It wouldn't be summer without a picture of a Swallowtail. They're so beautiful.
This year I "caught" a Red Admiral sitting still long enough to get a photo, too. They're very elusive and fluttery, so I had to be quick. Not the greatest photo, but I was happy even for this.
Pictured below are two of my problems in the garden. These are both three point bucks who've grown up munching on my garden. I also have a doe and two spotted fawns this year. This photo was taken in the evening from my kitchen window so, again, not such good quality.
The deer will also eat the bird seed from the hopper feeder. I couldn't figure out why the seed would disappear overnight after I'd just filled it, but on the day this photo was taken I had just filled the feeder and it was empty immediately after their visit. Now I only put a scoop at a time in there.
And check out the action below:
Another kitchen window photo. Well, kitties have to drink, too. I've done what I can to keep the feeders out of harm's way, but there's only so much I can do. The birds sound the alarm when one of the neighborhood cats come around, so I always know when they're out there. Only two of them seem to enjoy bird watching (ahem). Feeders or no feeders, cats and birds will do what cats and birds do. I love all the critters so I bear them no ill will, despite how it would hurt my heart should the unthinkable happen.
It would be quite another story if any critter -- four legged, two legged, winged, or slithering -- ever threatened one of my children. No more Mrs. Nice Guy.
That's my sweet LuLu, and she wouldn't harm a fly. Well, maybe a fly...
Have a beautiful day!
Good morning Leslie! Thanks so much for sharing such beautiful photos. What a great capture of the swallowtail on your beautiful red geranium - love the contrast of the yellow and red - amazing! And the red admiral - I know what you mean about fluttery - I have tried to capture as well but they just don't sit still. Beautiful picture of the deer - love that they are tucked back in your garden among the hydrangea (which is a gorgeous blue colour btw - wow - it must be your soil we don't have such beautiful blue colour ones here at least not that I have ever seen)- not so good about the bird seed though. And then of course there is Lulu, who always melts my heart. She is so beautiful. Have a wonderful blessed day, thanks again for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLove to see your garden and all the wildlife. And of course the furbabies...
ReplyDeleteyou are soooooooooooooooooo lucky to get to see such beautiful sites - I love those deer- but oh I would love to have your dog! You do such a beautiful job on your cards and your yard work. You seem like such a nice lady!
ReplyDeleteAmazing pictures! Your lush garden is obviously on the 'can't be missed' list for itinerant wild (and domestic) wildlife :) Such a blessing that you now get to spend more time observing the beauty you have so wonderfully tended.
ReplyDeleteLu C
I just love how you tell the story's too...it makes me feel like I'm right there watching the action unfold... and Boy what action you have going on too... Never a dull moment for you anymore. So enjoyed your pics of your Lovely Garden and all it's visitors too... And Beautiful LuLu too!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Leslie, your photos are gorgeous, as is your beautiful garden. What wonderful sights from your kitchen window, I just have common cabbage butterflies and mainly Sparrows, Magpies, and occasionally Robins, Blackbirds or Thrushes visiting my garden. Even your pest visitors are beautiful to watch, though I understand the frustration you must have, with the damage they can do. My main pests in the garden are slugs and snails, not pretty at all. I don't use chemicals in my garden so I "harvest" them nightly in a poo bag for the bin and check each time before the dogs are in the garden, as these slimy visitors can be carriers of lung worms, so dangerous to dogs if they contract them. Lulu is such a pretty girl. Thanks for sharing your lovely photos and your sunshine. We have a mix of sunshine and more showers again today in my wee area of Scotland. Enjoy your weekend. Alexandra xx
ReplyDeleteThe butterflies are beautiful. We have swallowtails and this year for the first time I saw the Red Admiral but didn't know what it was. We have many deer also and I keep reminding myself that they were here first. But it's hard. Then I saw your photo with the black thing by the birdbath and I thought you had a really BIG problem. On my computer that kitty looked like a very big bear! The laugh's on me. Always enjoy your photos.
ReplyDeleteSitting at my dining room table looking at your photos, I am transported to your garden. Thanks for sharing the beauty and serenity of your oasis and a lovely photo of sweet LuLu also. What a treat, Thanks Leslie!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat pics of the butterflies and you did quite well taking pictures from your kitchen window too, looks like one of the deer were peeking back at you over the flowers. About 6 months after we got our cats in England I had let them out in the garden for a little while and left the back door open if they wanted to come back in, welllll our cat brought a bird in with her, I yelled at her and she dropped it, I took it outside and put it on top of the hedge and when I went back out to check it was gone, I am hoping that it was playing dead and once it new it was clear she flew off. That pic of Lulu is just too cute, but I don't think they take bad pictures :) Have a great Sunday!
ReplyDeleteOh, so wonderful that you have butterflies to come visit you. The Admiral is gorgeous with the rich red color. Love the wildlife that comes to visit you. That would make me very happy. I'm trying to make my backyard into a place for some wild critters (except possums). Lulu is looking adorable.
ReplyDeleteYour yard is lovely. I love visiting your posts and seeing what is happening in your side of the country.
ReplyDeleteHow did I miss this post! I'm just so jealous of you & your beautiful garden! I would be in heaven to have deer in my back yard, even if it meant they were eating my flowers or my birdseed. They are such glorious, gentle creatures! And boy, am I with you! Heaven forbid what would happen to anyone (beast or human) who tried to hurt my fur baby! They wouldn't know what hit them! Lol
ReplyDeleteInteresting "bird" in the feeder, Leslie! Thanks for sharing your garden photos. The deer resemble door jammers waiting for a concert or people spending the night outside their favorite Black Friday store! I miss the Swallowtail migration. We had them, and their caterpillars by the thousands in Southern CA. Gorgeous hydrangeas! Our caladiums are already dying back. Soon I will be bereft of color in the gardens! Now you know why we have squirrel proof feeders. With hundreds of birds and critters passing through, we can't afford to feed them all! LOL love, de
ReplyDeleteYou need to charge admission and let people come see your yard Leslie. Beautiful. I had to giggle at the bird seed though, only one scoop. Come on.. the deer need to eat too. ;-) We saw some deer at the house we were staying in Lincoln City. Its so crazy they just walk right up in the yards and are not afraid of people. One of the things I love about the coast. Lulu looks so sweet and happy. yes I would agree no more Mr. Nice guy if someone harmed the kids. Great pictures!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots of your garden, Leslie, critters and all! Those hydrangeas - oh my!
ReplyDeleteI read in one of your posts that it's been in the 70s this summer for you? I'm so jealous! We're in the super hot and humid season here. Feels like Texas. Okay, well maybe Texas in the spring time. Ha. Texas summers are much, much too hot for me!