The hummingbird garden

more tulips

2010-04-16T14:02:00.001-05:00

It's really starting to look like spring!

1st tulip

2010-04-11T22:39:00.000-05:00

Weekend Plans

2010-04-02T09:54:00.000-05:00

Mulch!

76 degrees and sunny

2010-03-31T17:02:00.001-05:00

First really nice day of spring here. A bit windy, but I'll take it. Birds are chirping and things are starting to grow:)

Spring!

2010-03-28T19:13:00.002-05:00

Wow! It's been a long time since I've updated the blog. After several years I seem to have taken fall and winter off. Hoping to update more soon. Spring has arrived a bit earlier than other years:)

hummingbirds

2009-07-29T14:47:00.002-05:00

I've been busy this summer. Trips to Iceland and Maine and packing kids for various camps. I finally managed to get out in the garden and capture some hummingbird pictures. There were at least 4 flying around and chasing each other today. Lots of fun:)

Honeysuckle and weigelia

2009-06-12T18:46:00.002-05:00

I've been really busy with visiting guests, gardening and end of the school year activities. I hope to update the blog a bit more now. While some of my plants are not liking the unusual cool temperatures this summer, my Weigelia and Honeysuckles seem to be thriving. Here are some pictures from today.

She's back

2009-06-05T22:40:00.001-05:00

Looks like she is back and hungry as usual. I haven't been posting too much. Too busy planting, end of the school year activities and with visitors who are venturing to Wisconsin to visit which is great!

Female oriole and hummingbird with full beaks

2009-05-25T18:38:00.001-05:00

Caught these two females eating today. Grape jelly for the oriole and nectar from the feeder for the hummingbird:)

Rose Breasted Grosbeak is back again

2009-05-06T15:41:00.002-05:00

This is one bird that migrates through, but unfortunately doesn't stick around. I spotted two male grosbeaks today at the feeder.

Can you spot the bumble bee?

2009-05-05T16:30:00.002-05:00

I took a couple pictures of this bee checking out my new hanging basket. Every year I can't resist buying one of these at Eberts Garden Village. With all the flowers finding the bee is a little like a needle in a hay stack:)

First Hummingbird arrived today

2009-05-04T13:23:00.001-05:00

Not the best pictures as I snapped them from inside and through the deck rails, but it does show the first hummingbird of the season:)

A perfect hiding place for a coyote

2009-05-01T12:12:00.001-05:00

The coyote has been back hunting in the field near my house. He hides in the weeds and then pounces on little field animals. Now you see him and now you don't.

Mr. and Mrs. Goldfinch

2009-04-29T10:03:00.002-05:00

The goldfinches are now in full yellow for the summer. What a change from a couple of weeks ago.

I love how the wind is ruffling her feathers:)

First Oriole of the Season

2009-04-27T20:10:00.001-05:00

Always a toss up which arrives here first the Hummingbirds or the Orioles. This is the first of either I've seen in April:)

More signs of spring despite the snow yesterday

2009-04-22T16:01:00.002-05:00

The garden stores are opening! Couldn't resist taking this pansy picture while visiting one. Another sign is the 100 or seedlings I've transplanted into bigger cups this week. I'm trying to start hardening some of them off. No room left under the grow lights.

The neighborhood cats are back out. I really like this friendly one. Nice kitty:)

Spring Snow

2009-04-21T08:34:00.002-05:00

Woke up to snow falling this morning. Hard to believe it was so warm last week and going to be in the 70's again later this week. The bird feeder is very popular right now. If I were a bird I think I would fly south again.

Yellow Headed Blackbird

2009-04-18T11:41:00.001-05:00

I had to get out my Wisconsin bird book when I saw this bird under my bird feeder today. Turns out it is a yellow headed blackbird. They are only here in the summer and usually are found deep in the marshes. I hope he sticks around a while.

Great Blue Heron In Flight

2009-04-17T16:15:00.002-05:00

I caught this picture of a great blue heron fishing in the pond next to our house. Soon after he saw me and took to flight. We have tons of great blue herons around here in the summer. They nest on the property of my children's school and I've been seeing them flying around with large sticks in their beaks to make their nests. The really remind me of Terradactyls when they fly.

A couple more pictures from the marsh today

2009-04-16T16:39:00.000-05:00

First nice day of Spring and a Trip to the Vernon Marsh

2009-04-16T16:13:00.003-05:00

Today was the first really nice day of spring. 60 degrees, sunny and no wind. I stopped by the Vernon Marsh and was amazed by all of the wild life there. I saw the Muscrat pictured here, as well as several beavers, turtles and large spawning fish. Also saw this beautiful swan surrounded by American Coots show below.

There were also many Tree Swallows, Red Winged Blackbirds and Sand Hill Cranes flying over head. Spring is here:)

More Signs Of Spring

2009-04-08T14:19:00.002-05:00

Could spring finally be starting? The first daffodils are blooming and the goldfinches are turning yellow:)

The Moon

2009-04-06T15:37:00.001-05:00

My husband took this picture of the moon the other night. I liked it so much I decided to post it on my blog and give him the credit:)

First Migrating Hummingbirds Reach Wisconsin

2009-04-05T13:04:00.002-05:00

According to the migration map the first hummingbirds have reached Wisconsin already. I usually don't see any here until the first week in May. I did stick my first feeder out yesterday just in case I get an early bird:) It is a bit crazy to see reports this soon, as there is nothing but crocus blooming and more snow predicted today.
http://www.hummingbirds.net/map.html

Sandhill Cranes at the Marsh

2009-04-03T15:08:00.001-05:00

I was lucky to see two Sandhill Cranes at the marsh. They are such interesting birds:)

Trip to the Vernon Marsh

2009-04-03T15:01:00.002-05:00

Took a little trip to the Vernon Marsh today in Mukwonago. Lots of geese, ducks, cranes and even some bluebirds migrating through right now. I was hoping it wasn't hunting season of any type, since this is public hunting land. I'll have to go back again as it was beautiful and a great place to see wild life.

Milwaukee Botanical Domes

2009-03-29T21:33:00.002-05:00

I've been taking a wildlife photography class. What I've discovered is there is much to be learned about photography and I am definately still a beginner. Today we took a field trip to take some pictures for our final class. Here are a couple.

Ominous Sunset

2009-03-27T12:59:00.002-05:00

This sunset came out a bit on the creepy side. For some reason I kind of like it:)

First Crocus

2009-03-27T12:58:00.000-05:00

Doing what you hate while enjoying the scenery

2009-03-26T14:55:00.002-05:00

Just returned from a ski trip to Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Skiing is not my favorite sport(understatement) and a week of it in my opinion is way too much. The rest of the family loves it, so that is why I go. Where else can you see scenery like this and a ski so blue?

Northern Harrier? Hawk?

2009-03-13T17:48:00.002-05:00

Not sure what type of bird landed on my deck. Is it a northern harrier? Another type of hawk? Not the best picture just curious about the bird type.

Coyote in the mist

2009-03-10T12:28:00.002-05:00

There have been coyotes out during the day in our neighborhood the past couple of weeks. On our way to school this morning it was very foggy. My son said it would be the perfect day for coyotes to hunt their prey. Sure enough when I returned there was a coyote out in the field hunting. Too bad it was so foggy or this would have been a much better shot.

Robins and Grackles are back

2009-03-09T09:34:00.002-05:00

I wonder if these Robins and Grackles expected snow when they returned. Today is the first day I've seen flocks of these birds returning north.

Ice Mist at sunrise

2009-03-09T07:43:00.001-05:00

It is back in the 20's today after the warm up last week. There was some ice mist at sunrise this morning that was quite pretty.

Migrating Sandhill Crane in Flight

2009-03-05T22:18:00.002-06:00

I took a short hike on the Ice Age trail today. There were lots of geese migrating through. I kept hearing Sandhill Cranes, but couldn't locate where they were. Finally a pair took off into the air and I snapped this photo. I'm surprised they are back this early. Also surprising with how big they are that they can fly:)

Close up of a hawk

2009-03-05T12:07:00.001-06:00

Temperatures in the 50's and the sounds of birds migrating over head drew me outside today with my camera. I found this hawk hiding in some brush behind my house. He let me get quite close to him before he took off after some doves.

Last day of February!

2009-02-28T20:45:00.003-06:00

It's no secret this gardener thinks winter is too long. I could skip January and February and not shed a tear. March offers a little hope, although it is still winter here. The sun rises a bit higher in the sky and there are more days above freezing. Snapped these pictures of frozen Pewaukee Lake today. At least the ice fisherman was enjoying it.

Little bunny Foo Foo

2009-01-30T20:57:00.001-06:00

My kids were not impressed when I sang the following song when spotting the bunny featured here:

Little bunny, Foo Foo
Hopping through the forest
Scooping up the field mice
And bopping them on the head
Down came the Good Fairy and she said,
"Little bunny, Foo Foo
I don't want to see you
Scooping up the field mice
And bopping them on the head."

Winter Deer

2009-01-29T11:32:00.002-06:00

These deer have spent the morning in my backyard. I wonder if they are the same three that spent alot of time eating my plants last summer?

Fire and Ice

2009-01-15T16:51:00.002-06:00

Fire and Ice
Some say the world will end in fire, Some say in ice. From what I've tasted of desire I hold with those who favor fire. But if it had to perish twice, I think I know enough of hate To say that for destruction ice Is also great And would suffice.
Robert Frost

Frozen World

2009-01-12T08:19:00.002-06:00

Looks like it is going to get even colder here this week. Today it was 0 degrees when I took these pictures just after sunrise. The world looks pretty frozen around here.

Creepy Possum

2009-01-05T15:45:00.000-06:00

Look what was lurking under my bird feeder today. Ugh! I hate possums.

Unhappy cat

2008-12-19T11:26:00.004-06:00

The cat insisted in going out after the blizzard making for a very unhappy animal.

Update on the Aerogarden

2008-12-18T08:45:00.002-06:00

The Aerogarden is growing great. We've been harvesting herbs for weeks now. I'm amazed how fast the plants grew.

My husband has set up a salt water fish tank. Here is our newest pet. Can't wait to get more interesting creatures for it.

Hawk, more snow pictures and a sunset

2008-12-11T11:19:00.001-06:00

I spotted this hawk behind my house this morning. Does anyone know if this is a Cooper's Hawk?

Snowy Times

2008-12-09T15:01:00.002-06:00

We are on our fourth snow storm here and it is not even half way through December. Looks like a long winter for someone who would rather be gardening than dealing with snow.

More from Poland

2008-12-04T12:16:00.002-06:00

They love flowers in Poland. There are little stands set up everywhere selling them. This one was one of many in Wroclaw.

We also visited Auschwitz. The scale of the what happened there is unbelievable. What a horrible time in history.

Images from our trip to Poland

2008-12-04T12:11:00.002-06:00

We just returned from a wonderful trip to Poland. We were able to visit Warsaw, Krakow and Wroclaw. Beautiful country.

Gardening Flashback

2008-11-12T22:08:00.003-06:00

It has been gloomy here with a bit of icy looking rain. Not much to photograph at the moment. This has always been one of my favorite pictures of my son. He is now 10! He still enjoys gardening a bit and has potential to take it up as a hobby one day. This picture was taken back when we lived in Mountain Top, PA many a year ago.

Still some color left

2008-11-02T13:35:00.001-06:00

There is still a bit of color outside despite the couple of mornings below freezing. Not bad for November.

Aerogarden: my attempt at gardening in the winter

2008-10-30T13:11:00.002-05:00

One day during the summer, I saw that Amazon had this Aerogarden http://www.aerogrow.com/ as the deal of the day. I had been wanting one to use to get my winter gardening fix, so I bought one. Last week was our first freeze, so I decided now was the perfect time to set it up. You just add water and a fertilizer tablet to the machine, pop the seed pods into the hole and it is an instant garden. I am trying the herb garden that came with the machine. It seem to be doing well and growing quite fast. Should be a fun toy this winter. I'll post an update in a couple of weeks.

I also try to bring in some of my tropical plants for the winter. They usually last until Christmas when lack of light or white fly usually finish them off. This year I only brought in two. I hope they make it.

Hiding Hawk

2008-10-29T09:11:00.001-05:00

I spotted this hawk hiding in a tree above my bird feeder. I think he was looking for breakfast.

Oriole nest revealed

2008-10-26T11:50:00.002-05:00

Early in the summer I had a pair of orioles around all the time. I even saw the female gathering twigs for a nest. Now that the leaves are coming down, I can see their nest high up in one of the trees in our back yard. Speaking of leaves coming down we are under a wind advisory, so I am guessing all of the leaves will be down shortly. Even a chance for snow flurries tomorrow. Winter is coming earlier than I would like.

More from the Zoo

2008-10-18T16:27:00.001-05:00

Here are some more pictures I took at the zoo today. Beware of the rare pumpkin snake.

Trip to the Milwaukee Zoo Today

2008-10-18T16:22:00.002-05:00

I had a fun time playing with my camera at the zoo today. My daughter and our exchange student enjoyed the outing as well. The weather was nice and it was not crowded like it can be in the summer.

More Autumn Images

2008-10-18T09:55:00.001-05:00

Beautiful Autumn Leaves in Hartland

2008-10-09T13:07:00.002-05:00

I took a walk around the town of Hartland today. It was beautiful! The leaves are really starting to turn. I just love these big old trees.

Winter Birds

2008-10-03T12:59:00.002-05:00

It was 35 degrees here this morning with patchy frost. I did see one lone hummingbird this morning all puffed up to stay warm. I've just started filling all the seed feeders for the winter birds. The nut hatches and blue jays are enjoying the grub.

Red-bellied Woodpecker

2008-09-30T13:01:00.002-05:00

While chipmunks are common in our yard, I was happy to see this female red-bellied woodpecker. I haven't seen one since last year when a hawk ate the once that had been coming to the feeder. I hope this one will stick around for the winter.

The Flowers keep blooming and the hummers are still here

2008-09-29T16:55:00.001-05:00

I guess no one has told the flowers that frost will soon be coming. Some are looking better in the cooler weather than they did all summer. I still have a couple hummingbirds here as well, but they are sure to leave any day now. I don't usually see many in October.

Beautiful Weekend in Chicago

2008-09-28T20:23:00.001-05:00

We only live two hours from Chicago and do not get down there nearly enough. We headed down on Sat. and spent the weekend. Such a beautiful city. I hope we can visit there more often.

No Frost Yet

2008-09-25T20:13:00.002-05:00

Looks like we will make it to October with no frost. The weather has been just about perfect this month. Many of my flowers are still looking great. Too bad they can't last all winter. Maybe some day I will move out of a zone 5.(wishful thinking)

Good Bye Old Friend

2008-09-24T09:40:00.004-05:00

We had to put our beloved 14 year old golden retriever to sleep yesterday. She was a gentle soul and we will miss her.

Go Joyously into the spirit and the summerland of youth, Glory once again in your strength. Run free amid the wildflowers. Sniff the tantalizing smells among the wooded tangles of the forest. Sleep in the warm sun beside murmuring brooks. And when you weary of the green hills and fields of Rainbow Bridge, follow the bright strand- forged of love which connects us. It leads to the garden of my soul where a warm welcome always awaits your coming.. -Lisa Singer

Almost the last of the season

2008-09-24T09:37:00.000-05:00

More of What Else this Time of Year...Hummingbirds

2008-09-19T22:39:00.000-05:00

Hummingbirds in Flight

2008-09-17T14:06:00.002-05:00

The hummers are still passing through, but it does not seem like as many as last year at this time. Still alot of fun to see.

Enjoying the end of a season

2008-09-14T17:18:00.002-05:00

Summer is on it's way out here. The hummingbirds and geese are migrating through. Some trees are getting a tinge of color. I'm enjoying the last couple weeks(hopefully) with flowers, hummingbirds and butterflies before the snow moves in.

Fat Hummingbird Enjoying The Sunspots

2008-09-10T12:03:00.002-05:00

The hummingbirds are getting rather plump around here. Hard to believe some can still fly. This is my first year growing sunspots and they seem to be a hit.

hummingbird migration is on!

2008-09-05T20:45:00.002-05:00

It's the most wonderful time of the year... Hummingbird migration is on. They are everywhere in the garden. The next two weeks should be the peak and then in October they will have moved on. I'm enjoying it while it lasts.

Hummingbird With Zinnias

2008-09-01T15:07:00.001-05:00

hummingbirds and butterflies

2008-08-31T11:58:00.003-05:00

This hummingbird is scanning the yard for others to chase off. Moments after I snapped this he took off to fight another bird.

There are tons of butterflies in the garden right now. The butterfly bush is very popular.

Images from the end of August

2008-08-30T14:56:00.001-05:00

Some hummingbird shots from this week(and one goldfinch too)

2008-08-29T08:39:00.002-05:00

Migration is picking up here and we are seeing more hummingbirds every week. It should peak here in another week or two. September is the busiest month and by October they will all be gone except for an occasional straggler.

The woodpecker and the sunflower

2008-08-26T16:55:00.001-05:00

This is the first time I've seen a woodpecker on a sunflower plant. He seems to be enjoying it.

Birds from the northwoods

2008-08-25T21:49:00.004-05:00

We took a weekend trip up to Rhinelander, Wisconsin this weekend. We saw a couple eagles, loons, herons and lots of sea gulls. It also got down to 34 degrees there last night! Beautiful area to visit. Too bad we live over 4 hours south.

Defender of the garden

2008-08-19T15:52:00.003-05:00

This young guy like to hide in our pine trees protecting his turf. You can see his little red feathers on the side of his neck showing he is a young male. When he sees another hummingbird he flies out and starts fighting.

butterfly bush with butterfly

2008-08-17T15:16:00.001-05:00

Looks like my butterfly bush is living up to it's name.

One Wet Bird

2008-08-14T12:42:00.001-05:00

This finch looks a little scary when wet.

monarch on phlox

2008-08-11T14:50:00.001-05:00

My phlox was a bit late blooming this year thanks to a hungry deer at the beginning of the summer. Now it is out and the butterflies are enjoying it. I can't resist posting another hummingbird picture as well. This little guy is trying hard to defend his territory.

hummingbird pictures of the day

2008-08-09T22:06:00.002-05:00

More hummingbirds are showing up now. There are many fights during the day, despite adding more feeders and plenty of flowers. Crocisma, Candy Corn Vine and Cardinal Flower are still big hits here among others.

goldfinch, sunflowers and a hummingbird moth

2008-08-08T12:09:00.003-05:00

This goldfinch was really enjoying this sunflower plant. I've also spotted lots of hummingbird moths since I've been back.

A couple more pictures from Vermont

2008-08-08T12:04:00.001-05:00

I can't resist posting a few more pictures from our Vermont trip.

Dividend from Mr. Chipmunk

2008-08-07T19:02:00.001-05:00

I never would have thought of planting a sunflower in my window box, but Mr. Chipmunk did. Who am I to pull it out?

Creepy Crawlies

2008-08-06T19:54:00.001-05:00

We ran into a newt and a tree frog recently. Why do kids love these creepy crawly things?

Flowers in Vermont

2008-08-06T12:04:00.001-05:00

Everyone seems to grow the most beautiful flowers in Vermont. Here are some pictures I took during our visit.

Wonderful trip to Vermont

2008-08-05T21:28:00.002-05:00

The kids and I headed to Vermont this week to visit my parents. Beautiful as always. More pictures to follow.

She's back... with twins...

2008-07-27T20:00:00.002-05:00

I recognize mama from earlier this summer. Now I know why more plants are being eaten. She's had twins!

Hummingbird Silhouette

2008-07-27T14:23:00.001-05:00

I like that you can see his tongue sticking out in this silhouette I took last evening.

king of the garden

2008-07-26T17:12:00.001-05:00

This little guy was so busy defending his turf from all the other hummingbirds that he let me get a couple feet away from him. Tough little guy.

crocisma

2008-07-26T17:03:00.001-05:00

The crocisma just started blooming this week here. It has really filled in this year. The hummingbirds are using it, but I have yet to get a picture of it. I love it's bright color.

Who knew? Bee Balm also attracts frogs.

2008-07-25T13:11:00.001-05:00

I was kind of surprised to see this little guy hanging out on the bee balm today. I guess the hummingbirds will have to share.

A hummingbird and her cardinal flower

2008-07-24T12:37:00.002-05:00

The cardinal flower has only just opened here this week and it is already the favorite of the moment. I love this flower also, as it actually survives in Wisconsin. I think I need a few more:) It also does well in shady or wet areas which is a plus too.

It's a baby boy!

2008-07-24T09:47:00.001-05:00

If you look real close(click on the picture to see it closer) you will see a tiny red dot on his throat. It's a baby boy!

Hummingbird Buffet

2008-07-22T15:38:00.001-05:00

This little hummingbird enjoyed the buffet here today. What fun to see her enjoying all the different flowers:)

Madison Botanical Gardens

2008-07-20T14:59:00.003-05:00

We took a quick trip to Madison this weekend. Here are some pictures from the botanical gardens. They were definitely worth a visit.

Mandevilla finally blooming

2008-07-15T13:57:00.002-05:00

It took a while but my mandevilla vine is starting to bloom. The blooms can be either red or pink depending on the temperature.

The black and blue salvia and nasturiums are doing great on my deck this year.

This huge pumpkin plant is thriving as well. I think it may take over the whole yard.

Hummingbird Using The Bee Balm

2008-07-12T16:28:00.001-05:00

Took this today of a hummer using the bee balm. In the third picture, if you look closely, you can see her checking out a mosquito.

I am a blue flower...

2008-07-11T10:44:00.003-05:00

You Are a Blue Flower

A blue flower tends to represent peace, openness, and balance.
At times, you are very delicate like a cornflower.
And at other times, you are wise like an iris.
And more than you wish, you're a little cold, like a blue hydrangea.

http://www.blogthings.com/whatcolorflowerareyouquiz/

Storm Front moving in

2008-07-11T10:03:00.001-05:00

We've been getting alot of storms here this week. Here is a nasty one that moved in other night.

Hummingbirds love Lantana

2008-07-08T17:02:00.001-05:00

Looks like my idea of putting Lantana in my window boxes are working. I've seen several hummingbirds using the Lantana this summer:)