COOLER TEMPS....LONGER HUMMINGBIRD VISITS....HAPPY SEPTEMBER!!

The overnight and early morning temperatures have certainly taken a dive....actually quite below what the normal should be!  While in our kitchen this morning, we noticed a Hummingbird at one of our nectar feeders. We really should have kept track of how long he stayed at the feeder but we can say that we were able to capture several videos and photos. We were not even taking these for the whole time that he was here!  You may notice the same around your feeders with the cooler/cold temperatures. Please keep feeders cleaned & filled for a while yet....both Orioles & Hummingbirds will be here for a bit or will be traveling through...thanks for giving them a hand!! (While we had Orioles at our feeders yesterday, we generally find that they move on well before the Hummingbirds.)

Ruby-throated Hummingbird September 1/17

M Baltimore Oriole August 31 2017

POOCH PLUNGE THIS SUNDAY!

If you are in the London, Ontario area....and you have a pooch....you might want to check out the annual POOCH PLUNGE this Sunday, September 3rd!! What a great way to celebrate the end of the swimming pool season for one of London's public pools and to have some fun with the canine in your family!!

ReFOREST LONDON NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

Want to help out the fabulous folks at ReForest London and help keep the "forest" in the "Forest City"??  If you are available during the run of the Western Fair, ReForest London needs volunteers!! 

Here's some of the details from ReForest London's post - " We are looking for Community Liaison volunteers to staff a seedling booth at the Western Fair! Shifts are 3 hours long and volunteers receive free admission to the fair on the day of your shift. For more information and to sign up visit www.signup.com/go/rZzzDg"

SOLAR ECLIPSE TODAY!

On this day when everyone has SOLAR ECLIPSE on their minds, we thought this sunny yellow would be the perfect bird to share!  Enjoy the "show" safely and have a great Monday!!

BALTIMORE ORIOLES STILL HERE!!

The summer season for migrating birds is winding down....but we are still enjoying the visits of the beautiful Baltimore Orioles! Right now, we welcome each visit as if it was their first as we know that they won't be around too much longer!! We hope that you are also enjoying some of these beauties and others before they return to their winter homes.

APPRECIATE.....EVERYTHING!

On a recent early morning walk, we were blessed with many great sightings - Killdeer, Red-tailed Hawk, flock of rather loud Canada Geese, one lone Duck and a beautiful sunrise! It was wonderful to see the birds that we did, and the amazing sunrise,  but what really caught our attention on that glorious morning, were the webs in the grass. We've noticed them before, but not like this. Had the sun not been as bright as it was (forcing us to look down as we walked); had there not been a heavy dew that the sun sparkled upon, we wouldn't have thought twice about these creations! It's just a reminder to look in every direction; take everything in and really appreciate everything all around!!

REMINDER - PAWLOOZA JUST A COUPLE OF DAYS AWAY!

Just a reminder - PAWLOOZA this Saturday, August 19, 2017!!

CHIPMUNK FUN...FROM A PIECE OF FRUIT!

Don't be surprised if a piece of fruit can bring some fun and entertainment!  We tossed this apple core near our bird feeders and it wasn't long before this Chipmunk had his prize!  We managed to capture a couple of videos and a few pics!

WATER FOR ALL!

Water is a necessity for all creatures, great and small! As we've mentioned so often, water is an excellent way to attract the birds to your garden....and sometimes others!

When the weather is warm....you just never know who may pay your garden a visit!

BALTIMORE ORIOLE VISITS CONTINUE!

Visits by the beautiful Baltimore Orioles continue in our garden. With warm temperatures expected once again this week, please continue to change nectar often, clean feeders often for the health of the birds!

Baltimore Oriole with a serving of grapes!

PAWLOOZA....SO VERY SOON...SATURDAY, AUG. 19!

PAWLOOZA...."Canada's Favourite Dog Festival" is happening Saturday, August 19, 2017!!  It is also a chance for you to visit many great vendors and most-importantly, help some fabulous rescue organizations!!

CEDAR WAXWINGS AROUND THE GARDEN

Along with the other birds in our garden, we've certainly been enjoying the sights and sounds of the Cedar Waxwings. They are a gorgeous bird with a very unique sound....you will often hear them before you see them!

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL CAT DAY!

For all you Cat Lovers out there, shop early from these beautiful new designs of cat-themed kitchen towels!! You'll see some old favourites too that have all just arrived!

As well, on this International Cat Day, consider how you can not only keep your cat safe but keep birds safe too!

Selection of "cat" kitchen towels

HAPPY CIVIC HOLIDAY WEEKEND!

HAPPY AUGUST....and WARM, HUMID WEATHER!

We're in what is usually the hottest period of the summer season. The last few days have been no exception with sun, humidity, warm temperatures and the threat of thunderstorms. If you want to give the birds and critters a hand, please offer fresh cool water any time that you can...they will definitely thank you with frequent visits to your garden!! And remember to change it often...."sitting" water is also attractive to mosquitoes!

Chipmunk visiting our fountain.

M Baltimore Oriole visiting our bird bath

CAMPFIRE MEALS....WITH A PIE IRON!

Whether you are camping out away from home or simply enjoying a beautiful evening at home around a campfire, if you've never cooked over that fire with a Pie Iron, well....what can we say?? Some of the best meals, the most unbelievable creations , shared with family and friends, out of those simple Pie Irons....and we have them available!!! (Oh, and if you can't wait for your campfire, they can be used over a camp stove!!) Other items available too!!

BALTIMORE ORIOLE FAMILIES

We are now over a month in to the summer season...We are so delighted that our nectar feeders remain busy with constant visits from the Baltimore Orioles and their families!! Their antics and acrobatics around the feeders, in the trees and garden make us smile each day!

HEALTHY PARKS HEALTHY PEOPLE

Happy "Healthy Parks Healthy People" day!! We are so blessed in Ontario to have such beautiful provincial parks, etc. for our use. Today is....Free day-use entry at provincial parks in Ontario.

BUNNIES IN THE GARDEN

Is it just us, or does there seem to be plenty more bunnies around the garden this year? Some of these guys are almost like pets, leaving it until the last minute to run from us....others run toward us as happened in the photo below!!  Whatever it is, they sure so bring a smile....luckily, we do have plenty of weeds to keep them filled!!

RAIN OR SHINE...WATER IS WELCOME, WATER IS NEEDED!

We've had some rainy days, some sunny days. We've had some very warm days, some cooler days. No matter what time of year, what the weather, the birds are attracted to the garden by water...they need it!  WATER - They drink it, they bathe in it, they splash in it....and oh the entertainment for all of us!!

Splashing in the bird bath - Northern Cardinal