Today is Miss S's last day of testing so I imagine we will be at the park again. Our little Hunter goes in for grooming today as well; he won't be getting a traditional Bichon cut but more of the puppy/teddy bear look.  We don't mind him scruffy as long as he doesn't get mats.  He has had a few and I brush him every night but find they are really hard to get out.   Our Hunter still seems to enjoy the evenings and goes wild; I wish you could see him.  He'll do circles around the yard again and again, yet going on a walk seems to tire him out.  Of course, going for a walk is really more learning how to behave out in public; so many new sights and sounds.  My girlfriend, Kam and her Lexie, didn't join us today and it was such a surprise to me that Hunter was much more timid without her.  I know each day will get easier for him; he is such a love!
I hope you are able to get out and enjoy your day, even if it is just for a few minutes.
Joy to you, Noreen & Hunter