I have other feeders that have sunflower chips but the nuthatches and chickadees prefer shell-on seeds from these simple wire cages. The double-baffle in the last picture keeps the squirrels away.
These birds ignored this fountain for years when it was in my backyard. They all preferred the bubbler fountain next to it. I moved this fountain to the front yard two weeks ago and it’s the new favorite toy while the bubbler fountain sits empty.
One of my pair of resident song sparrows. I know they are one of N. America most common songbirds but I just love them so much. I catch glimpses of them foraging on the ground all day long. They are extremely territorial so I know I am seeing the same two mated individuals. I added these little habitat features throughout the garden and they seem to be a hit.
I have feeders full of other little birds but these American Goldfinch prefer to harvest their own seeds. I’ve seen them scoping out my common evening primrose for weeks. Glad some of the pods have finally ripened for them.
I could spend all day watching birds bathe.
Photos show the progress of my year 3 garden (in reverse order).
So this milkweed was reaching south for the sun and flopping into my sidewalk. In a fit of rage I pushed it the opposite direction and gave it a good stomp at the base so it would stay put. That was a month ago. It only took a few days for the top portion to straighten up and it hasn’t flopped since. I’ve tried it on a few other species with the same results so far.
It’s that time of year when the mama squirrels take off and leave their delinquents behind. Lol, maybe thornless blackberries weren’t the best idea. (It’s a wildlife garden so I don’t actually care if they destroy a few branches.)
Female or juvenile Anna’s hummingbird feeding on nectar from a common evening primrose (Oenothera biennis). This primrose is biennial and blooms in the second year.
I watched this baby follow its dad to the fountain and stay there playing long after dad left.
I surprised this lady(?) while moving some old boards. I’ve never seen one before. I think she’s carrying a woodlouse, if so the name checks out.
Taking a nap during a break in the rain.
They’re so fast, I caught this by shear luck. I assume she’s hunting for spiders.
I just found out about this sub and I’m so excited. This video is from late July ‘25.
Video from late July 2025.