Sunday Selections was originally brought to us by Kim, of Frogpondsrock, as an ongoing meme where participants could post previously unused photos languishing in their files.
Huge thanks to Cie who gave me this wonderful Sunday Selections image.
The meme was then continued by River at Drifting through life.
Sadly she has now stepped aside (though she will join us some weeks), and I have accepted the mantle.
The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent. Post
some
photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to me.
Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.
I usually run with a theme. We are still in lockdown and will be until this time next month (at least). My images are a bit same old/same old but are bringing me joy. I hope you enjoy them too.
Starting with the garden. Neither of the next two photos are from our/my garden but they can be seen from our veranda.
And then yet more from our garden. More is coming out each and every day (including the weeds). Floriade (our Spring flower festival) has been cancelled this year, but our own garden is giving me a pale shadow of it.
Then to birds. The first, the Spotted Dove, is not native to Australia but since it was introduced in the 1860s it has made itself at home. I think they are pretty birds and welcome their visits.
The second bird, the Australian Magpie is a native. Our magpies are different to the European magpie and different again to those found in North America (showing a marked lack of imagination by those who named them. Some of the males can be aggressive during breeding season when people stray too close to their nests but I love them and their song is home to me.
The following videos are very short.
For a change (not) I am going to finish with some early morning skycapes.
I hope your week is healthy, happy and filled with joy.
These beautiful flowers lighten up our mood. Always. And the birds and the sky...
ReplyDeleteHope you are well.
Catarina: Thank you. They lighten my mood too. I am fine and hope you are too.
DeleteI'm sorry that your Floriade was cancelled, but you make up for it. Your magpies sound much nicer than mine and their ra-ta-ta-tat-ta! early in the morning. ANd those skyscapes, sigh so pretty.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte (MotherOwl) I really love the magpie warble. It is nearly dawn and they are already singing. Floriade has been cancelled but we saw a report that indicated that the flowers are blooming anyway. We may take advantage of our two hour exercise window and visit.
DeleteDo red tulips come out before all the others? I should know that since they are my favorite flower.
ReplyDelete"I hope your week is healthy, happy and filled with joy."
Thank you. You too.
Sandi: This year the early tulips have all been red. Co-incidence? I know not.
DeleteThe most beautiful photo today I think, my opinion only, is the lavendar daisies (daffodils right below them). Their colors are so subtle and the angle of the picture is just perfect.
ReplyDeleteStrayer: Thank you. They are gorgeous things and there are clumps of them (in various colours) all through the garden.
DeleteLovely post!
ReplyDeleteBill: Thank you.
DeleteLove the color in picture number 17.
ReplyDeleteMike: Photo 17? Goodness how excessive. Again.
DeleteMy favorite pics are #9 and #11. I've never seen #9 before... and #11 is so delicate looking. And I like the spotted dove too!
ReplyDeleteRian: Thank you. #9 is a red anemone, and it is thriving in that part of the garden. The spotted doves are subtle and pretty aren't they? I like their collars.
DeleteYour garden is quite wonderful, Sue, and the fact the you are visited by Australian Magpies makes it even more special. I swear that I have issued specific instruction to the cockatoos that they are not to destroy your flowers, but I'm afraid they are not very obedient.
ReplyDeleteDavid M. Gascoigne: Of course the magpies enjoy the garden - and we enjoy them. The sulphur crested vandals have been more restrained this year - so perhaps they were listening to you. A bit.
DeleteIt's still Saturday here, but I am enjoying your Sunday flowers and birds. You have so many gorgeous flowers! Have a good week!
ReplyDeleteFundy Blue: Thank you. A lot of work goes into the garden, but it brings me a lot of pleasure too.
DeleteGorgeous pictures, as usual. I love seeing your pretty spring flowers as ours are a distant memory. And love the birds, too!
ReplyDeleteDJan: Thank you. You are entering another of my most favourite seasons, and I will enjoy it vicariously.
DeleteThe ‘early birds’ in the tree look ready to take off on a worm hunting foray……and the magpies warble certainly means home to me also. I’ve not heard it for the past few months while we’ve been away and am missing it. Perhaps it’s a sign that it’s time ‘to go home’
ReplyDeleteCathy: Those early birds keep watch on the house to know when I am up and their seed will be replenished. The magpie warble is beautiful isn't it? I hadn't realised that it was absent where you are.
DeleteDear EC
ReplyDeleteHow sad that Floriade is cancelled this year but hopefully it will return next year. In the meantime, your garden is doing a wonderful job with all the lovely Spring blooms. All that bulb planting has paid off! We are having the Chelsea Flower Show in London this coming week - postponed this year, as it usually takes place in May. It will be really interesting to see the different palette of plants that can be used.
Lovely skiestoo.
Have a good week
Best wishes
Ellie
Ellie Foster: Floriade was cancelled last year too - but brought to the suburbs. I am hoping that we will see some of that in the coming weeks too (when it fits with our travel restrictions). I hope you enjoy the Chelsea Flower Show - as I do each and every year.
DeleteAll the protea trees on this property are about to burst into life. Also the landlords' azaleas are blooming blooming like there's no tomorrow!! :)
ReplyDeleteOn the subject of magpies...did you see this video on TV, EC. This is such a fun, uplifting story about Molly, the Maggie, and Peggy, the Staffy. I love it...as I am sure you will.
https://www.9news.com.au/national/gold-coast-dog-and-magpie-form-unlikely-friendship/815280be-d9af-4674-9520-962391f0602f?fbclid=IwAR0I_DPxwBP4M4Y5er1po6gJ-l9ocm0fP03B02Nx2a26UMUCaN-wmStXCSo
I hope the coming week treats you well. And I hope Jazz is feeling sprightly...my cuddles to him. Take care. :)
Lee: I did see that story about Molly and Peggy. And of course I loved it. Proteas and azaleas? Both are plants I struggle to grow and love. Enjoy them. Jazz is having a less than stellar day today, and I am hoping tomorrow is better.
DeleteThank you from me, Lee - what a lovely story.
DeleteAnd EC - I'm sorry Jazz is having a bad day. Poor guy.
jenny_o: That is a lovely story. Jazz is being difficult today, but is not (if it makes sense) completely unhappy. He is currently soaking up the sun in the kitchen and purrs loudly when patted.
DeleteYou're welcome, Jenny...it's a tale worth sharing...our spirits need uplifting these days...and this story certainly does that.
DeleteEC...extra special hugs for Jazz...I hope the dear little fellow is feeling in top form again very soon. Hugs to you and Jazz. :)
Lee: You are right about our need for uplifting stories. And that one is a beauty. I don't think Jazz realises he is unwell. Long may that last.
DeleteI enjoyed diving into your ocean of flowers, my eyes drinking their beauty like the bee's drinking their nectar.
ReplyDeleteSean Jeating: My eyes, my nose and my fingers revel in the garden. I plant for texture and scent as well as colour.
DeleteWhat are the purple flowers??? I love that you have bees in your garden and such wonderful variety of birds and flowers. Wishing you a good week. Lukas extends commiserations to Jazz.
ReplyDeletee: Which purple flowers? The first and second are a variety of daisy and the thirteenth the first of our bearded iris. Thank you and Lukas. Jazz assures me that I treat him very badly (though he is not always a teller of the truth).
DeleteGreat therapeutic flowers surrounded you including from your neighbors. Nice birds too wishing you a happy Sunday though still Saturday from here regards.
ReplyDeleteSteve: Thank you. I DO find the garden (and its residents) therapeutic. Walkers tell me they do too - which is lovely.
DeleteIs that a wisteria in the second photo? Very nice. The tulips are looking great too. What are the red with white centred daisy looking flowers? Frost still. I've heard minor frost warnings in the north of our state.
ReplyDeleteAndrew: Not a wisteria (which are some weeks away from blooming) but an ornamental weeping fruit tree. It is lovely isn't it? Most of our frosts are gone now, but not all of them.
DeleteBuona domenica.
ReplyDeleteGiancarlo: Thank you. And to you.
DeleteI'm sorry that Floriade was cancelled this year but you have a lovely floriade in your own garden. Your doves are a little different than ours. I love their little polka dot kerchief on their neck. Your flowers always cheer me up and I love seeing the variety.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week despite the lockdown.
Hugs, Julia
Julia: I really like the spotted doves collars too. We have several different doves and I may show some of the others next week (if they are not too camera shy). I hope your week is wonderful too - and that you don't work too hard.
DeleteI love the gentle colours of the spotted dove - so pretty! And your flowers are beautiful as always.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you are still in lockdown - here, the Auckland area is still in Level 4 (our highest level of lockdown), but the rest of the country is in Level 2, which is not too difficult to put up with. At least we can go to the libraries again, thank heavens!
Enjoy your lovely garden, and stay safe.
Alexia: I am missing the library. Big time. Much of the lockdown I cope with pretty well, but that one is a challenge.
DeleteThe spotted dove is a subtle charmer isn't it? Have a wonderful week - as I will try and do.
The magpies are lovely birds. The variety of flowers is grand, and the blooming trees are lovely.
ReplyDeleteJoanne Noragon: Thank you. I am grateful for the beauty around me.
DeleteThe magpies do have a very different voice from any birds I've heard. Very unique and I can see why it would stand out to you.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful flowers all. The red ones that rather look like pinwheels are lovely, although I have a greater weakness for the lavender and purple blooms. It's unfortunate that Floriade is cancelled again this year. It must be a disappointment to many, including the organizers.
I'm thinking of you and yours (including a certain black cat), dear friend. Big hugs.
jenny_o: While many of our birds are beautiful - few of them are songsters. The magpies and the currawongs (also black and white) are exceptions to that rule and delight me. Both are part of the dawn chorus here (along with the less musical cockatoos and wattle birds (who have an asthmatic cough).
DeleteI just had to Google the wattle bird's voice and I must say, your description fits. It reminds me of a chicken, too :)
Deletejenny_o: The wattle birds are perhaps the first birds to start to sing each day. I first hear that asthmatic cough when it is dark. Pitch dark.
DeleteWe have crested pigeons here by the dozens, I call them doves, and they are the first to begin in the mornings here, while it is still dark of course and the non-stop coocoo chorus drives me nuts. A few minutes I could handle, but they go on for almost an hour when I am not ready to be awake yet. Wattle birds are second, then the magpies.
DeleteRiver: We have a few crested pigeons and I may feature them next week. Ours are much quieter than other birds. The feral pigeons are MUCH louder and more numerous.
DeleteP. S. And OH MY THAT PIDGEON! I love the dots!
ReplyDeletejenny_o: Isn't that pigeon a charmer? And thanks so much for your well wishes for Jazz and me.
DeleteI should have said dove, not pigeon, and definitely not piDgeon. Goodness. River's reply, just above, tipped me off!
Deletejenny_o: Not a problem. I knew which you meant immediately.
DeleteWe have doves who nest every year underneath our screened porch. The first few times in the spring when I walk out to have my morning coffee it startles them. Now it is just old hat to them until next spring when I will accidentally scare them all over again.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos and I really do thank you for sharing the magpie videos. I would love hearing that!
Anne in the kitchen: Isn't it a wonderful warble. I am greeted with it early, and it sets the tone for the day. Some of our birds have to readjust to us each year too - though it doesn't take them long.
DeleteMe encantaron las flores y los cielos te mando un beso
ReplyDeleteJ.P.Alexander. I am glad - and thank you.
DeleteYou certainly have some very pretty daffodils in your garden, the first one is so soft, had one and lost it. Haven't had a frost here for ages, there will be one when people have put their tomato plants in.
ReplyDeleteMargaret D: Of course there will be a frost when tomato seedlings go in. It is a rule. We are told not to plant them before Melbourne Cup Day - and have had frosts well after that date before.
DeleteOnce again, I am late to visit. I completely forgot it was Sunday. DUH! I am in awe of your tulips. I love how yours are planted. They look so natural in the photo.
ReplyDeleteI am quite lucky that our robins don't care for hyacinths. I am sorry yours are being gobbled up.
Your vase of flowers is beautiful. Lovely arrangement and a nice way to save them. You have a real knack for flower arranging. Sorry you are still getting frost, but at least the lovely flowers survive.
Wow! Your skyscapes (love that word) are fabulous. As always, your photos are incredible, dear.
Bleubeard and Elizabeth: You are never too late (and it is still Sunday here). The vandal birds have been more restrained than usual. And thank you.
DeleteI was wondering how that Forsythia across the road would fare...
ReplyDeleteIt's not quite its usual glorious show, but still makes me smile. Damn! I miss some things and that's one of 'em.
dinahmow: That forsythia got quite a savage pruning. It makes me smile too (and mourn that I won't see the forsythia avenue at Tulip Top Gardens again this yar.
DeleteI wish British magpies could warble like that. Ours just shriek and honk!
ReplyDeleteRelatively Retiring: It is a lovely warble isn't it? A part of the dawn chorus I welcome.
DeleteI see you are cooking daffodils for dinner :D
ReplyDeleteThat first purple daisy looks like it has fairy spoons as petals and I loved the swirled look of the red and white anemone. Frost! I haven't seen frost in Adelaide in years.
River: The swirled anemone is a beauty isn't it? I hope it comes back next year. Daffodils for dinner might even be healthy. I wonder...
DeleteThanks EC - these are so cheering ... I've loved looking at all the photos - gorgeous Spring blooms ... and then the choices the Cockatoos selecting the grape hyancinths ... will they move on to the tulips and daffs? Wonderful vase of freshness you've brought inside. The Dove is pretty isn't she ... and soft too. Your magpies are much nicer than ours - ours are awful thugs as I call them ... and are as Relatively Retiring states in her comment.
ReplyDeleteLovely views across your 'scapes ... I think we're about to enter in a more true Autumn - but recently it's been lovely. Stay safe ... with thoughts and thanks - Hilary
Hilary Melton-Butcher: Thank you. I had heard that your magpies had some thuggish elements. Many people don't like ours because the protective males can do some damage (sometimes significant) but I love them. And, as I said, that warble sings of home.
DeleteI hope your weather stays lovely.
Yes, no festivals here, either, sad times, but, ohhh, beautiful flowers!
ReplyDeleteThis was a joy too see!
Autumn here, frosts not yet, yay.
I just read so much about your town, post to come (in pieces, maybe you know the book and passages of Bill Bryson´s "Down Under" anyways".
Thank you SO MUCH for the videos of the Magpies, I miss them as much as the ocean. Such (if not in breeding season) friendly, curious birds.
They were so sweet.
Iris Flavia: Some of our festivals I will not miss (though I am sad for other people if that makes sense). I will miss Floriade. Lots of people don't like my city. I am perfectly happy with that. And yes, I can well understand you missing magpies. They are intelligent and almost always friendly birds.
DeleteYour spring is springing.
ReplyDeleteNothing locked down here. Huge surge and yet I watched several college football games yesterday with packed stadiums.
Alex J. Cavanaugh: Our Spring is positively bouncing. Half of Australia (roughly speaking) is in at least a light lockdown. I suspect that if our numbers approached yours our lockdowns would be harder. It is a very long time since sport has been played to packed stadiums here.
DeleteLockdown has not prevented you from appreciating and sharing beauty. Love the magpies, the flowers and I’ll never tire of seeing the sky.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week.
Myrna R.: Thank you. As you know I am a beauty addict - with or without lockdown. Stay safe, stay well.
DeleteHi EC - nice skies.
ReplyDelete:o)
Cheers
PM
Plastic Mancunian: Thank you. I think the early risers have grown used to me out and about with my camera aimed at the sky.
DeleteYour garden is so beautiful and the colors so bright. Just seeing those makes me smile. Love the sky photos as always. Take care and be safe my friend. Have a wonderful week.
ReplyDeleteMason Canyon: The colours in parts of the garden are VERY bright at the moment. Accented by the fresh greens of Spring.
DeleteHave a wonderful week.
I love that vase of your downed flowers. And some of them are breathtaking, I've never seen those luscious daisy types before. And as always your sunrises are uplifting.
ReplyDeleteXO
WWW
Wisewebwoman: Thank you. We were amazed at just how many varieties of daffodils and jonquils we had to pick - and we only picked those that had been downed by the rain (or the weight of the blooms).
Delete"Their song is home to me." - that's a magical sentence:)
ReplyDeleteTo see your Springing is music to my Summer-weary eyes. I've tired of the heat (did not tolerate it well this year post covid). The first hints of Fall are energizing. But nothing like a full blown Springtime:)
That sound - the magpies - it's hauntingly beautiful.
Thank you for sharing. And all the little tokens of new life
blooming there for you. Fresh beginnings. It comforts me.
Love and shelter,
Jennifer
SingingRiverSoulSpa: My eyes weary of summer very quickly. I am very glad to have been able to bring you some Spring relief. Enjoy your autumn, another supremely beautiful time of year.
DeleteAnd yes, I agree with you about the magpie call. I expect to hear it here very soon - and will welcome it.
The flowers are fantastic and video the best I the best all.
ReplyDeleteBob Bushell: I am very glad that you enjoyed them.
DeleteYou have a very beautiful, colorful garden. It brings all of us much joy. Thank you.
ReplyDeletegigi-hawaii: Thank you. It is just after dawn here and I have already had my first garden wander of the day. I was greeted with yellow tulips and with some more orchids coming out.
DeleteThoroughly enjoy a walkabout through your garden and a gander at your birds anytime! Such a proliferation of blooms. I love them all and thank you as always for being so generous as to post. I know how much work it entails. Hugs to you and stay healthy-ish.
ReplyDeleteRiver Fairchild: Thank you dear friend. Ish is the best I can manage on several fronts.
DeleteYou have a lovely garden and I'm sure your home is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Janie Junebug: Sadly a lot of other things take second (or third) place behind the garden. And thank you.
DeleteAs usual, you've left me with flower-envy. This is the time of year when everything is turning brown here, so it was a pleasure seeing the colorful tulips and daffodils.
ReplyDeletecleemckenzie: My garden is at its best in spring. I am all too familiar with that turning crisp and brown stage. Revel in your autumn - as I will from across the world.
DeleteThank you for including the videos of the magpies. Love their look and sound.
ReplyDeleteFrost seems right for early spring. It is here for sure. The blooms are glorious.
Marie Smith: The magpies are not as ostentatiously beautiful as many of our birds but they are dapper beasties and I do love their song.
DeleteWe have no more frost predicted for this week, but we are not out of the danger zone yet.
You have so many pretty flowers in your garden.
ReplyDeleteMary Kirkland: Thank you. There is more coming out every day at the moment.
DeleteJust me again- meant to tell you yesterday that I had put a SS post up. Cathy
ReplyDeleteCathy: I saw it - and loved it.
DeleteSomehow I missed that Jazz is unwell. It's good that he hasn't realised. Animals really just soldier on without the hint of self pity we get.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your lovely spring garden this week!
kylie: Jazz is very unwell. He now has two chronic conditions which will limit his days. He requires twice daily medication (which is a challenge). Most of the time he remains a happy cat - which is wonderful.
DeleteAnd I am enjoying the garden.
I suspected as much, it's so bittersweet when we know their time is coming. I hope he allows many pats and gets to be co-operative about meds
Deletekylie: He certainly allows (demands) many pats. This morning he spiked me because I wasn't fast enough in wrapping his tablet in chicken. When I had, he gulped it down. A win.
DeleteI adore being with you and see all that you share. This is really beautiful today dear. We have the spotted Dove too!
ReplyDeleteCloudia: Thank you. I am always happy to share beauty.
DeleteFlowers, birds, and skies, your world has so much beauty in it.
ReplyDeleteMy selections are in the usual place, but i'm having trouble getting my computer to cooperate and link things correctly.
messymimi: I loved your Sunday Selections. Thank you for your kind words and for joining us again.
DeleteStunning and those photos are just beautiful....xx
ReplyDeleteaussie aNNie: Thank you. I do envy your azaleas though.
DeleteAnother lovely series of photos. I enjoyed hearing the magpies too. Thanks Sue :) So sorry to read that Jazz is unwell. Hope he feels better soon.
ReplyDeleteDeniseinVA: Thank you. Jazz had a bad morning but has picked up this afternoon.
DeleteSuch very beautiful flowers, I hope you're having a wonderful start to the new week.
ReplyDeleteRasmaSandra: Thank you. I hope your week is packed with joy.
DeleteSo lovely post!
ReplyDeleteBjxxx
Ontem é só Memória | Facebook | Instagram | Youtube
Teresa Isabel Silva: Welcome and thank you.
DeleteBuon inizio settimana.
ReplyDeleteGiancarlo: Thank you. And to you.
DeleteEl encerramiento, no se hace tan penoso, cuando se tiene un gran jardín para pasear.
ReplyDeleteVENTANA DE FOTO: You are so very right.
DeleteI can see why these bring you joy. Those flowers were all excited to see you!
ReplyDeleteJohn Wiswell: Not as excited I was was/am to see them.
DeleteBeautiful flowers photos! I love all of them. We have so many Dove birds here. But bird photo you shared is very different. Is it "dove bird" or not? Looks really beautiful. I love that photo very much. Greetings.
ReplyDeletebread&salt: Thank you. The first photo of birds that I shared is a spotted dove. We have others too, which I might show you a little later.
DeleteSo lovely to see the beautiful flowers in your garden, they are so colourful.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for the videos too.
We have magpies that are regular visitors :)
Take care and enjoy your week as best you can in your present lockdown restrictions.
All the best Jan
Lowcarb team member ~Jan: I know that you also have magpies. Do yours sound at all similar?
DeleteMy weeks are not too bad. The birds and the garden help immeasurably.
I've never seen a Magpie. Your pictures are gorgeous. A reminder though that our flower season is soon coming to an end.
ReplyDeleteJuli: Our winters are so mild that we have flowers blooming for most of the year. The heat of summer tests them (and me) though.
DeleteWhat a lovely bunch of colours you brought in from your garden. You do have all sorts of flowers popping up and this is just the start of Spring. We have the exact spotted dove here in Msia too and they make this coo-ing sound which frightened me when I was a kid as they "cooed" for ever. We also have stripped doves where instead of having spots, they have zebra like stripes (barrings) on the upper parts.
ReplyDeletekestrel: I would love to see your zebra striped doves. Ours are so much quieter than many other birds that they don't dominate the soundscape. The cockatoos on the other hand...
DeleteI do love the vibrancy and the colours of spring.
Your Dove is a real stunner. My favorite bird of all time is the gentle, beautiful Dove.
ReplyDeletemail4rosey: I really like the Spotted Doves too. They are subtle charmers aren't they?
DeleteLove your flowers. Your dove is lovely. We have Mourning Doves (I think) in Ukraine. I love their cooing, too.
ReplyDeleteYour sky pictures are so relaxing to look at. The silhouette of the tree against the sky is like poetry.
The Blog Fodder: Thank you. The very early morning is one of my favourite times - and as close as my life gets to poetry (other than limericks and doggerel).
DeleteYay to the garden flowers and I do love the spotting on the dove. I had read that Magpies can be a bit vicious to young bats that have been separated from their mothers, is that so?
ReplyDeleteBea: You are back!!! I have missed you and hope you are well.
DeleteMagpies are omnivores and could well eat small bats (though I haven't heard of it).
I'm back. I missed reading about your life, E.C. I'm well, thanks. Having a furry friend has helped. :)
DeleteBea: The furry friends do help. I find that they lower my blood pressure markedly - when they don't send it skyrocketing.
DeleteOh absolutely spring is in the air and in your lovely photos, and the tulips, a huge favorite of mine. All of the blossoms are truly a gift, especially as most of our flowers are well, on their way out, sadly as fall is approaching although slowly as on Sunday it was a hot and breezy 91 degrees! Truly. Your magpies are wonderful, enjoy all. Take good care of you.
ReplyDelete21 Wits: Thank you. Spring (and sadly hayfever) is MOST definitely in the air and I am loving it. Mind you, I am a big fan of autumn too.
DeleteGreat Pics!
ReplyDeleteBjxxx
Ontem é só Memória | Facebook | Instagram | Youtube
Teresa Isabel Silva: Thank you.
DeleteWhat a beautiful bouquet. I do that too. I'll use other flowers but start with the draggers:)
ReplyDeleteYour garden is simply breathtaking.
The weather here has dropped to the 70s, which is a lovely change from the 90s.
YOU take special care.
Sandra Cox: After the rain we had so many draggers that they were more than sufficient.
DeleteHooray for cooler weather. You take special care too - you matter to so many of us.
There ya go, making me smile.
DeleteSandra Cox: Truth.
DeleteAs always, these pictures are so lovely and vibrant! Hope you're doing well, and sending hugs, RO
ReplyDeleteRO: Many, many thanks. I am fine and hope you are too.
DeleteAs always, I admire your photos and I enjoy seeing more of your country. The birds interest me. Be safe and well.
ReplyDeleteGlenda Beall: Thank you. You only see a tiny bit of my big country here, but I am glad you enjoy it.
DeleteHijo de elefante
ReplyDeleteMe acerco a disfrutar plenamente de esta entrada.
El panorama que ves desde tu terraza es muy bello
Luego tu jardin ya es una verdadera fiesta de primavera en cada fotografia que nos muestras
de esas especies tan bonitas que lo habitan!
He aprendio algo mas acerca de las urracas y me he deleitado con esos paisajes de amaneceres que amo.
Te deseo una excelente semana con alegria, inspiracion, buena salud y a continuar maravillandonos con la hermosa vida
eli mendez: Thank you. I am a beauty addict and lucky enough to find it each and every day.
DeleteAh Spring, why have you left me? Oh, I suppose you have to leave me in order to return. Ah well, I am making autumnal plans to try to enjoy the winter months up here, this year, instead of battening down and waiting for it all to end.
ReplyDeleteAndrew R. Scott: Spring, Autumn and Winter all have charms for me. Summer? I batten down and wait for it to pass me by.
DeleteGreat post!
ReplyDeleteBjxxx
Ontem é só Memória | Facebook | Instagram | Youtube
Teresa Isabel Silva: Thank you.
DeleteThat spotted dove looks like she has a feather or tiny shawl laid across the back of her neck.
ReplyDeleteTake special care.
Sandra Cox: He or she is a dainty little charmer. I always smile when they visit.
DeleteYour spring flowers are lovely! We're going out to buy our fall bulbs (read: "feed our addiction") next week, and I suspect it will be expensive, as always. But it's SO worth it in the spring!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the magpie warbles - it's funny how they can seem so discordant, and then suddenly melodic. They sound like the flute section of an orchestra tuning up. :-)
Diane Henders: I hear you on feeding that expensive addiction. An addiction I make NO effort to break.
DeleteI do love our magpie warble. Some describe it as haunting, but as I have said, it is home to me...
So sorry to hear the festival has been postponed. I think that even the little things we once took for granted might be greatly appreciated when they start happening again. But with a garden like yours who needs a festival away from home!
ReplyDeleteKim: Thank you. Floriade (and its much more beautiful sister Tulip Top Gardens) have now been cancelled for the second year. I care, but can wait. Fortunately.
DeleteWhat absolute delights your snapshots are! I also enjoyed listening to the magpie warbles.
ReplyDeleteDamyanti Biswas: Thank you. Isn't that warble a joy?
DeleteMe alegro de que ya halláis dado la bienvenida a la primavera, una de las estaciones más bonitas del año por el color y perfume de sus flores y por ese clima cálido que tanto se agradece.
ReplyDeleteMe ha encantado ese término de "vándalos emplumados" con que citas a las traviesa cacatúas.
Y gracias, amiga, por compartir imágenes de tu florido y bello jardín.
Un saludo, y cuídate mucho.
Manuel: Thank you. The feathered hooligans have started in on the tulips and daffodils now and are NOT flavour of the month. I do enjoy them though - and our spring garden.
DeleteDear EC, thank you for showing us the spotted dove--so beautiful. Really regal. Thanks, too, for the magpie vocalizing. I've never seen or heard a magpie. And finally, I just want to say how lovely your garden is. So interesting to walk through I think. Peace and joy to you too.
ReplyDeleteDee: Thank you for your kind words. Have you ever seen or heard a North American magpie? I have, but only in photographs on screen.
DeleteDear EC, no, I haven't seen or heard a North American magpie. It's in my mind--not sure if this is correct--that they live mostly in the southeastern part of the United States and I've seldom been to that area of the country. I associate them with the novels I've read that take place in the South. Peace.
DeleteDee: I am not sure how widespread your magpies are - but they are truly beautiful birds.
DeleteThose daffies look perky:)
ReplyDeleteHope you're having a great one.
The daffies ARE perky. They are rapidly ending their brief season, but still brightening up the garden.
DeleteBeautiful pics. I love the ones with the bees especially. :)
ReplyDeleteGreg: Welcome and thank you. Bees are usually too fast for my shutter finger, but I am very glad to see and hear them.
DeleteSo beautiful post
ReplyDeleteRajani Rehana: Thank you.
DeleteAhhhh, my mid-morning bliss, what a lovely garden. I'd sit and read and stare into space and think.
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to share, thank you. <3
How I miss the sound of the magpie warble.
neena maiya (guyana gyal): Thank you. I need to spend more time just sitting in the garden. Much more time. And isn't that warble a joy?
DeleteSuch beauty. I am overwhelmed. And the magpie song....its just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteJ C: The magpie song started just before dawn this morning and filled my heart. They are quiet for the moment, but I will welcome it when they start to sing again.
DeleteBuon fine settimana.
ReplyDeleteGiancarlo: Thank you.
DeleteThe sheep are adorable and the photos just wonderful. The colors of spring and fall, such beautiful seasons!
ReplyDeleteThank you for always commenting on my blogs. Very appreaciated!
Yolanda Renee: Thank you. Of course I comment on your posts. I am always interested, awed and sometimes horrified by the places your fertile mind takes us.
DeleteLove your photos EC! I have never seen a dove like that? She is so pretty! Thanks for the videos! Big Hugs!
ReplyDeleteMagic Love Crow: She is a very pretty dove isn't she? Hugs to you too - always.
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