The Bird D'pot

After finally getting pictures of eagles, I set my sights on finding and photographing a male Painted Bunting. I saw 2 of them last summer, but they were too quick for my slow hand. 

So, last week I was sitting at the kitchen table, talking to my daughter on the phone, when I caught sight of an orange bird on the porch feeder. I threw down the phone, fortunately it didn't break and my daughter didn't call 9-1-1, and started snapping pics. If I took one, I took fifty pics. I was as excited as when I first saw the eagles.

I haven't seen the female yet. I'm hoping she shows up soon.

He is even beautiful from the back.

Linking to The Bird D-Pot

Saturday Critters

A critter post wouldn't be a critter post without a horse. Saw this one grazing as I passed by on the road. I love gray horses. I believe this one is a flea-bit roan.

This guy walked by as I was sitting on the porch the other afternoon. Fortunately, I got this shot before Gus barked. Notice his antlers are beginning to grow out.

Everything was so green on this overcast day, and it made the yellow stand out. After a winter of feed and hay, this herd of cattle seemed to be enjoying the new grass.

Linking to Saturday Critters

Weekend Roundup - Q

Friday kind of sneaked up on me this week. I just realized today was actually Saturday. I think this might have been caused by a very busy week and a bit of retirement bliss. Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend. 

This week's assignment: Starts with Q, Favorite, and Quarter.

Starts with Q: Northern Bobwhite QUAIL starts with Q. This guy was trying to hide in the weeds, but I caught him!

Favorite: I absolutely love deviled eggs, so I was happy to see these Quirky little guys on the Easter table.

Quarter: I think this QUARTER should meet the requirement.

Just Because: How about a QUART jar with some QUARTERS in the bottom?

And Finally: The is a QUILT block made up of handkerchiefs collected over the years from trail rides. This one was from the Chisolm Trail Roundup.

Linking to The Weekend Roundup 

The Barn Collective

Another barn needing some TLC. I never see cattle or horses on this ranch, so I don't think it is in use.

The pond often gives me duck photo ops. It's a drive through the Kullihoma Stomp Grounds. Great road for birds, too. 

Linking to The Barn Collective

The Bird d'Pot

I saw the first Blue Grosbeak of the season yesterday. I believe this is a non-breeding mail. He's working on his pretty feathers.

This Red-winged Blackbird recently discovered the feeders. I took this pic a couple of days ago. It was a chilly morning. If  you look closely, you can see his breath. I'm not sure if he is trying to attract a lady or if he is protecting the food. I'm voting for the lady since he is looking pretty spiffy when he shows his red feathers.

This Red-bellied Woodpecker stops by almost every morning for a peck and a snack on our light pole.

Linking to The Bird D-Pot

Camera Critters - Turtle Day

I'm not up on turtle identification, so won't even try. This turtle enjoys his time at the Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur, OK. They have a vending machine with fish and turtle food for the kids to feed the water critters.


This guy was crossing the road in front of me. I often stop (when safe) to take the turtle to the other side, but I didn't touch this one. I value my fingers.

This guy was on the side of one of the back roads I like to travel. I did stop and take him to the other side. 

Linking to Saturday Critters

Weekend Roundup - P

This week's assignment: Starts with P, Favorite, and Pair.

Starts with P: This brand is called Rafter P.

Favorite: Of course I would find a favorite horse. This is a PAINT.

Pair: This is a matched PAIR of mules.

Just Because: This PRIVATE PROPERTY sign starts with P.

And Finally: A PLETHORA of Indian PAINTBRUSH blooms. 

Linking to The Weekend Roundup 

Our World Tuesday - Mule Sale

This was my first experience going to a mule sale. We were not in the market for a mule, but I felt certain there would be photo opportunities and I wasn't disappointed. The sale lasted two days. We went on day 1. It was a full day of auctioning tack. Lots of bridles, lead ropes, saddles, saddle blankets, and more. Day 2 would be for auctioning mules. Although there were lots of mules bought and sold without going through the auction.

This is a much smaller version of a Budweiser Clydesdale. He didn't have a number, so I don't think he was for sale. 

Anyone in the market for a horse-drawn hearse?

Or perhaps a stage coach?


Here are some of the mules awaiting their new home.

In the outdoor arena, riders show the mules for prospective buyers. They ride them around, put them in reverse, all to prove their mule is gentle and much better than the others.

This was the cutest little guy ever! Not sure if she is a miniature or full grown. I should have asked. 

This young man enjoyed a high perch while his dad was wheeling and dealing. 

We had a great time. Next time we'll go on Day 2 to watch the mule auction. 

Linking to Our World Tuesday

The Barn Collective

I miss Illinois barns. In Oklahoma, ranchers often provide 'leaning sheds' as shelter for their horses. 

This is an abandoned barn. Not sure what it was used for, but my guess is equipment and hay.

Linking to The Barn Collective

The Bird D'pot

Red-bellied Woodpecker


Scissortail Flycatcher

Red-tailed Hawk

Linking to The Bird D-Pot

Saturday Critters - Coyote

On one of my back-road-rambles, I saw what I thought was a calf all by itself on the hillside, but when I zoomed in I found a coyote soaking up the sunshine. 

It's difficult for me to have a critter post without horses, so these are a couple of my favorite shots from last week.

Linking to Saturday Critters

The Weekend Roundup - O

This weeks assignment: Starts with O, Favorite, and Open.

Starts with O: These work boots are OLD. They won't be thrown away yet, because nothing is more comfortable than a pair of OLD boots.

Favorite: My favorite breakfast is OATMEAL, especially OVERNIGHT, blueberry OATMEAL.


Open: This mule train wagon has the back door OPEN. I believe the young man decided to ride his horse.


Just Because: This waterfall is fed by the OVERFLOW of water.

And Finally: I love a hamburger from the grill, especially with a slice of ONION on the bun.

Linking to The Weekend Roundup 

Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful for flowers. I enjoy seeing the wildflowers along the road and flowers that are normally seen in a yard, growing wild. I always wonder what happened to the house and family that once lived there.

Wisteria gone wild.

Linking to Thankful Thursday