Orange Variant

House Finches are by far the most common visitors to our feeders. Most of the males have vivid red markings on their head, neck and chest this time of the year - during the breeding season. This one, however, is an orange variant - a much rarer variety. I've read that there is also a yellow variety - but I've never seen one. Some experts think the different colors are from a poor diet - but I have to disagree as we provide only the best!

When the Chickadees feed - we always see two. I assume they are a mating pair, but I can't tell as both look alike.

Yesterday's temperature broke records; it reached almost 90 degrees. By late afternoon, the clouds started rolling in and the wind picked up. We were sure rain was in the future but it is so dry - most of the moisture never reached the ground.

Just about the time I took this picture of the storm coming over Pikes Peak, a tornado briefly touched down in Mesa County - west of the mountains.

Birds and Barbeques

The Northern Flickers have been regular visitors to our backyard. They especially like the Birdacious Bark Butter that Bill smears on the Oak log at the top of the feeders. We often hear them pecking on the metal fixtures on roofs in the neighborhood - which the neighbors just love at 6 a.m..

The Western Tanager was around every day for over a week - but we have not seen him for two days now.

I make notes in one of my bird books when I see a particular kind of bird - and for the last few years, I've only seen the Western Tanagers in mid-May for 5 to 8 days. I assume they head north and west further into the foothills to nest.

The House Sparrows come early and stay late. I like to encourage them as I enjoy listening to them sing.

For the last couple of days this Black-headed Grosbeak has been hanging around. This is the first time I've identified a Grosbeak in the yard.

On Sunday, we had some of our friends from Einsteins over to burn burgers with us. This is Nancy and she has become a wonderful new friend. We get together and time flies! I love meeting her for coffee and conversation.

While we were in Florida, Nancy took care of some of our plants - and we hardly recognized them when we got back. (She must have a very green thumb.) I felt guilty taking them back but she needed the space in her sun room for all of the vegetables she has started.

Nancy and her husband Joe live in a beautiful rural oasis right here in town. They have dirt roads, lots of land bordering on a green way and a barn. Nancy's dream is to have horses. The view of Pikes Peak from their front window is amazing.

Mike is a car dealer and Einsteins is his office. We meet up several times a week.

Mike's wife, Lucy, works for a local dentist and Nancy and I have decided she spends the rest of her time ironing Mike's shirts. Just to make her feel at home, we put the iron and ironing board out in the living room with several of Bill's shirts. (First we had to find an iron and then try to remember how to set up the board.) She did not take the hint and Bill is still wrinkled.

To further solidify her position as a domestic diva, she brought over a lovely New Hampshire-made basket containing a homemade Amarillo pie. Wow was it delicious (the pie - not the basket)! Usually Bill offers leftovers to our guests - but he insisted on keeping the pie.

This is Nancy with her handsome (but also wrinkled) hubby Joe. Nancy and Joe moved here a couple of years ago from California to be closer to children and grandchildren. We're sure glad they did!

For Rent

FOR RENT
Brand new single family cedar home in upscale well-established and culturally diverse lakeside community.

The entrance-way over-looks the mountains, lakes, gardens and bath.

Just a short hop away is the community recreation area with splash pool, playground, hiking, swimming and fishing.

Two models to choose from. Both have open floor plans and come partially furnished.

Long term lease available to qualified applicants. Will build to suit.

There is a nearby high-quality bedding materials store - but hurry; these items are moving quickly.

Enjoy the panoramic views from the fabulous gourmet fly-in food court. Lots of variety means something for everyone.

Ground level snacks are also available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information or to request a showing, please contact Mr. Squirrel.

Pueblo Reservoir & Park

Yesterday was a calm day at the feeders. We had the usual visitors: robins, finches, chickadees and sparrows but no new sightings. We saw the Western Tanager several times in the trees - but he did not come into the yard. I think I spotted the female tanager once - but I'm not sure.

The squirrels must still be mad at us - as they kept their distance and did not even try to get to the feeders.

I saw a House Wren the other day and want to encourage them to stay so we put up the wren house we bought at "This Place is for the Birds" and Bill built two more. We mounted them near the top of our 6-foot fence on the south side of the backyard. I also put out nesting supplies - feathers, cotton, string and straw. Bill says we need to put a "For Rent" sign up and offer the first month free.

In the afternoon we went south to Pueblo to the Wild West Festival at the River Walk. It was very nice - but I was uncomfortable walking too far as I have a bum knee that has been bothering me lately. I had an MRI last night and should know on Monday if I need surgery or can fix it with physical therapy.

After a great lunch, we drove through the Pueblo Reservoir State Park. The Prairie Dogs were everywhere. They carry Bubonic Plague and have to be eradicated every now and then - but seem to be holding their own anyway.

I spotted this yellow bird in a tree, went to take a picture - and noticed this orange bird in the background.

The yellow-bellied bird appears to be a common Kingbird. We have the Western variety in Colorado, but they don't have notched tails like this one - so it looks more like the Tropical variety - or an interbreed of the two. Maybe I've just mis- identified it altogether.

The beautiful bright orange, black and white bird is a Bullock's Oriole - very similar to the Baltimore Oriole found in the east.

This morning we made our usual Saturday morning trip to Einsteins for coffee. We have a regular group we meet there - Joe & Nancy, Lucy & Mike, Tom & Valerie, Sal and others. As friends arrive - we just move more tables together until we've taken over one side of the restaurant.

It's always a great time as we visit, joke and drink lots of coffee. Some of the people we've met there have become good friends.

Squirrel 2, Bill 0

After we discovered that our friendly Mr. Squirrel had outsmarted us and jumped over the squirrel baffle, Bill moved it up over a foot. Surely this would keep the squirrel from getting to the feeders.

Confident, we headed about our business and went to see our financial adviser (DON'T ask!!). When we returned home - Mr. Squirrel was happily sitting in the feeder tray eating the seeds. After taking this picture, I chased him away with a broom.

At this point, Bill declared all-out war on the rodents - which he "lovingly" calls "sport-model rats." We, once again, moved the baffle up - this time almost to the top of the pole. The rest of the afternoon we watched Mr. Squirrel look at the pole from all angles - figuring out how to make his move.

So far, he has not made it to the feeders - or maybe I should say - we haven't caught him! I'm sure there will be continuing chapters to this story.

The Downy Woodpecker was back. He sure does like the Birdacious Bark Butter! The Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers are very similar - but the Downy has a shorter bill and is about 3 inches smaller at 6 1/2 inches.

One of Bill's friends told him about a neat bird place off Palmer Park - so we went to visit.

What a neat place! The house was built in 1909 and originally had over 300 acres of surrounding farm lands.

The store had everything you can imagine having to do with birds - including dozens of blends of seeds. Since this was our first visit, they gave us 4 pounds of select seed free. We also purchased a wren house and a contraption to keep the ants from getting into the hummingbird feeder.

This is the entrance to the store.

I couldn't resist taking a picture of this beautiful tulip. Look at the colors! We will definitely go back to this place!