[patfla06]

Originally Posted by Carl in Tampa

Because of debilitating medical issues I have not put bird seed in two bird feeders in my yard for a couple of years. I'm improving now and this past week I reloaded one of the feeders. In just a few days I've attracted a recognizable Cardinal pair who visit my yard at about the same time every day.

Today I saw my first Blue Jay of the season.

There have been two or three squirrels foraging on the ground below the feeder. I expect that before too long one of the more enterprising among them will figure out how to beat the anti-squirrel feature and begin eating directly from the feeder. That's OK. It's entertainment.

I'm going to plant some Lantana and a Milkweed Butterfly Bush to try to bring in some butterflies and hummingbirds.

Bringing the yard to life with wildlife that I love to watch.

Tranquility.

Carl, glad to hear you're feeling better.
We just sold our house in New Tampa.
We planted bottlebrush and they also attracted
a lot of butterflies and birds.

[skeletalchain]

I love bird (and butterfly) watching from my bay window...you all are people after my own heart.

And to the OP I too am glad you are doing better.

[Carl in Tampa]

I discovered a new visitor in my yard.

I had a guardian beside my front door..........a turtle.

He hid his head when the photo was taken. I'd love to have him hang around but don't know how to encourage him to do so.

[Carl in Tampa]

The turtle has moved on.

Today my son planted some lantana in the back yard to attract butterflies.

My sightings today included the Cardinals and Blue Jays that have pretty much become regular visitors. Squirrels, of course, feeding on seed that has fallen on the ground.

And, this evening they were joined by..........................a Peacock.

[Bonanza]

Originally Posted by Carl in Tampa

The turtle has moved on.

Today my son planted some lantana in the back yard to attract butterflies.

My sightings today included the Cardinals and Blue Jays that have pretty much become regular visitors. Squirrels, of course, feeding on seed that has fallen on the ground.

And, this evening they were joined by..........................a Peacock.

Ohhhhhh -- how lucky you are! You seem to be getting a nice combination of wildlife. We are in one of the newer Villages' sections and consequently, everything is too new for attracting some of the more interesting and desirable birds. I guess we'll just have to bide our time until things really grow!

BTW -- I hope your peacock is just "passing through," unless you don't mind being awakened at the crack of dawn. They are verrrry vocal! I speak from experience. Anyway, for the time being, just enjoy.

[Carl in Tampa]

The number of visitors to the bird feeders is picking up rapidly. In addition to the usual Cardinals and Bluejays there are three or four smaller breeds that I haven't identified yet.

The very newest visitor, attracted perhaps by the large volume of smaller birds was a hawk this morning. I couldn't get a very good photo due to having to photograph through glass and a pool screen, but here he is on the fence.

[Halibut]

Whoa, Carl! Now I'm reminded of that commercial where the husband is standing outside with arms outstretched to attract birds and a big one eventually swoops down and carries him off.

[tippyclubb]

Originally Posted by Carl in Tampa

The number of visitors to the bird feeders is picking up rapidly. In addition to the usual Cardinals and Bluejays there are three or four smaller breeds that I haven't identified yet.

The very newest visitor, attracted perhaps by the large volume of smaller birds was a hawk this morning. I couldn't get a very good photo due to having to photograph through glass and a pool screen, but here he is on the fence.

Describe these smaller birds and maybe I can help you identify them. Most definitely the hawk is hanging around for a meal. Several times I've seen Cooper Hawks swoop down and snatch birds in mid air around my feeder. It happened quickly and all I saw were feathers flying through the air.

What kind of seed do you use in your feeders? Do you have finch feeders, I love watching them eat upside down.

Years ago I had a Black Capped Chickadee eat nuts from my hand, what a thrill that was and even have a picture of it. Took a long time to get this bird to land in my hand.

I enjoy reading your birding post. It's a hobby I like very much and will continue to feed birds in TV. I hope it does not cause problems with the neighbors.