Baby Birds Everywhere

We have spent the month of June closely watching the birds around our yard.  Over the last year, we have learned to identify and name over 40 species of birds....mostly those found in our own backyard.  We are learning the unique calls, which I imagine will take a lifetime of patient observation and attention.  It has become a very enjoyable hobby for all of us.

Mockingbird Nest

Baby Mockingbirds

Barn Swallow Nest

Bluebird nest...

All 5 Blue Birds hatched on A's 5th birthday so it was really special.

They are so adorable...(day7)

This is day 13 and they're mostly feathered out.  There are still 5 birds in the nest.

We found our duck's nest in the fence row...sadly neither duck is staying on the nest and these became dinner for nearby predators.

Baby Cardinals

Another surprise on A's birthday!  5 Peachicks hatched. We got the eggs from H and A's Gammie and put them under one of our broody hens.  She is taking good care of them.  There are 4 brown and 1 yellow.  We have noticed the yellow and a brown exhibiting the male strut and putting out his feathers.

We also have an annual apartment full of Purple Martins for the nesting season.  They spend the afternoons chattering away and they're very fun to watch.  Did you know they migrate to N. America all the way from Brazil?  They are fascinating birds. 

Birds of Play

A few weeks ago, we visited Kentucky Down Under.  It's a small Austrailian themed zoo that allows you to get up close with most all of the animals.  I think the favorite part of the day was playing with the birds.

We were able to walk with several Kangaroos, Wallabies, and an Emu.  Watched a kangaroo with a baby in it's pouch and discovered the pouches are vertical not horizontal and the baby stays in the pouch up to 6 months before it ever comes out.

The cave was awesome and a great way to cool off on this HOT day.

This Peafowl was hanging out in the tree until we got to close.  These birds are so beautiful!

The Border Collie made sheep herding look so easy, the kids thought they would give it a try.  It was a  little harder than they thought.

Audrey and her cousin, Walker.

The kids learned about the different breeds of sheep and the variety of uses for their wool and horns.

A Frogmouth....he looks a little grouchy but I would be to if I were locked in a cage...and he's not a morning person either.  They are nocturnal and closely related to the Nightjars(Poorwills).

Kookaburra

Back to the birds...

Okay, I had fun with the birds, too!

Land of Lories

A special day for us.....