Wild Bird Wednesday

Yesterday was Dickcissel day on the back roads. No matter which road I took, I saw several hanging out on bushes.

Dickcissel (male)

Dickcissel (female

Blue Grosbeak

I saw the bird below in a tree, He was high up in the shade, so I've lightened the photo to see him better. According to my Merlin Bird ID app, this seems to be a juvenile Summer Tanager. Does anyone have an opinion as to whether or not this is correct?

Confirmation: This is a Summer Tanager in transitional plumage. Thanks David!

Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday

Wildflowers

I normally drive the back roads looking for birds and wild critters, but I also love wildflowers. These are a few I found this week. All were found in Oklahoma.

I don't believe I have ever seen Crimson Clover until last week while exploring a new road. I do however remember the Tommy James and the Shondells singing Crimson and Clover.

Linking to Fleur and Color Wednesday

Linking to Tuesday Treasures

Birds and a Barn

The hummingbirds have been humming.  This little guy is always on guard. Ready to ward off intruders and there are several.

Tried to get a shot of this scissor-tailed flycatcher, but all I got was this tail shot.

This Bewick's Wren has a nest in the end of the pipe fence. 

A couple of days ago, I had a visit from a couple of buzzards. They landed about 6 feet from my kitchen window and proceeded to glare at each other.

This one briefly glared at me.

Then one attacked the other. Not sure if they were fighting or getting it on. Whatever it was didn't last long before they took off.

Linking to The Bird D-Pot



Rain kept me stuck inside for a couple of days. This barn looks good surrounded by all the green. Rain is sometimes a pain, but it sure does bring out nature's beauty.

Linking to The Barn Collective

Critter Day

Found this curious guy on a previously unexplored back road. 

A little farther down the road, Mr. and Mrs. Blue-winged Teal were enjoying a swim.

And this Double-crested Cormorant was hanging out in a dead tree.

My granddaughter graduates high school in a couple of weeks. As part of her graduation gift, I made a photo book of her throughout the years. I had to include this shot of her riding. I believe they may have been contemplating an escape from the practice barn. 

Happy Critter hunting!

Linking to Saturday Critters

Weekend Roundup - R

The assignment for this week is R, Favorite, and Red.


R - Resting after a hard day at the fair in the wheel of a Red tractor. Hopefully the owner didn't drive off. That would have been a scary ride.

Favorite picture of the week is this Cardinal. My mother always called them Redbirds. Well, they are Red.

This is The Spirit of Peoria's paddle wheel. It is definitely Red.

And for good measure, how about a Red Room.

Linking to The Weekend Roundup

Birds and Flowers

All birds found in Southeastern Oklahoma.

Western Kingbird

Eastern Kingbird

Eurasian Collared-Dove - Nap time?

Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday

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Iris

Linking to Fleur and Color Wednesday

Tuesday Treasures

This is an old oil well pump found on one of those back road rambles. I wish I could have read the sign, but it is on private property and I didn't feel like getting arrested for trespassing.

I enjoy a good bench. They make a nice place to rest, especially after a long day. This one is located at the KOA in Springfield, MO.

The one below belongs to a friend of ours. I also like the re-purposed tractor seat which is now an outside bar stool.

Linking to Tuesday Treasures

The Bird D'Pot

Last Wednesday we had a soft rain all day. I didn't think it would be a good day for birds, but I was wrong. 

This is the first time I've seen a Western Kingbird enjoying the feeders. 

And the first time the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher came this close sto the house.

The Upland Sandpipers are still here and enjoying a nice mud puddle. Bath time. 

A damp Ruby-throated Hummingbird.

Even Mr. and Mrs soaking wet Cardinal showed up.

Turned out to be a productive day.

Linking to The Bird D-Pot

The Barn Collective

No good barn pic for today, but how about the entrance to a barn, a horse, and a cowboy?

And this fancy loafing shed.

Linking to The Barn Collective