The Yellow-Rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata) is not a regular visitor to our backyard. When I see flashes of yellow, it’s usually a little finch or, in the summer, a female Hooded Oriole.
Photos
Bewick’s Wren
Bewick’s Wrens are small and move fast, often close to the ground, which makes it challenging to photograph them with a pleasing background. This photo was, in a way, assisted by the American Robins.
Hooded Orioles
The Hooded Orioles (Icterus cucullatus) have arrived in Southern California, which is in their breeding range. We’ve heard their chatty sounds for a week or two around our backyard now and on Friday, I finally managed to get a good picture of the couple (albeit individually) as it was coming through for some nectar snacks. 🙂
Potential
“People who repeatedly attack your confidence and self-esteem are quite aware of your potential, even if you are not.” (Wayne Gerard Trotman)
Kumquat 2023
First taste of our kumquat jam, freshly made in March 2023. Shuwen did all the hard work, harvesting, slicing the kumquat and removing the seeds. All I had to do was follow a recipe (link; she said this requires German precision😅), give it an occasional stir, and fill it into jars at the end.
Do Not Disturb
Just something from our backyard right now: an urban coyote dozing & warming in the sun. I’m putting up the “Do not disturb” sign. 😅
Stop Fighting
“If you want peace, stop fighting. If you want peace of mind, stop fighting with your thoughts.” (Peter McWilliams)
True Freedom
“[True freedom] means being conscious and aware enough to choose what you pay attention to and to choose how you construct meaning from experience. Because if you cannot exercise this kind of choice in adult life, you will be totally hosed.” (David Foster Wallace)
Nutall’s Woodpecker
The exciting bird sightings (hey, just for me!) in our backyard continue! Here’s a Nutall’s Woodpecker (Dryobates nutallii) that I spotted a few days ago. And with nice light on it, too!