No Regrets

The young osprey is back at the nest calling, some may say screaming, for a fish. The calling can go on for long stretches. Many years ago when we first put up a nest platform for ospreys, we were told that we would regret it.
Not so, the whole nesting process is still a pleasure to watch and we learn so much. And we don't mind the screaming either. It will get pretty quiet in a month or so as the birds head south.

Bluebird Gifts

After the rains yesterday, the sounds of young bluebirds filled the air. They cruised the yard begging for a meal; I saw the adult female in the bird bath. It was great to see them back in the yard. A neighbor who was a retired salesman told me that in sales parlance, 'bluebird' is a term for a sale that falls into the lap without any effort ... a gift so to speak. I always think about that when I see a bluebird; it's a little gift each time.

Marigold

Sometime last year after I selected something special from Miss Lizzie's boutique, I found a pack of marigold seed attached to my receipt as a thank-you. One of those seeds produced this pretty bunch ... merci beaucoup!

Green and Serene

Here's a close up at some of the vegetation in a nearly hidden fresh water pond. Beautiful. I spooked the bullfrog lording over the pond, but I'll try again.

Summer Dining

Old Bay, salt, vinegar and Jimmies equals one fine lunch. The leftovers make one fine crab cake dinner. And we can get fancy with crab stuffed flounder ... summer dining at it's best, all fresh from the Currituck Sound!

The Green Jersey

This morning I'm watching the final day of this year's Tour de France. Winners of different categories wear a special color jersey. Green is for the top sprinter. Here's my version of the Green Jersey ... and yes he can sprint, just try and catch him when he's on a run!

The Flycatcher

This photo was taken in late May. The flycatcher's beak is loaded with nesting material. Flycatchers put some interesting things in their nest box, including a piece of snake skin.

Good Crabbing Weather

It's a cloudy morning, plenty of rain last night. This gives the crabbers a break from the sharp morning sun. I love the sleek lines of the work boat I spotted across the sound. And many more will love the sweet steamed crabs on their tables tonight.

A Darling Dahlia

I love dahlias and have tried and lost many. This is a new try. My favorites are the bigger than a moon pie 'dinner plate' dahlias, especially in yellow ... also the color of my favorite moon pie!

Figs in our Future

The tree is loaded. Come August these greenies will be purple and sweet, and we'll be eating them daily along with the birds and bees that want a share.

Beautiful Orange Box

Turtle, of course!

A Sunny Spot

It's a grey morning round here. How about some sunny flowers to brighten the day?

Sailing the Sound west of Carova

A sailboat cruises off the marshes of the Currituck Sound as a small flock of egrets sets the pace.

Yikes! The Cicada Wasp

I saw the attack, the paralizing sting, and the struggle to manage the much larger Cicada. The wasp will take the cicada to it's ground burrow. But first it climbs a tree to get the loft needed for the flight/glide down. This one hauled the cicada up the tree nearly 20 feet before I lost sight. Whew, I promise less drama tomorrow.

A Currituck 'Monet'

The waterlilies are gorgeous now. The marshes are full of hibiscus, daisies and other flowers of pink and orange. Our very own Monet.

The Fawn

First, we heard the loud rustling. Then the large doe bounding across the road in front of us. Hold up, there may be more. And a second yet smaller deer followed. We paused for a bit, then continued our walk scanning the weeds for more. And we saw one, well hidden. A few photographs from the road and then on our way. And once home, a re-reading of 'The Fawn' a poem by Edna St. Vincent Milay.

Pesto Anyone?

We have a nice bed of basil this year. I've already dried enough to last through the winter, so maybe it's time for pesto!

Hang gliding at Currituck Airport

The cyclists riding the Tour de France are resting today. Boy did they fly down the mountain yesterday! You can always find some aerial flying at the Currituck Airport. Here's a shot of my friend C. with the pilot of the tandem hang glider circling down from a great fly over our beautiful county.

The Killdeer

The nest belongs to a killdeer, one of the plover birds. It's shrieking calls remind you of it's name. The babies are the cutest ... little puffs of spotted feathers and all legs ready to run after hatching. Our kind neighbors who are hosting this nest are giving it wide berth, the killdeer insisted!

Photo Quiz: Whose Nest?

Made in a depression right on the ground, with little pebbles or in this case tiny bits of shell, this beautifully camoflauged nest is found in fields or lawns with open space. The mother bird will fake injury to draw you away from the nest. I'll have a photo of the mother bird tomorrow.

While they are here

Another dragonfly, this one in gold. They are all over the tops of the corn fields. Cut the grass and they fill the yard. Enjoy them while they are here.

Hummingbird Newbie

I was out by the garden and spotted this little guy at the oleander...then the sunflower, up to the crepe myrtle, down to orange gladiolas and then the red salvia. Finally a little rest on the bean fencing. His neck shows indication of future ruby feathers!

Watermen on the Currituck Sound

Watermen tend to their crab pots on a hazy morning on the sound west of Carova.

Busy Bluebird Days

The soft calling of the bluebird is nonstop this morning. Ready to fledge that box full, I wondered? I stepped outside to find her about 10 feet away from the box singing away. Here's a quick photo. I'm off to find a quiet spot and watch the action.

White Egret on the Waterlily Causeway

Perched atop a bright green cyprus, the large egret takes a break from feeding in the shallow causeway waters below.

Currituck Heritage Park

Looking east miles across the Currituck Sound, features of the park can be seen: the Currituck Lighthouse, the green roof line of the Center for Wildlife Education, and the chimneys of the Whalehead Club.

Vive le Tour!

I give you this sunflower as a toast to the start of the 2009 Tour de France tomorrow. By my count we have 10 American riders on 3 teams: Garmin (6), Astana (3) and Columbia (1). The racing is always great and the scenery gorgeous.

Jewels of the July Day

Graceful and ferocious at once, the dragonfly is much desired for his mosquito and biting fly appetite. The yards, fields and roadsides are full of floating gold, green, red, blue and more shiny "jewels".

NICE Catch!

We heard the youngest osprey (last one in the nest!) calling loudly and saw an adult on a neighbor's pier. And what a fish he had, still flapping. Wish I had seen him flying in with the striper. He ate nearly 2/3 of the fish (this took awhile) and then carried the last of it to the nest. The fish catch is not always this fine, this was a good day fishing.