We have not had Orioles like this in the last few years.  Last weekend was an exception.  We have tried a few different style of feeders; perhaps that is what made this difference this year.  The glass tea-cup feeder we purchased at our local art fair and the other orange circle shaped one from Menards.  Maybe it’s just luck.

A friend of ours introduced us to the Audubon Bird Guide App (Thank you Linnae).  This app is very handy.  Pairing your smartphone up with a Bluetooth speaker allows you to play bird calls more loudly than just from your phone.  It certainly didn’t hurt the odds of seeing more Orioles.  It was a great way to spend an afternoon or two.  It is always a good day by the pond, camera in hand with an ice-cold beverage.

Northern Cardinals, Chickadees, Sparrows, Yellow Finch, House Finch and Nuthatch (not pictured) are always in yard at the feeders.  This particular afternoon PaPa Cardinal was showing the kids where to find a meal.

Chippy was out and about as well; so was Lucy.  She watches carefully for Chippy to make an appearance and tries like crazy to catch him, but hasn’t yet.  A backyard version of Wile E Coyote and the Roadrunner.  Lucy is a bit more coordinated than that coyote and comes close to catching Chippy every once in awhile.

The ample rainfall and warm weather has produced beautiful blooms.  The backyard is full of color once again.  This weekend we are wishing for the humidity to retreat so we can enjoy it some more.  Summer is short.  Enjoy what you can as often as you can.