Thursday, November 27, 2014

Our Thanksgiving visitor

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! 

This morning I was on the phone with my Dad, and I looked out the window and here's what I saw:

A Loggerhead Shrike in my tree.

I grabbed the camera and snapped away as I talked to my Dad, and when we said good-bye I had quite a few great photos.  He was moving around, looking up and down, right and left, hopping from place to place.  I was quite entertained.

It was a treat!


When I checked my Field Guide to be sure I had the correct bird and spelling, I read the notes, and this is what it says:


I checked the notes because of another post I read this morning, and it also talks about Loggerhead Shrikes and how they catch and "skewer" their prey.  That post is pretty graphic with the photos they posted of various little creatures hanging on barbed wire they found, and I found it very interesting.  If you want to see Stan's Notes from my Field Guide in photos, check here:  Where the Wind goes  "A Fascination with the Loggerhead Shrike.  I don't find it at all gruesome - come on, folks!  We all have to eat, and it's fascinating how these little birds act like much larger birds of prey.

Here's Katie the other night when it was COLD in The Palms.  If it's too late to turn on the heat and the temps inside start going down, I either put her in bed or put her coat on.  On this night, she wanted to lay on her blanket, so on went her "bomber jacket."   I think I'm going to have to get her something a bit longer - this really is a jacket and not a long-enough coat for really cold weather.



Such a little cutie.  It's just like when my two children were babies - as soon as they fell asleep I always wanted to pick them up again, they looked so cute and peaceful.  Of course, I didn't do that!  But poor Katie, whenever she is especially cute while sleeping, I always grab the camera, and she wakes up. :)

I watched a bit of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade this morning - I dont' know why, but it always makes me emotional.  Geez.   Here's a photo of Santa coming down the street in his beautiful float:


We have a new Follower:  Lori Kelly.  Lori, you don't show any information, but we are so glad you are following along with us on our adventures.  Welcome aboard!  :)

From me and Katie, have a fabulous, warm, wonderful Thanksgiving, everybody!  :)

11 comments:

  1. I see your Loggerhead! Who would think a bird so small would be considered a bird of prey! Love the bird photos (PS ... nice seeing you today and see you tomorrow)

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  2. Never tire of seeing Katie pics !

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  3. Love your pictures! And never tire of Katie pics! :)

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  4. Nice to see that shrike! They're pretty rare around here.

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  5. Katie is certainly a precious baby!!! She looks so adorable sleeping there on her blanket. I know how you feel, when I saw the pic I thought I would want to pick her up and cuddle!!
    Happy Thanksgiving to you and Katie!!!!

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  6. Great pictures and winter is coming, get Katie a longer coat (grin). Thanks for the link, I went there and enjoyed the pictures and info about those birds.

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  7. I know...watching the Macys Parade and smelling turkey dinner are some of my favorite childhood memories!
    As always, I love the Katie pictures!
    And what a very nice visitor you had...

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  8. That shrike was sure beautiful and it was so nice to be so entertaining!

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  9. Happy Thanksgiving Barbara and Katie, funny that when my weepys started yesterday, with the parade! sigh. change. :-) xx sheila

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  10. Happy Thanksgiving! Your view is much nicer than mine. We're getting lots of snow, not unusual for November but it is also cold.

    It's a treat to see the birds and your scenic views!

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