Wild Bird Wednesday

All photos taken in Central Illinois

Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday

The Bird D'pot

All birds photographed in Southeastern Oklahoma

Killdeer

Red-tailed Hawk

Blue Heron

Black Vulture 

Linking to The Bird D-Pot

Saturday Critters

I woke up this morning to the coyotes singing. They were not far from the house, but at least they were far enough away I couldn't see them. Last week, after dark, I saw 5 or 6 right at the edge of the lawn. I took this shot earlier that same day. He was at the edge of the hay field near the trees. At first I thought it was a dog because of his dark color. The ones I've seen before were lighter.

Had to stop along the road to get this pic. Wish the pole wasn't there, but liked the horses against the old house.

Linking to Saturday Critters

The Weekend Roundup - B

Yay! I made it back in time for this weeks roundup. We sold our house in Illinois, so we have been up there getting the house ready for the new owners. We are officially residents of Oklahoma. I'm glad to have that huge job finished. 

Now on to this week's prompts: Starts with B, A favorite B, and Building.

Starts with B. Bear starts with B. This guy hangs out on the lawn of a house high up on a hill. I believe he was created by a chainsaw artist.

Favorite B: Band is a very nice B. Granddaughter just returned from Europe where she was a member of the Ambassadors of Music tour. They played concerts in England, France, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. They also took a day trip to Venice, Italy. What a wonderful experience to have during the summer between high school and college in the fall. Her summer job is playing clarinet with a local community band. It was a fun evening in the park.

Building: This courthouse is in downtown Dallas. When I still worked in Dallas, I got to monitor a trial in this historic building. 

Just because: How about a Buzzard? A not so pretty B, but still a B.

And Finally: How about a picture of my favorite BOOTS. I wear them a lot more in Oklahoma than I did in Illinois. Good for avoiding snake bites. :)

Linking to The Weekend Roundup

Floral Friday

Today I have two different coneflowers, similar yet different. Both photos taken in Southeastern Oklahoma.

Ratibida columnifera, commonly known as upright prairie coneflower or Mexican Hat, is a species of flowering plant in the daisy family, Asteraceae, that is native to much of North America.

A member of the Astor family. The erect, coarse tall coneflower grows 2 1/2 to 5 feet tall. The stem and leaves have rough hairs.

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The Weekend Roundup - A

I'm going to be off the grid for about 10 days. This post was scheduled to post on Friday. I will visit yours when I'm back in WiFi land.

This week's prompts are: Starts with A, A favorite, and Apple.

Starts with A. Angus starts with A, as does Australian Shepherd. Callie isn't a full blooded shepherd, but sure looks like she's related.

Favorite. This is not my favorite picture because of its clarity. It is my favorite because San Francisco is my all time favorite vacation destination. On this particular trip I took my brand new 35mm film camera. I scanned the photo so I could post it. Welcome to Alcatraz. 

Apple. These apples grew in the backyard of my Illinois house.

Just because. I can't remember if I have posted this shot of Mr. Armadillo before or not. He isn't my favorite critter because he likes to dig up my flower bulbs and make holes in the yard. I'm not happy with him. He is kind of cute, though.

And finally. I know I have posted this picture before, but he is worth another look. He's a beautiful Leopard Appaloosa. 

Linking to The Weekend Roundup 

Saturday Critters

I haven't been to an auction in  years, but went to one today. A rancher had sold his house and property and chose to auction ranching equipment and two horses.

This is a palomino going for a test drive.

This is our friend watching the test drive and planning his bid.

This is the horse just before the auction started. He was nervous, obviously sensing something was going on.

While he was being ridden, his lady friend was upset, snorting, and pacing. She is a Fleabit Roan. Yes, I asked and was told that's the proper name for this white horse with brown flecks.

She was a beauty. She was sold first.

Our friend won the bidding contest. The palomino was loaded up and ready to go see his new home.

He is being turned loose in a section fenced off from the other horses. Nice shady pen.

Here he is getting acquainted with the other horses and Socks, the mule.

It was hot, but turned out to be a fun day. Now there is a new horse to win over with carrots and apples.

Linking to Saturday Critters