Bird Watcher or Watcher of Birds?

I’m not a “bird watcher” per se. I don’t run around in the park chasing birds with binoculars in tow, stretching my neck around trying to catch a glimpse of that unique, rare species which can only be found in the wetlands of the Chattahoochee National Forest. Actually, I find myself a little perplexed when I see the bird watchers because all they seem to be doing is looking, pointing and scribbling notes but not taking any photos of what they see. But, hey. I’m sure I look a little goofy at times running around with my camera gear hanging off my shoulders, squatting or standing on a ledge to get just that right perspective for the shot.

Having said all of this I do like to sit in our backyard and watch the birds………with my glass of wine and camera armed and ready. It’s something Michael and I enjoy during the warmer evenings of the year. And, if I’m honest with myself these “bird watching” sessions have provided some wonderful photo ops like these from the other evening:

It’s both relaxing and challenging at the same time. I’m always perched on the edge of my chair, constantly checking my camera settings with the ever-changing bird activity and lighting.

So, I guess you could say I fall into the “bird watching” category. Maybe it’s time I brushed up on the different bird species in the area and join up with a bird watching group. Nah, I’ll just hang out with our backyard wildlife.

So, what about you? Are you a “bird watcher” or “watcher of birds?”

Until next time,

~donna

“Azalea Clusters Notecard Sets”

⛳It’s Masters Week here in Georgia and that means the Azaleas are in full bloom. I don’t know how they do it, but I don’t think I can ever remember a year when the Azaleas weren’t in bloom for the famous golf tournament.

While these particular Azalea clusters aren’t from Augusta National, they are from a pretty special person’s backyard……my 94-year-old Dad’s backyard! He has a few of these shrubs, along with rhododendrons that are well over 40 years old! Obviously, he takes really great care of them to get blooms like this!

A popular notecard set in our collection, “Azalea Clusters” includes 8 notecards/envelopes and are packaged in a cream colored, organza, drawstring gift bag.

Keep for yourself or give as a gift, this card will brighten anyone’s day!

Bee & Pink Rhododendron, Blank, Notecard Set

I don’t know about you, but I have a bad case of Spring Fever (literally and figuratively) when I look at this photo. It was a lucky shot in more ways than one. Lucky, I caught the bumble bee approaching the bloom and lucky I didn’t get stung in the process!

The story behind this flower? It’s part of two HUGE rhododendron bushes my father transplanted from a friend’s home in Mt. Mitchell, NC. Some 40+ years later these bushes/shrubs/trees are still thriving in his backyard.

I took this particular photo last season after spending about 10 – 15 minutes chasing the bumble bee around, snapping photo after photo until I thought I might have the right shot! Once I looked over the photos, I knew this needed to be on a notecard!

Each notecard set includes 8 notecards/envelopes and are packaged in a cream colored, organza, drawstring gift bag.

Keep for yourself or give as a gift, this notecard set will brighten anyone’s day!

“Impatiently Waiting for Spring”

We’ve been experiencing some beautiful Springtime weather in Atlanta. The temps were in the high 70’s just knocking on 80 this past weekend and we were running around in short sleeves, shorts and yes, flip flops! Surely the early Spring promised by Beauregard Lee (our resident groundhog) was here to stay?

Nope! Mother Nature has a way of reminding us she is still in control. The rain came in on Tuesday and the temps are starting to dip back down into the freezing zone with our weekend forecast indicating possible rain and snow showers (gulp). I guess it’s a good thing I resisted the temptation to begin my Spring gardening.

But one thing’s for sure with the weather so nice I couldn’t resist the urge to fill the Hummingbird feeders. There have been sightings already in the Atlanta area, so I thought why not?! They haven’t found their way to our feeders yet, but I’m ready for them.

I sure hope this change in weather is only temporary. In the meantime, I’ll be right here reminiscing over these sweet little beauties from last summer’s “30 Days of Hummingbirds” challenge while I find myself impatiently waiting for Spring,

~donna