Thursday, July 3, 2014

Wildlife Wednesday July 2014

I love being outdoors, I love plants, I love animals, I love nature and all the wildlife it brings.  That's a big reason why I love gardening so much.  It gives you a chance to take a moment from the business of life and appreciate nature.  Gardens also attract so much more wildlife to the yard.  That's why I'm excited for Tina's Wildlife Wednesday over at My Gardener Says...

Here are some critters that have stopped by my Round Rock, TX garden recently.

Feathered Friends

Tuffed Titmouse

Lesser Goldfinch

House Finch


Hummingbird (not sure what kind)


That tiny spec on top of the wire is a hummingbird.


Furry Friends

I'm pretty sure this is a fox squirrel...if not, then a gray squirrel.  He's pretty happy about the old walnuts and pecans I put out for him.



Creepy Critters

Swallowtail caterpillar...I think it is an Eastern Black Swallowtail.

Green Anole - he loves hanging in the shade of the courtyard, blending in with the wisteria vine.

Texas Spiny Lizard, hanging out on a piece of firewood.





11 comments:

  1. Oh my gosh! Your bird photos are so beautiful! I just love Tufted Tit(mice)?(mouses?) I guess I need to look that up--plurals! Argh! Anyway, I think those birds are soooo cute. And the Texas Spiny Lizards--I wish had those in my gardens--full of personality! Thanks for joining in and I hope to see you and your critters again.

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    1. Thanks, Tina. I love the tufted titmice (I think?) as well. They don't visit my garden too often, so it is quite exciting when they do. Thanks for hosting this meme - I'm looking forward to next month.

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  2. Beautiful photos! I love the tufted titmouse and would like to attract more. They always seem so curious and playful. I used to have one that would go right up to the window ledge and peak in. Haven't seen him in awhile. Maybe he got arrested for peeping!

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    1. Thanks, Debra. I love the tufted titmouse as well. I wish I could give you advice on how to attract them, but I don't think I'm too much help. They don't frequent my garden very often, so it is a treat when they do. When I nabbed this picture, they were eating some of the nyjer seed, so maybe you could try that?

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  3. Nice bird photos, especially the hummingbirds. That's a challenge to get the hummers even when resting. Sweet visitors, even the squirrel looks like he wouldn't think of getting on the bird feeder. At least while you have special treats.

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    1. Thanks, Shirley. I'm a big fan of the hummingbirds. They are really loving my zinnias this year. I catch them feasting on those much more often than the hummingbird feeder. I can usually keep the squirrels away from at least one bird feeder - my Droll Yankee Flipper, which sends the squirrels, grackles, and sometimes the doves (if there are too many) flying off. Thanks for stopping by.

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  4. These are great shots - especially of the spiny lizard. I keep hearing that I definitely have these around my garden spaces but I'll be durned if I ever see one! Mine are super reclusive I guess.

    And that red finch - another local I'm "supposed" to see that I don't. Except for here. I'm glad you joined in the Wildlife Wednesday fun and look forward to more.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Deb. I'm not sure exactly what brought the spiny lizard to my yard, but as for the birds, I try to put out a lot of different kinds of food for them so I can attract the largest variety possible. I get some mixes (including some with fruit and nuts), black oil sunflower, nyjer, safflower, and cracked corn. I also put out suet (year round), as well as meal worms, old nuts that I'm trying to get rid of, and some old fruit. I think the red finches tend to appreciate the finch mixes the best.

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  5. Hi Rebecca! I thought I'd commented on your excellent post for Wildlife Wednesday--so sorry for missing! Your bird photos are wonderful, especially of the hummingbird. I love those Titmouse(es) (mice?) and the Texas Spiny Lizards. I have many Anoles, but none of the Spiny Lizards and I just love them. Thanks so much for participating and I hope you'll join in next month.

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  6. I love getting outside, too. I really love all the pictures but the one with the spiny lizard -- is that a piece of petrified wood he is lazing on? The wood grain has an interesting texture.

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    1. Thanks, Debra. I'm not sure if it is petrified wood, or just a piece of wood where the bark fell off, but Mr. Spiny seems to like it. Thanks for dropping by!

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