S T U P I D B I R D S

                     

My "Stupid Birds" are showing up today.  I call these birds "stupid" because after they spend a pleasant Winter here, they leave just when the South Carolina Spring is starting. The only thing better than a SC Spring is a SC Summer.  I have no idea why the "stupid" birds leave.  Still, they are returning today.  I should not complain. Think how great it would be if all the people who migrated across the Mason-Dixon Line to SC would leave for half the year.

Above is a photo I just snapped as I sit here watching my turtle pond.
 

Here is a "stupid bird" who arrived today with a partner.  I have a few Pine Warblers year round, but many more migrate in every Fall and entertain me all Winter.  This is one I guess, but the coloring will make me search my Bird Library when I go inside.  Like most birds, these guys come in a lot of different outfits.  Hell, it might be anything. 

Today a female Yellow-bellied Sapsucker also arrived. 
   I have many better photos, but this is the one I just snapped.  All my trees are riddled with holes from this girl.  My yard is now full of bright red berries on my many Pyracantha bushes.  They will brighten the yard through the Winter, and feed a lot of birds.  Last Winter, the Sapsuckers took off hundreds of square patches of bark off much of my Pyracantha.  That can't be good for the Pyracantha.  That stuff grows so fast it is a chore to contain it, and I doubt my Sapsuckers will have much effect.

Here is what my pergola looks like from my chair today.  I think I did a good job building that, and now it is a lot of fun finding out what will grow in full shade. 

I am kinda looking forward to the first freeze.  Many things are growing out of control, but I guess that is the "theme" of my garden as most don't recognize it as a garden, but a lot that needs clearing.  This is a perfect time to visit my garden as my yard is blazing color right now with all the flowers and butterflies. I plan ahead, and raise many things.  Birds, Flowers, and Butterflies are everywhere, but with almost no effort, one can concentrate many in a small area. 

I used to hate Winter approaching until my Bride explained that things will just be taking a nap, resting up to return in Spring -> better than ever!  I like that thought, but my turtles below would disagree.