Feed the birds

We enjoy our bird feeders.  Apparently we are not the only ones.  This beautiful red shouldered hawk decided he might find a snack if he staked out the feeders.  First the feeders in the back yard.

Looking looking looking


Then the bird feeder in the front yard.

We never witnessed him catching one of the song birds that frequent the feeders.  Needless to say they were noticibly absent.
It was fun to watch him and imagine what he must be thinking.

Disaster in the Experimental Garden

We have maintained a small water garden with gold fish for ~20 years.  The gold fish reproduce and it is not uncommon for us to have >50, all sizes, ages, and colors.  They live through the NC winter thanks to a depth of 18" in the middle.  And can be seen even on cold days slowly swimming.












We also have a wide variety of frogs and toads. 
















Last summer the pickerel and water lillies took over the garden and we removed them because the pond was full of roots and plants.  The plan is to start again next spring with new plants. 

One day last week, disaster stuck when nature took over the fish pond.  Harry walked outside to find a beautiful large Great Blue Heron feasting on the gold fish.  It was to his advantage that the plants have been removed and the water was cold and they fish cannot move quickly.

Results:

Empty, baren water garden/fishless pond.

Next spring we will again invest in gold fish and new plants.  The expense of gold fish (>6 for $1.00) will be worth the pleasure of watching them survive. 

As for the Heron, hopefully he will not visit again any time soon.  We love the Herons and love seeing them, just NIMBY.