Another rare treat

I did see these over at North Jetty a couple of years ago and up in Sarasota at Gulf Gate Plaza but never thought I would see them in my back yard! They were on the feeder.
From Wikipedia:
"The Black-hooded Parakeet (Nandayus nenday) is also known as the Nanday Parakeet or Nanday Conure. The bird is native to South America from southeast Bolivia to southwest Brazil, central Paraguay and northern Argentina, from the region known as the pantanal. Caged birds have been released in some areas and the birds have established self sustaining populations in the Los Angeles, California, and several areas of Florida (including St. Petersburg, Broward County, and Miami-Dade County)."

Roseate Spoonbill

On our way to perform yesterday we went past this little lake and I commented on all the storks and waders. Mike shouted "hey! A spoonbill!". Well, we had to turn around to see. Sure enough! We pass this little lake all the time but since the drought the birds have more or less left. Thankfully we had several days of rain this past week and they have returned. We are taking off in a bit to see if it is still there. Sure hope he sticks around.

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Photo Monday (edited)

edit: A few people have wished they had photo editing software. Well, here are a couple of free online places that I have used and really like.
http://www.picnik.com/ AND http://www.flauntr.com/

It's almost Monday. Only another hour so I think I get a head start.
First, this Great Blue Heron. This photo was taken June 26, 2007. What I think he is doing is sunbathing. Birds do that to kill mites and lice. What's really funny is to watch them take a sand bath.
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One of my most favorite snacks. Mmmmmm Only one problem though. Those messy fingers.
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This is called a Dotee Doll. I'm hooked. This is my first one. Hand sewn and beaded. My first time for beading. It also has embroidered face. It's 6 inches. I have 2 more waiting for beads now. I can see give-aways in my future.
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Picture of the week

Here I am officially starting my picture of the week. Yesterday we had the most beautiful Painted Bunting visit our feeders. He was a hard one to get a good photo of. He is the most colorful bird of the U.S. I've heard. His back is lime green, belly bright orange, head bluish purple and a different green on his wings. It's a real joy to see one. Although the books say they are common, around here they are not. Here he is in the best photos I could get.

The last few days stuff...

It sure seems like the days are only 12 hours long instead of 24. They just whizz by. Thought I would show you one more photo of the black and white bag. This is the tote pattern by Penny Sturges at Quilts Illustrated.
I also made her a pin cushion and tissue holder.

On the way home the other day going past a canal I happened to notice some odd ducks swimming. I was only a couple blocks from home so got the camera and took off. A wonderful treat for me. A pair of Hooded Mergansers!!! Lifers for my list. Oh, that means this is the first time I've ever seen them. I'm a birdwatcher and have several hundred on my list in my lifetime of keeping track. I wish the male had been displaying. If he had then his feathers on his head would have been standing up in a wonderful hairdo. Here they are.
This guy just cracks me up. I love them! This is a Wood Stork. He is showing off for a potential mate. Isn't he beautiful?

And, last but not least, I thought I would show you a few of my snowmen and a little reindeer I made the other day. Hmmm, should have used brown thread! LOL He's a cutie. (This one now lives at my daughter's home) I'm off to make a herd of them. TA...

Downy Woodpecker

This little guy was in the bush next to the back door. What a little sweetie!