Full of Colour and Promise

So many changes lately, longer days, warmer weather (mostly), grass, plants and weeds growing well and furious activity in the bird world.

The colours are a bit overwhelming but welcome. I went out for a walk recently and took a few pictures  (400-500 actually) and want to share some of them with you today.

First here is a recently fledged golden crowned sparrow, having difficulty perching on the fence in my backyard, and looking a little baffled.

 Now on the Camellia bush, which is blooming early this year.

 Now here is a sparrow on the hummingbird feeder; how does this work? Seems to be looking for advice.

So down at the park, this red wing blackbird was trying to move the pesky photographer away from its' nest.

A pair of golden crowned sparrows.

Flowering currant I think.

 A different red wing, same scenario:

This one got so close to me that I had to back up to focus!

A yellow-rumped warbler (thanks to T. for identification)

Female red wing, same motive as her more colourful mate.

He: 

She:

Time to stop for a swing.

Not to be outdone by the natural colour around them, these shoes have something to say as well.

A house sparrow.

Beautiful tulips and hellebores:

And finally, a chickadee, having a drink of water and then staying for a short chat.

Another swing, well ........

Oh, that gives me an idea............

So I have been busy painting again this week, maybe inspired by Spring and the day, here is what I have for you this week:

It's called "Swing Shift" and it is a watercolour. For more information on this original follow this link to GillianOlsonArt.blogspot.ca and for cards and prints www.pswhimsy.com (gallery tab - Teddies, Tigers and Toys collection.

Sorry to everyone that could not see the owl picture last week, I hope these are more successful. I hope you can see that they are well camouflaged. These were forwarded to me by my pal Judy.

Well all that remains is for me to wish you a very happy Whimsy Wednesday, thanks for dropping by, until next week .......

Bird brain, who me?

Bird brain, may generally be considered an insult, but I am here to tell you that I am learning from the birds.

You may recall that after Christmas I started putting out peanuts for the birds; I expected jays but got crows, very faithful crows. I feed them a few whole peanuts and then when they are gone I put a few more out. I sometimes stand by with the camera but the crows usually outsmart me and grab the nuts when I am not looking. But not always ...............

Then one day I was a little late putting out the second serving of peanuts and there was suddenly a loud chorus of cawing; I was so surprised I got up immediately (I was at the computer) and fed the crows. OK, so they are smarter than me, but I seemed to learn fast so they give me reminders regularly now, LOL.

But a couple of weeks ago I was surprised and pleased to see that a Steller's Jay was also lining up for peanuts.

Then two, then six...... They often take the time to pick up each of the nuts offered, shake each of them and then go back to the "best" nut (heaviest?) and disappear with it.

The Steller's Jays are not shy. They don't even wait until I get back inside before they arrive to get the peanuts.

Now the crows are not amused by this. They found them first and now the Steller's Jays often take all the nuts while the standoffish crows watch. He doesn't look amused does he.

So more reminders about nuts from the crows. I went out and found a much bigger bag of peanuts too; had too.

Then the other day I was working in my studio, when a Steller's Jay came to look in at me and remind me more nuts were needed. Again I was so surprised that I got up right away and put out some more nuts.

So there is another thing I learned from the birds, I am a slow learner, but they are persistent.

They are such beautiful birds, I can't resist, and I still feed the crows too.

But they don't look happy at the prospect of sharing, do they?

At my house "bird brain" is definitely not an insult. I aspire to be as smart as my birdie friends.

Last week I promised more of the teddies and tigers series, and here they are:

First,"Are We There Yet?":

 And lastly, "Storytyme Magic":

The four pictures in this series are now on display at "Image West" hair salon. For more details follow this link: GillianOlsonArt

Thank you for dropping by, happy Whimsy Wednesday, until next week .....................