Back Yard Birds

We spent a lot of time in the cool shade of our back yard garden during the hot spell last week. Where there is water on a hot day, the birds will eventually show up. We have a small fountain and a few ornaments with standing water, and these attract birds as well as insects. For those of you who have seen Lis's handiwork in the garden, you will know that there are flowers everywhere and of every shape, size and colour. Humming birds are usually attracted to red and these last few days they have been attacking the Fuchsia with a vengeance. That is why I was surprised to see the Hummers in the blue flowers in the hanging basket. I have always wanted to take a photo of a humming bird and this was my first opportunity. If you ever see a good quality photo of a humming bird, be amazed because it takes patience, know how, and really good equipment, set up just right. My lame photo is the only one that even had the bird in the frame after shooting many images. They dart in and out so fast that you either miss them or they are just a blur.

The chickadee was cooling himself on the hottest day of the year. We had a misting hose in the hedge to keep the backyard breezes cool and this little bird sat only a few feet from us, caring not about the danger, but only basking in the cool mist. He later brought some friends and it was so joyful to watch them play in the mist.