Monday, October 28, 2013

Today is for the Birds I

Lots of pretty birds here at Quartzsite, and some of them visit me and Katie every day.  Here are some of the photos I've gotten so far:

This is a Gila Woodpecker - male.  The males have the red colored feathers on the top of their heads.  He was able to get nectar from this feeder.




I could hear the pecking sound, but it was coming from the wrong place, he was pecking on my chair.






























Below is a female - no red patch on her head:



I'm having trouble getting good hummingbird shots here.  They just swoop in, drink, and fly away, really fast.  Here's the best of what I've gotten lately. The first one is an Anna's male and the second one is a Black-chinned male.







This next bird is a small Verdin - male.  He's really interested in the feeder and keeps coming back and trying for more.  I don't think he's figured out that he's not looking at the right place.




I've gotten lots of photos of the Mourning Doves - they are very quiet, calm and submissive to the squirrels, but once in while they show signs of fighting back.  Even with each other.

Lots of cooperation at the water bowl...

 ...and usually at the seed feeder, too.  But not this time, the bird on the right is telling the other bird to Back Off.  Notice how his neck is puffed out.

Some wing flapping - I said Back Off!   And look at his neck now.

The dominant dove really gets his wings going, jumping over the other.

 Of course, when the squirrel is in the seed feeder, the doves know who's boss.



I have too many photos I want to publish - too many for one post, so I'll put the rest in my next post.

After taking my generator in for service in Albuquerque for a Level II Generator Service, I'm having more problems than ever.  Now I am having to add oil every 3 to 5 hours of use.  Used to be 8 hours.  It's smoking a little now, too, but just white, not black.  Funny thing is I'm going through oil like crazy, but there's no oil on the ground, no oil that I can see in the generator area, and the only smoke is white - once in a while.  I can't figure out where the oil is going.  My son says it's either leaking or burning.

I haven't written much about the latest generator issues, it's just too boring.  So, I have an appointment with Bob's Generator here in Quartzsite for tomorrow at 9 am.  Please send me good thoughts that Bob will be able to find the problem, fix it, and that it won't be too $$$.  I'm such a positive person, but somehow this generator has defeated me.  But I'm getting up - back in the ring tomorrow - and punching back.  I'll let you know what happens. 

The Schwann's truck just drove by slowly, honking.  I wouldn't mind purchasing some of their meals, ice cream, etc. if I could do it on a now-and-then basis.  I think you have to be on a regular purchasing schedule, though, and I don't want to do that.  I don't have enough room in my fridge/freezer for that.  I'm told their food is wonderful, though.

A big WELCOME to our newest Follower, MsBeth!  She has three blogs, but this one talks about her Van experiences - MsBeth has a new-to-her 1979 Dodge Van, Dallas Cowboy colors, thank you very much!  She's in Texas, if you didn't guess.  :)   Thanks for following along with me and Katie, MsBeth, and Welcome Aboard!  :)

It's been pretty hot here the last few days, but starting today it's cooling down a bit.  Today is really windy, though.  The first, probably of many, windy day we've had since we arrived.  With all the trees in our site, I can really hear the wind blowing, which I love.

From me and Katie, have a great Monday, everyone!  :)

19 comments:

  1. Hummer pics ARE hard to get. I'd say you've done pretty well though!

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  2. Whoa, what is that big boy doing at the hummingbird feeder! Your hummer pics are better than any I've taken in the last few years. I do like the mourning doves, and you rarely see aggressive behavior out of them. I always thought it was just at mating season, but maybe it's a food thing as well. I don't like the squirrels at all.

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  3. We do have funny pantyhose stories, I like yours better tho, down around your ankles :) I love the sound of the doves... I think your bird pictures are great, love the little green hummer!

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  4. I bet if you put out an orange half on a coat hanger the verdin would appreciate it. :)

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  5. Love the Mourning Doves...

    Hope the generator is fixed and not too costly.....positive vibes headed your way!

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  6. Great bird pictures - that woodpecker is sure pretty.

    We buy from Schwan's from time to time. No need to buy regularly. In fact (at least here) you can go online and order and then the delivery guy brings your order next time he's around. I like their food but it can be spendy and our "guy" was a little to aggressive at selling. Best thing was the roast beef in individual servings. yummy!!

    Good luck with the generator.

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  7. I enjoyed your bird pics today.... especially the pecker with the hummingbird feeder. He gave me quite a chuckle.Good luck tomorrow!

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  8. The pictures are outstanding.... love the hummingbirds and doves...

    he was pecking on your chair?? how cool is that.

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  9. You and Judy sure make my day with your pictures. Wonder if that one fellow will ever figure out how to get the nectar out. The Schwann's guy comes to our park and you can just buy from him - you don't have to be on any kind of schedule. Stop him and ask him next time.

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  10. Love the green hummingbird the best! We had some like that on the farm when I was growing up.

    I put out a feeder summer before last, but got nothing but wasps so it didn't go out this year!

    Wishing you the best of luck with the generator!

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  11. That sure is a puzzle about your generator. There is NO WAY should you be going through that kind of oil. The only time my generator gets oil is when I get it serviced to change the oil and I check it regularly in between.

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  12. I wonder if your altitude adjustment is still set for high altitude.
    Best wishes at the generator repair.

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  13. Concerning Schwanns ... I have some good news and some bad news. The good news is you do not have to purchase on a regular basis. The bad news is they have started a "delivery fee". At least this is true where we live (Iowa) and where we are (Texas).

    JC

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  14. Great photos! I think that one male bird should stop and ask for directions to the nectar - just sayin. hehe

    Good luck with the generator.
    Sending positive vibes your way!!!

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  15. Sounds like a head gasket to me. Burning the oil with the exhaust.

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  16. I used an old pie pan for the doves. They liked to come early in the morning to take their baths.

    Hope you get fixed that generator problem! Cross fingers.

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  17. I used an old pie pan for the doves. They liked to come early in the morning to take their baths.

    Hope you get fixed that generator problem! Cross fingers.

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  18. I love your bird pics. I sure wish I could take bird pics like that.

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  19. Love the hummingbirds! I like the morning doves too. We had a lot of those in Ontario. They are quiet and sweet.

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Thank you for your comments - we LOVE them!