Flamingo Fotos

My PhotoHunt Post

2009-10-16T20:12:00.001-04:00

My PhotoHunt post is over at my other blog, Flamingo Musings. Please click here. See you there!

PhotoHunt: Low

2009-08-08T08:00:00.007-04:00

The PhotoHunt theme this week is "Low"

Meet Mr. & Mrs. Bufo Toad. Is this low enough?

If you're a woman in the U.S., please join The Army of Women to help do more than find a cure for Breast Cancer. Here's a unique opportunity to be proactive, not just reactive!

Don't forget to leave your link with MckLinky and your comment!

PhotoHunt: Entertainment

2009-07-31T21:41:00.021-04:00

The PhotoHunt theme this week is "Entertainment"

Tough theme, this week. I started thinking about what I've been doing for "entertainment" lately, and it came to me. Do you remember one of last month's topics, "Creamy"? Well, this is how it turned out:

Plain Guilt-Free Cheesecake

Over the last month, I've been working on low(er) fat, low(er) sugar cheesecakes, suitable to serve my husband, who was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, back at the end of March.

Guilt-Free Chocolate Marble Cheesecake

First, I'm delighted to tell you that, as of this writing, MJ has lost 50 pounds, his blood sugar has dropped below the magic "diabetes" line, and the doctor has cut his medication in half. He'll test again in another 3 months, and we're keeping our fingers crossed that the improvement continues.

Some of you asked for the recipe for the cheesecake when I got it to where I want it, because either you or loved ones have the same issue, or you'd just like to eat a little healthier without sacrificing foods you love. I've published these recipes on my other blog, Flamingo Musings, with notes, tips, and tricks. The recipe for the plain Guilt-Free Cheesecake is here. My post on the Guilt-Free Chocolate Marble Cheesecake is here.

That's the other thing - the Chocolate Marble Cheesecake was chosen to be featured on Cheesecake-Recipes.org! You can find the complete recipe by clicking that green badge.

And that, boys and girls, is what I've been doing for "entertainment"!

PhotoHunt: Rock

2009-07-17T20:43:00.004-04:00

The PhotoHunt theme this week is "Rock"

A couple of years ago, MJ and I attended a Hindu wedding. At one point in the ceremony, the bride places her foot on a rock, illustrating her promise to be the rock, the foundation of their home (I forgot what he's supposed to be doing there). I've always thought of it more as her demonstration that she's putting her foot down. ;-)

PhotoHunt: Garbage

2009-07-10T21:39:00.015-04:00

The PhotoHunt theme this week is "Garbage"

This is what the Hubs and I have spent the better part of the last few months' worth of weekends digging out from under. No, it's not our house, but my in-laws'. The MIL wouldn't let anyone touch a damn thing in there, while she was alive. When she passed away at the end of January, we saw our opportunity.

But wait! There's more...

Would you believe there's a couch, coffee table, and end table under there?

Twenty years, and we had no idea that we would be doing archaeological excavations in a 6th floor condo! Click on the images for details - if you dare!

I'm attempting to update the look of this blog, and it's not happening quite the way - or as easily - as Flamingo Musings, so please bear with me!

JJ & The Pollock Fish

2009-07-08T21:37:00.005-04:00

Please don't make me explain the joke...

Do we think Jackson is rolling over in his grave?

PhotoHunt: Pink

2009-07-03T07:30:00.013-04:00

**TnChick's husband is very ill and has been (maybe still is) in the hospital. Please send positive thoughts, vibes, and prayers their way!**

Happy Independence Day!

Do try to stay out of trouble with the fireworks and all, okay?

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AND... Today is Flamingo Fotos' One Year Blogoversary! One year ago today - July 3, 2008 - I created Flamingo Fotos and made so many new friends out there, who also share my love of photography, nature, irony, and sometimes just plain silliness. This was my first post. Thank you for visiting over the last year!

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And now, to the Hunt!

If you follow my other blog, Flamingo Musings, you might already know that my house was burglarized several days ago. And yes, they got my shiny new laptop with all my photos on it. So, while I backed up my drive before I went on vacation, I hadn't yet had the chance when we returned, and I haven't replaced the laptop yet. I'm using my husband's desktop, in the meantime, but it's just not the same, you know?

The PhotoHunt theme this week is "Pink"

As if this blog weren't pink enough for you! In any case, I'm stealing one of my vacation photos from Flamingo Musings for this week's theme:

It's been a mixed bag, this week... let's hope the stars align in a way more favorable position in the days ahead!

PhotoHunt: Flags

2009-06-26T23:52:00.000-04:00

This is my last night of vacation in Sarasota, Florida. I'm posting
from my iPhone (original flavor), so apologies for the appearance of
this post. :-)

Several weeks ago, for my PH: Memory post, I showed you a happy memory
of last year's visit to Sarasota. This week, I show tonight's sunset,
the clouds and waves blowing like flags in the stiff Gulf of Mexico
breeze... Another memory for another year...

PhotoHunt: Creamy

2009-06-19T23:50:00.005-04:00

Click on the little green Mr. Linky at the bottom of the post to add your link!

The PhotoHunt theme this week is "Creamy"

I'm working on a recipe for lower fat, lower calorie cheesecake. Not quite perfected yet, but getting there! When I get it right, I'll be posting the recipe on Flamingo Musings. But until then, a shot of the Creamy process:

Okay, it's a little tough to pour with one hand and shoot with the other!

Happy Weekend!

PhotoHunt: Lock

2009-06-12T17:30:00.010-04:00

Click on the little green Mr. Linky at the bottom of the post to add your link!

The PhotoHunt theme this week is "Lock"

I went rather traditional, this week. The word evokes power, and so I went for the powerful image.

This last one presented itself just this morning!

PhotoHunt: Advertisement

2009-06-06T01:19:00.012-04:00

The PhotoHunt theme this week is "Advertisement"

That sea life mural is painted on the back of the Macy's department store building in downtown Miami. It was supposed to be an advertisement for the pleasures of visiting Miami. No one is really quite sure why it shows frolicking whales. Which don't live around here. Unless you visit the Seaquarium. Really. And yes, it is a little vague, which is kind of the point. Artistic license, I guess, but I remember when it was done, we all gathered around, stared at it for a bit, and said (with nearly one voice) "Whales?"

If you look closely, you'll see the Metromover and tracks running alongside it. The station opens directly into the second floor of the Macy's. Convenient when it's raining, as it was when I shot this photo. :-)

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Well, I didn’t win, but my recipes ranked 5th & 6th in the Ile de France contest. WooHoo! Thanks to everybody who voted for me!

PhotoHunt: Books

2009-05-29T07:06:00.009-04:00

The PhotoHunt theme this week is "Book(s)"

The natural choice for this theme is our cookbook collection. These are just a couple of small sections - I couldn't stand far back enough to get the whole thing in one frame. :-) At last count there are just over 200.

Most of our cookbooks are practical: cooking, baking, various ethnic (particularly Indian) cuisines... but I got this one for it's historical value and reference : the 1924 edition of The Boston Cooking School Cookbook, by none other than the original Miss Fannie Farmer:

It has loads of fabulous recipes like, umm... "Sweetbreads and Celery Salad".... yuck! But the real fun is the advertising pages in the back of the book. I've chosen just a couple to show you what "state of the art" meant in 1924:

Many of these companies are still in business today, so it's kind of neat to compare then and now... Please click on the images to read them better, if you like!

Happy Weekend!

(Mr. Linky isn't functioning, so please be sure to leave a link to your post so I can find you easier when I come to visit!)

PhotoHunt: Plastic

2009-05-20T07:26:00.009-04:00

The PhotoHunt theme this week is "Plastic"

As I'm sure you'll see in the various Hunt posts, Plastic surrounds us - is part of us - every day and in every way. Plastic bags, plastic kitchen tools, plastic surgical replacement parts for our bodies, even our cars are generally made more of plastic than of metal, these days.

I could show you my Plastic birdbaths or Plastic bird feeder. Dull.

So instead, here is a photo of the Plastic that I'm betting most of us have in common. Probably one of the most utilized bits of Plastic in the world. A useful tool and the bane of many's existence; a source of hope and of dread, all at the same time:

Happy weekend, all!

And for those of us in the US, have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend! Please take a moment to remember those who put their bodies in harm's way for us. As I have said so many times in the past, while I'm not so wild about this war, I am for those brave men and women who go where ever and whenever with their own best intentions to serve us. If you have a moment this weekend, please send a birthday card to one such soul who at this moment is feeling unloved and forgotten in Texas. Here is the link to my post at Flamingo Musings on the subject (you may have received an e-mail to the same effect from elsewhere). It is absolutely true and has been verified.

Rainy Season = Mosquitoes

2009-05-16T23:30:00.002-04:00

The TV weatherman just announced that the "Rainy Season" has begun. Well, after so many months of drought, rain will be welcome. We can finally look forward to the grass greening up and letting Mother Nature water the garden for us, now and then. They say that we here in South Florida get around 70% of our annual rainfall during these next five months.

But with all the good stuff we can expect from the rainy season, there's also the downside: mosquitoes. We have some of the worst mosquito problems down here as anywhere in the country. And we can't expect our little friends here to do all the work.

Bufo Toads

With everything there is to do outside in our backyards during the summer - the grilling, the gardening, the birdwatching - who wants to douse themselves in chemicals like DEET?

That's why we're considering getting a Mosquito Magnet. With its Octenol attractant cartridge, the Mosquito Magnet attracts the mosquitoes and literally sucks them up into an inescapable net in a sealed chamber, where they dehydrate and die. You just periodically empty the net and see the results for yourself. All without the use of chemicals that could be harmful to us or the wildlife we love to feed and photograph.

Check out a mosquito magnet review and see if you don't think that it might be your family's solution for a happy and healthy summer - virtually mosquito-free.

PhotoHunt: Painted

2009-05-15T06:55:00.014-04:00

The PhotoHunt theme this week is "Painted"

In case you haven't seen her before, I bring you the female Painted Bunting:

Female Painted Bunting

She and a sister (daughter?) are regular visitors to my feeders in the winter and early spring. I know there has to be a male somewhere in the neighborhood, but I've only seen him once, and of course I didn't have my camera at the time and he wouldn't stick around till I got it! You sympathize... I know you do...

PhotoHunt: In Memory

2009-05-08T12:01:00.006-04:00

Attention PhotoHunters! I received the following email from tnchick at post-time, this morning:

Hey folks! I'm so sorry to report my site isn't allowing me to access it and I do not know why. I've emailed and am waitin'. I've waited up till now (posting time) and still can't get on. Please pass the word for me to those not subscribed to this mailing. I'd appreciate it. The hunt will continue - you'll just have to do it without me this week. If my domain allows me to log in and access it when I wake up - I'll post new thread, then. So sorry - but it's out of my hands. Thanks!

chick

So, let's carry on, shall we?

The PhotoHunt theme this week is "In Memory"

Hmmm... Tough one.

I choose to show you a powerful Memory that I also look forward to repeating:

This is the sun setting over the Gulf of Mexico off of Sarasota, Florida. I shot it with my iPhone last June, on the "Longest Day of the Year".

I spent several languid, blissful days with a few of my friends in Sarasota last year. I literally did absolutely nothing but lay on the beach, swim in the ocean, and share food, drink, and camaraderie. No deadlines, no pressures, no obligations, no sightseeing, nada.

In Memory of one of the most pleasant times, ever. Which I fully intend to repeat this year. I can't wait!

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They finally fixed the Ile de France website, so if you tried last week to rate my recipes, I apologize. But it's working now! Please click on the links below, and rate my recipes (1-5 stars) - I need your votes! :

Brunch Brie Strata by Rennee (yes, they misspelled it) and Spring Brie Mini-Sub by Renee.

They drop cookies, so if you want to vote more than once from the same computer, you have to clear your cookies and cache. But you've been planning to do that anyway, right? It's good computer hygiene! :-)

Voting will continue through June 2nd, but why wait? Vote early and often! Thanks!

PhotoHunt: Walking

2009-05-01T12:02:00.009-04:00

The PhotoHunt theme this week is "Walking"

Queen Butterfly caterpillars Walking on my dill. Okay, yeah, and eating it, too. I never did get a chance to actually use any of the dill I planted before it bloomed, so at least someone should enjoy it! Please click on the images to get the best look.

This is what a Queen butterfly looks like (not my photo - I lost my photos of the Queen in the last great computer crash. Back up your drives, people!):

Happy Weekend, All!

Shameless Plug: I have entered the Ile de France 2009 Spring Recipe Contest and I need your votes! Please visit the Ile de France website and rate my entries, Brunch Brie Strata by Renee (they misspelled my name, Rennee)

and Spring Brie Mini-Sub by Renee (Rennee again).

Here's the link: http://www.iledefrancecheese.com/blog/ Voting is points-based (rating 1-5), with the top 3 point totals, winning. The contest runs all through the month of May, so vote early and often! I would love to Walk away with some cheese!

PhotoHunt: Protect(ion)

2009-04-24T22:06:00.001-04:00

The PhotoHunt theme this week is "Protect(ion)"

This female Rubythroat Hummingbird is enjoying the "Protection" of this White Orchid tree. Feel free to click on the image for a better look.

In between feeding at the flowers and nectar feeders, hummingbirds will periodically fly up to a protected high branch of a nearby tree or other perch, to observe their surroundings and scan for predators and other potential dangers.

This photo was taken this past January in my backyard. Now that spring is here, the hummingbirds have migrated North again, and won't return until the fall. I explain the irony in my Nature Notes post over at Flamingo Musings. Please stop by if you get a chance!

Happy Weekend, All!

A Safer Garden

2009-04-18T09:10:00.001-04:00

With Earth Day coming up this Wednesday - and Spring right around the corner for most of you (it's already been here for awhile!) I wanted to take another opportunity to beat my drum on the organic bandwagon.

Soon, you'll be re-seeding your lawns and planting your flowers and vegetables - and then doing battle with the varmints who want to enjoy them as much as you do! This is where I urge you to think before you plant and to consider organic pest control.

Remember this guy?

From Flamingo Fotos

This is a Florida Leafwing and he likes citrus and roses. I found him on a shrub near my Ponderosa Lemon, Meyer Lemon and Key Lime trees. I haven't seen him since I took this photo, but the damage is starting to reveal itself. I should have gotten some Safer brand Organic Bug Patrol. Safer's organic bug patrol kills over 40 insects and is meant for lawns, trees, shrubs and all your ornamentals. Did I mention that it's organic? And that it's certified by OMRI?

What's OMRI? Founded in 1997, the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) - a non-profit organization - provides organic certifiers, growers, manufacturers, and suppliers an independent review of products intended for use in certified organic production, handling, and processing. OMRI reviews applying products against the National Organic Standards. Acceptable products are OMRI Listed® and appear on the OMRI Products List.

OMRI organic certification is your guarantee that the products you put on your lawn and garden are safe for you and the environment. You'll find that certification on all of Safer Brand products, so before you reach for some chemical control that can kill the ladybugs and bees along with the chinch bugs and aphids, remember Safer organic pest control and be kind to yourselves and the Earth!

PhotoHunt: Purple

2009-04-17T22:00:00.008-04:00

The PhotoHunt theme this week is "Purple"

And now, for the extreme purple close-up:

Come on, don't be shy - click on it to see what I see!

This is one of my favorite Vanda-type orchids that I attached to a tree in my backyard. Contrary to most orchid-fanciers (who are absolutely horrified when I say this) , I preach the philosophy of "benign neglect" in their care. If you live in a relatively warm area, like I do, water them occasionally and leave 'em alone. It's when I fuss, that I kill them. Nature will usually find a way.

Safer Tomatoes

2009-04-15T04:25:00.003-04:00

Here they are - my first tomatoes of 2009!

I love being able to grow some of our food, ourselves. I know where it came from, I know it is absolutely fresh, and I know that I'm never going to have to worry about it being doused in harmful chemicals and pesticides. From my garden to my table. Period. And you can't beat the flavor of a tomato you've grown yourself, not to mention all the wonderful varieties available that you just won't find at the grocery store.

Speaking of pests, meet my little friend:

I've picked 5 of these tomato hornworms off my grape and cherry tomato plants, just this past weekend. They ate most of the cherry tomato plant, but were kind enough to leave me a few tomatoes. Pest control? Umm, well, I've picked them off the plants and stepped on 'em, but that strikes me as a tad inefficient. Besides, these guys are the masters of camouflage. I was lucky to find these.

But I don't want to use chemical pesticides - they're notoriously bad for the environment and can take out the beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs, along with the aphids and hornworms. What's the word I'm looking for? Organic. I'm going to try the Safer brand Tomato & Vegetable Gardening Kit for my summer "Heatwave" tomatoes. It's an organic tomato growing kit, perfect for the home grower.

Their Stake It Easy system just snaps together and adjusts as your plants grow for great support, and in several different configurations to suit your needs. Looks great for other vining garden plants like cucumbers, too. But the best part is that the Safer® Brand Tomato & Vegetable Insect Killer is OMRI listed organic and targets just the pests targeting the veggies.

News stories have reported recently that more people than ever before are starting their own home vegetable gardens - even Michelle Obama has started an organic garden on the White House grounds. With food scares and food prices, is it any wonder?

Gardening has always been my pleasure, and the organic tomato growing kit from Safer just might let me keep more of the fruits of my labors!

SOOC - Straight Out Of The Camera

2009-04-11T22:16:00.006-04:00

I've been catching hints of this new Sunday meme, all day today. It's called Straight Out Of The Camera, hosted by Jan of Murrieta 365. Because sometimes you capture an image that speaks to you straight out of the camera. So, here's my first entry for SOOC :

Just before Valentine's Day, a new street vendor appeared near my office. His modified grocery cart contained cut sunflowers and a large, colorful assortment of phalaenopsis orchids at very reasonable prices. Between his broken English and my really bad Spanish, we became friendly. Needless to say, I bought several plants for my own desk. Click on the image to get the full effect.

Please visit Jan and join in!

PhotoHunt: Triangle

2009-04-10T22:00:00.000-04:00

The PhotoHunt theme this week is "Triangle"

Kitties are all about the angles -- Triangles, that is.

PhotoHunt: Hands

2009-03-27T21:35:00.009-04:00

The PhotoHunt theme this week is "Hands"

Hands That Celebrate:

Hands at my niece's engagement party.

By the way, tonight at 8:30 p.m. - your local time - everyone is encouraged to participate in "Earth Hour". Join tens of millions of concerned citizens throughout the world in calling for action to save our planet for future generations. To get more information and to sign up for Earth Hour 2009, visit www.EarthHourUS.org.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2009-03-17T07:08:00.006-04:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day, Everyone!

Let's Play Hide 'n Seek!
(Don't forget to click on the photos!)

Had too many green beers? (God Forbid!) Okay, here's an easier one:

Hope You Have A Great Day!

PhotoHunt: Space

2009-03-07T05:06:00.008-05:00

The PhotoHunt theme this week is "Space" (Please click on the photos for a better look)

And being a Space Geek from way back:

These photos were taken at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Otherwise known as "Mission Control". Awesome place!

Space - The Final Frontier...

Have a great weekend!

Friday's Feathers: Bronzed Cowbird

2009-03-06T00:01:00.000-05:00

Today's Friday's Feathers belong to the Bronzed Cowbird.

Like all cowbirds, the Bronzed Cowbird is a parasitic nester. That is, they don't build their own nests or raise their own young, they find an active nest belonging to another usually native species, such as the blackbirds, and lay their eggs alongside the hosts'. If they don't recognize the cowbird eggs, the host birds will hatch them and raise the young as their own. This can be a huge problem, because the cowbird eggs will frequently hatch first and/or their young tend to be larger than those of the hosts, and outcompete them for food, and ultimately, survival. Some states have active programs to shoot female cowbirds in an effort to keep down their populations and give the native species a chance.

I spotted this guy during the Backyard Bird Count last month. Significant, because the Bronzed Cowbirds are just now making an appearance in South Florida.

Here's a two-fer: That's a female Red-Winged Blackbird on the left and the Bronzed Cowbird on the right. Many folks don't recognize the female blackbird, thinking she's some kind of sparrow or warbler, because, well, she doesn't look anything like a blackbird. But the young look just like her, and over the course of a year or more (usually closer to two years), the males will gradually take on more black, and will eventually start getting the red and yellow feathers that make up their "epaulets". Someday I'm going to put together a series of photos of the Red-Winged Blackbirds from young to adolescent to adult.

For more Friday's Feathers, click here.

Fugly Bugly

2009-03-05T07:23:00.004-05:00

By far, this is the fug-liest creature that has ever appeared in my garden. It's huge! and it flies! What the heck?!?

Any ideas, gang?

**Update** -- This turned out to be a Florida Leaf-footed Bug (and yes, there is a scientific name). He apparently likes citrus and roses the most... Thanks to Ed Saugstad (Saugy) at AllExperts.com!

PhotoHunt: Thankful

2009-02-27T21:13:00.006-05:00

The PhotoHunt theme this week is "Thankful" (Please click on the photos for a better look)

"Ma'am, my friends and I are most Thankful for the lovely chow you set out for us everyday."

Eastern Grey Squirrel

"Yes, we are - most Thankful!"

Red-Masked Parakeets

"Me, too!"

Female Northern Cardinal

I'm Thankful to be able to live our household motto: "No one leaves our home hungry"

Okay, maybe the occasional hawk... :-) Happy Weekend!

SkyWatch & Friday's Feathers: Hummingbird

2009-02-26T22:53:00.005-05:00

I can't help myself. I've combined my SkyWatch and my Friday's Feathers post. Again.

Today's Friday's Feathers belong to a female Ruby-throated Hummingbird taking a break between hits at the feeder:

Oh, yeah - and get a load of that sky!

Please click on the photos for a way better look.

Don't forget to check out more SkyWatch images here. And for more Friday's Feathers, click here.

PhotoHunt: Warm

2009-02-21T07:54:00.008-05:00

The PhotoHunt theme this week is "Warm"

Okay, I was planning to save this one for my other blog under the category of "Walking Fashion Statement", but then I thought you might enjoy seeing how some South Floridians stay warm when the wind chill goes down to, oh, I dunno, 79 degrees?

Don't you love the boots?

For the nature-lovers, I give you the flock of migrating Turkey Vultures warming themselves on the roof of the old Dade County Courthouse in downtown Miami:

You guys in the chilly Northlands look for the first Robin to herald Spring - We look for the first Vulture on the Courthouse roof to herald Winter and a promise of heat and humidity going down to tolerable levels! Click on this one for a better view of sunbathing Vultures...:-)

Have a great weekend!

SkyWatch & Friday's Feathers: American Kestrel

2009-02-20T02:15:00.005-05:00

or, "Fruit & Feathers II"

Once again, I've combined my SkyWatch and my Friday's Feathers post.

Today's Friday's Feathers belong to the American Kestrel:

Another fine South Florida February morning during last weekend's Great Backyard Bird Count.

I'm suffering "mango envy". This is my next-door neighbor's tree. Mine has about half as much fruit and half the size. Waaaah.

Please click on the photos for a way better look.

Don't forget to check out more SkyWatch images here. And for more Friday's Feathers, click here.

Happy Weekend!

Sunday Scenery: Williamsburg

2009-01-25T05:36:00.004-05:00

Today's Sunday Scenery is of Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia:

This was taken in February 2008. MJ and I wandered down one of the back roads on the perimeter of the historic area of Colonial Williamsburg.

Did you know that many of the smaller homes in the historic area - the ones that aren't part of the tour - are lived in? Colonial Williamsburg rents many of the properties to people who work there and average people, too. In return, they keep the properties maintained so that you and I can enjoy the scenery! Can you imagine living there?

Click here for more Sunday Scenery!

PhotoHunt: Chipped

2009-01-23T23:47:00.007-05:00

The PhotoHunt theme this week is "Chipped"

MJ and I went to a landscaping place awhile back to get ideas and started looking at the rocks. Can you imagine the size of the boulder these might have been "chipped" from?

As always, please click on the photo to see all the details and "feel" the textures!

Oh! And thanks to everyone who gave me pocket camera advice, last week. I finally went with the Canon Powershot SD1100 IS Digital Elph. I'm still playing, but so far, I'm pretty happy with it. If you scroll down to my posts of the "Back Forty" and the Monarch butterfly chrysalis, I took those with that camera. I love being able to shove it in my pocket and walk around with it at the ready!

Let's see if Mister Linky's with us properly this week, shall we?

Fruit & Feathers

2009-01-22T21:38:00.010-05:00

This is my first post for SkyWatch. I hope y'all don't mind that I combined it with my Friday's Feathers post.

Today's Friday's Feathers belong to the Bluegray Gnatcatcher:

If you subscribe to Friday's Feathers, you've seen this little guy before, from a different angle. The Bluegray Gnatcatcher is a bug-eater. He spends most of his time in trees and shrubs hawking for insects. He's a really good neighbor, fun to watch, and hard to photograph. :-) This time he silhouetted himself against the brilliant blue South Florida winter sky, perched on the large mango tree in my backyard.

For reference, the mango trees generally start blooming in January, but this year, they got started several weeks early. It also seems that, for some reason, all of the mango trees in the area have been blooming much more heavily than in recent years. No one knows if this will result in heavier crops of fruit, since they still have to survive the winds of March and the rains of April, or even the recent Arctic cold snap (and future ones). Personally, I haven't had a single piece of fruit off of them in 3 years - but the bees have been particularly busy and it could happen!

Please click on the photo for a way better look.

Don't forget to check out more SkyWatch images here. And for more Friday's Feathers, click here.

Happy Weekend!

Lemons

2009-01-22T07:16:00.005-05:00

We can now buy and grow citrus trees in our backyards again, just like the olden days! I'll tell you a little secret, though: I've planted them in big pots. Just in case the Citrus Canker Nazis rear their ugly heads again. I figure I can hide the little beggars till the revenooers go away. Shhh! Don't tell anybody...

This is my Ponderosa Lemon. It's supposed to make lemons the size of something between a baseball and a softball. So far, it's given us one. But it's in bloom again, and maybe we'll start getting them regularly. I hope. Have you seen the price of lemons at the store?!?

The Back Forty

2009-01-20T07:18:00.003-05:00

Here in South Florida, we grow in the reverse of you all up North - Winter is the best planting and gardening season. It's cool enough to grow things like lettuce, up till April or May when it becomes too hot and humid for that sort of thing. That tall, grassy stuff around the edges is lemon grass, not neglect. :-)

Now that Arctic blast is coming our way tonight. Crap.

Monarch Mania

2009-01-19T09:30:00.003-05:00

Check it out!

A Monarch butterfly chrysalis has appeared around the side of my house on some scraggly lantana that a mockingbird probably planted for me.

I don't "garden" on that side, particularly. Mostly, we just keep a path mowed from the gate to the yard. I've planted asclepias and other stuff there before, but have pretty much let both sides of the "path" go wild, since there's just the a/c over there and we don't use it for anything. How cool is that? I'll keep an eye on it...

Habitat in your backyard, people! That's what I'm talkin' about!

Sunday Scenery: Biscayne Bay

2009-01-18T00:01:00.002-05:00

Today's Sunday Scenery is of Biscayne Bay:

This photo was taken just before Christmas from a hotel on the City of Miami side of Biscayne Bay. That bridge is the MacArthur Causeway, connecting the City of Miami and Miami Beach (at the famous South Beach end of the island). Just behind the causeway is the Port of Miami, where you can just make out some of the cruise ships waiting to go out on their fantasy journeys...

This shot was taken from the same spot, but looking over to the South Beach side of the Bay. Clicking on the photos will make some of these details easier to see. I took these with my iPhone (original flavor).

This time of year is what makes living here worthwhile. Looking out over Biscayne Bay, you can almost forget the traffic and noise lurking just behind you. :-)

Thanks for visiting, and have a great Sunday!

PhotoHunt: Hat

2009-01-17T05:11:00.005-05:00

The PhotoHunt theme this week is "Hat"

A parting shot from the aforementioned Mango Strut Parade. I don't think further explanation is needed... :-)

Have a great weekend!

P.S. - I forgot! I wanted to ask your advice: MJ wants to get me a little pocket-sized digital camera for my birthday (something I want), but said I should pick out what I want.... But I don't know what I want! Any suggestions? It needs to be pretty easy and have a zoom. After that, I'm open....

Friday's Feathers: Male Cardinal

2009-01-16T06:54:00.002-05:00

Today's Friday's Feathers belong to a male Northern Cardinal:

In my last Friday's Feathers post, I put up a picture of a female Northern Cardinal. This is a male. The Cardinal, as I wrote before, is a fairly common bird all over the U.S., and his brilliant red plumage and head crest make him one of the most instantly recognizable.

As mating season approaches, he'll fly to the top of the highest tree in the yard, and instead of the usual cheek! cheek! sounds, he will sing gloriously to attract a female. He will feed his mate in his courting behavior, and instead of running her off from the feeders, he will call her to the choicest morsels.

The babies aren't nearly as attractive, but at late spring and summer, they will bring the young ones around, and I'll try to get you some shots of them...

Happy Friday!

Mango Strut - Bubbles

2009-01-15T07:38:00.005-05:00

This year's Mango Strut parade through Downtown Coconut Grove was a throw-back to the parades as they were when they first started up over 25 years ago. I thought I'd show you something totally non-political: A clown making giant bubbles.

Here's a little secret: I don't like clowns. Not Ronald McDonald, not even Bozo when I was a kid. They're kind of creepy and scary. Of course, I felt the same way about Santa Claus, but that's another issue.

But I love bubbles, and if I disregard the fact that this guy is made up like a clown, I can appreciate that he made some very cool ones that day. Can you see it? No? Then you should definitely click on the picture to make it bigger.

JJ's New Toy

2009-01-13T06:35:00.002-05:00

MJ got JJ a new toy for Christmas - a Flingamastring. It's a battery-operated um, string-flinger. You attach it to a doorknob, turn it on (fast or slow), and it basically teases your cat for you by dangling a string in her (his) face and yanking it back!

"Ooo. Pretty colored string..."

"Maybe if I sneak up on it...."

"Hey! Where's it going?"

"Gotcha! Hey! No! You can't have it back!"

Even when she catches it - and she's pretty strong - she can't pull it completely off of the toy, so when she loosens her "grip", it'll just suck it right back up again and start the game all over again! Great entertainment for humans, too... :-)

One word though - it eats AA batteries like crazy, so if you get one of these, do the environment a favor and get the rechargeable kind!

No, this is not a sponsored or paid-in-any-way post. I just thought I'd share with you how nuts my husband is... :-)

PhotoHunt: Aftermath

2009-01-10T00:36:00.003-05:00

I'm baaaack! And I really missed you guys!

So Happy New Year to one and all!

The PhotoHunt theme this week is "Aftermath"

This is one of the entries in the most recent edition of the Mango Strut, Coconut Grove's satirical send-up of the Orange Bowl Parade. Of course, the Orange Bowl Parade has been dead for several years, now, but the Mango Strut lives on!

This year's theme - for the most part - couldn't help but be a brief retrospective of the Bush years and the Aftermath. Appropriate, no?

No Posts... Temporarily

2008-12-26T09:19:00.002-05:00

My laptop is in a coma at present (I think it's either the power cord or battery, maybe both), and I can't get the little beggar looked at till Saturday morning. I'm writing this from work, which could potentially get me fired, but hey!

Unfortunately, the laptop is where all my photos are. Yes, by some strange miracle of timing - for which I am not famous - I actually did a backup the night before!

Anyway, there will be no Friday's Feathers nor Saturday PhotoHunt from me until at least Saturday afternoon. Sorry!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T00:58:00.002-05:00

Yes, Matthew, those are Flamingos on Mrs. J's Christmas tree.

A Flamingo Chanukah/Christmas

2008-12-24T00:36:00.009-05:00

Drumroll, please! The moment you've all been waiting for (or maybe not):

A Flamingo Christmas

Welcome! I hope Santa brings you lots of great prezzies and stockingsful of happiness.

Don't forget to put out the cookies - and no peeking!

Oh, and stop by Flamingo Musings for, what I think, is a great very last minute gift suggestion!

Happy Chanuka!

2008-12-21T16:05:00.004-05:00

The Jewish holiday, Chanukah, begins this evening at sundown. It's an eight-day holiday celebrated by lighting candles (one the first night, two the second, and so on), giving gifts, and of course, eating!

A Chanukah menorah, the traditional candelabra or candleholder, is distinguished from a regular menorah by the number of candles it holds: eight plus one placed slightly higher or set off from the others. That is the "shamash" or servant candle, and is used to light the others. Okay, so technically, there are nine. These are the "fun" menorahs. They range from the beautiful, to the one made out of clay by your kindergartener. They can be simple or ornate, plain or colorful, and the whole gamut in between.

The photo above is of a whimsical cat-shaped menorah made by a metal artist, given to me by my sister-in-law a couple of years ago.

This is my little Chanukah tablescape. There are some holiday knickknacks, my dreidel lights (a dreidel is a four-sided top that is marked in Hebrew initials that stand for "a Great Miracle Happened There", referring to the story of the Maccabbees... Oh heck! This is my photoblog. If you want the rest of the story, come over to Flamingo Musings in about 30 minutes from now.

Happy Chanuka or Hannukkah, or Chanukah, or however you want to spell it!

PhotoHunt: Wide

2008-12-20T10:44:00.006-05:00

The PhotoHunt theme this week is "Wide"

As with some of the more recent stumpers, I didn't know what I wanted to do with this week's theme. I guess most of you have figured out by now that I'm just a little, um, what would be the polite term? Quirky.

So, yeah. This presented itself to me this week. I guess it's a little, um, quirky.

Then there's this (you really should click on it to really get the feeling:

Our true entry to the wide expanses of the universe.

Friday's Feathers: Female Cardinal

2008-12-19T06:54:00.005-05:00

Today's Friday's Feathers belong to a female Northern Cardinal:

For a change, I wanted to show a photo of a bird that was actually standing still! No blur, no butts, no branches. Isn't she a beauty?

**I sometimes forget that there are people all over the world who might not be familiar with our flora and fauna. Oops!

Yes, the Northern Cardinal (another one of those birds with "Northern" in their names, who do not necessarily stay north) is actually quite common over much of the U.S. In fact, the cardinal is the "State Bird" of no fewer than seven different states! The male is more familiar to most people. He looks exactly like her, except that everywhere you see brown / buff, he is bright red all over. Very striking. I'd like to get an equally clear shot of him up soon for you.

PhotoHunt: Favorite

2008-12-12T21:10:00.000-05:00

The PhotoHunt theme this week is "Favorite"

You've probably already seen some of my favorite birds, so I won't repeat myself; the tree's still not trimmed and the menorahs still not unpacked, so I can't show you those favorites; I need to replace the switch on the porch light, so I can't show you my favorite gift - a large pink feathered wreath made for my birthday two years ago by my girlfriend, BooBoo. I have lots of favorite things, so what shall I show you?

This is my Favorite Seat. This is where I collapse when I come home from work, where I watch TV, where MJ and I eat our dinner most of the time (his favorite seat is at the other end). This is where I read, nap, listen for the orioles, download and edit my photos, and this is where I blog. Both Flamingo Fotos and Flamingo Musings come to you courtesy of the left-hand end of the big brown couch. :-)

Happy Weekend!

Friday's Feathers: Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher

2008-12-12T00:57:00.002-05:00

Today's Friday's Feathers belong to the Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher:

Isn't he adorable? Another bug-eater who loves the mystery tree(? tall shrub?) in my backyard. What can I tell you about him? Well, um, he's blue-gray and he eats bugs. He's also very tiny and always moving - like the warblers. Therefore, hard to get an in-focus shot of. Grrrrrr!

BTW, it's official: Said tree/shrub is a bona fide mystery. No one knows what it is. Not even the experts down at Fairchild Tropical Garden. Great.

The Peacocks of East Ridge

2008-12-10T06:17:00.006-05:00

Peahen

Peacock

I don't know how Peacocks were introduced into the several suburban neighborhoods where they've taken up residence, down here. The "why" is fairly obvious. Peacocks are very regal-looking birds, with their magnificent plumage and stately air, as they stroll, what were at the time, the lawns and estates of the wealthy folk who owned the town way back when.

The rich and famous of way back when are long gone, and the properties, for the most part, broken up into residential neighborhoods of every strata. But the Peacocks remain. You either love them or hate them. During mating season, especially, they are loud and the males become aggressive toward anything that moves. They're also not terribly particular about where they perform their, um, bathroom duties (no bird is, but their produce is much larger, messier, and liable to be on your car or the walkway to your door).

These photos were taken in an old part of South Dade, at a retirement community called East Ridge, and these are just two of a much larger flock that roams the grounds with impunity. It's not yet mating season, so all is peaceful at the moment...

Of course, you should click on the images to see them in their glory.

PhotoHunt: Breakfast

2008-12-06T09:09:00.007-05:00

The PhotoHunt theme this week is "Breakfast"

I know, I'm late! For me, anyway....

When this little guy sees me puttering around the backyard, he races across the utility lines, down one tree in my neighbor's yard, up another, leeeaaaps! into the mango tree canopy, down its trunk, and peers around from behind, until he sees I've dumped some "squirrel chow" onto the top of this old blue Rubbermaid container under it. Then, when I've turned my back and walked away a few feet, another great leap onto the container, and he'll munch away happily at his Breakfast.

At least it keeps him off the bird feeders for awhile. If you can't beat 'em, feed 'em.

Happy Weekend, all!

Friday's Feathers: Canary-winged Parakeets

2008-12-05T01:51:00.004-05:00

Today's Friday's Feathers belong to the Canary-winged, or Yellow Chevroned, Parakeet:

I love these little parakeets - they're so animated!

They have the best natural camouflage I've ever seen. You can hear them up in the trees having loud, high-pitched conversation, but search as you might, you'll very rarely see them up there. When they're ready to be seen, anywhere between 4 and 24 of the little rascals will descend on the feeders as if by magic!

JJ Commiserates With Daisy

2008-12-03T06:30:00.002-05:00

I'm not playing "Wordless Wednesday", today, but I was just over at Daisy's blog, and I had to post this:

Daisy, JJ feels your pain...

Butterfly Wednesday: Dingy Purplewing

2008-12-03T06:08:00.004-05:00

We have a lovely butterfly here called the Florida Purplewing. This isn't it. Of course not. What do I get? Its cousin, the Dingy Purplewing. Figures, right? Pretty cool, though. Do click on it to see it in all its furry magnificence!

Happy Wednesday!

Another Way To Give Thanks

2008-11-30T00:18:00.005-05:00

I didn't take this picture, in case you're wondering. Although, if I had, it would have made a nice PhotoHunt "Metal" post, eh? :-)

If you read my other blog, Flamingo Musings, you already know that I periodically send care packages to members of our military serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Not because I support the war, but because I support these women and men who volunteered to serve their country. There is a difference. Whatever you believe about the reasons they're there, the fact is, that's where their country sent them.

Anyway, this photo was sent to me by one such serviceman recently, so I could see the faces of the people whose spirits were lifted by that box containing soap, shaving cream, lip balm, cookies and Slim Jims. There are a lot of things they don't get or get enough of out there. I could go on. And probably will, at a later date.

One of the most important things to them, though, is knowing that their families are okay. But that's not always the case - many of these men and women are on their second and third rotations over there, and their families are struggling.

At least for the Holidays, we can help there, too. Sears has a program called Sears Heroes at Home Wish Registry, that benefits military families who need help. Clicking on this link will take you to the Sears Heroes at Home Wish Registry website, where you can donate online, in any amount you choose. Sears will take the total amount of the donations and divide the money equally between all of the registered military families, giving them gift cards so they can buy the things they need. Do you know what the Number One requested item is? Kids' shoes.

While you're there, read about some of the 30,583 military families who are registered with the program, in their own words, and post your own message of support. Read more about it at Sears Heroes at Home Wish Registry.

This may be a sponsored post, but the few bucks they pay me will be donated right back to this program. Just so you know.

PhotoHunt: Metal

2008-11-29T00:01:00.002-05:00

The PhotoHunt theme this week is "Metal"

Seriously? Metal? Am I missing some hidden meaning? A double-entendre? I didn't know what to do with this.

So, I did this:

On the U.S. Thanksgiving Day this past Thursday, MJ and I had the traditional sumptuous turkey dinner at the home of some friends. They deep-fry their turkeys in a big Metal deep-fryer dedicated to the purpose, and kids, I tell you this was some of the best turkey I have ever eaten.

I know they thought I was a little strange when I said "Hold it right there! I have to get a picture of this!" But then, perhaps I was just confirming what they already knew. :-)

So? Did I clear the theme?

And speaking of Thanksgiving... You know that Daily Click link in my sidebar? The one I urged you to click and support getting free mammograms for women who can't afford them? Did you know you can shop there? I just did like 90% of my holiday shopping for Christmas and Hannukah at The Breast Cancer Site, The Hunger Site, The Rainforest Site, and The Animal Rescue Site. Their prices are phenomenal, right now (in the US) shipping costs one cent, and you can help your favorite cause and the environment and find all kinds of cool gifts for just about everyone in the family!

Friday's Feathers: Spot-breasted Orioles, Redux

2008-11-28T00:01:00.005-05:00

Today's Friday's Feathers belong to the Spot-breasted Oriole.

I know I posted some photos of Spot-breasted Orioles last month, but either they've grown up really fast, or this is a pair of adults. I just love these guys, so indulge me...

These birds are actually natives of south-coastal Mexico and Central America. They were introduced into southeastern Florida in the 1940's, where they became established. Populations are reportedly declining since the '80's, cause: unknown. Although you couldn't tell that by my yard!

They're dedicated suburbanites, hanging out in shrubs and small trees, eating insects and berries, and sipping nectar. Which I guess is why they seem to be attracted to this corner of the yard. I still don't know what that small tree with the tiny white flowers is, but the lower shrub is a Pavonia Bahamensis, a Bahamian relative of the hibiscus. Both are great favorites of the bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, so it stands to reason. Look at that guy in the bottom photo, with his (her?) schnozz buried in that Pavonia flower!

Please visit other Friday's Feathers posts here.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T09:22:00.005-05:00

Monarch Butterfly

JJ didn't feel like posing for a holiday photo, this morning, so this will have to do. You can find my thoughts on this beautiful Thanksgiving Day over at Flamingo Musings, so I won't repeat myself here. I'll just say Thank You to you, all of my friends, old and new, online and off, and wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

Giving Thanks - Thanks for Giving

2008-11-25T21:57:00.002-05:00

Look into those eyes, will you?

JJ was a shelter kitty. MJ and I went to the southern branch of the county animal shelter to donate an extra piece of cat furniture. While he was filling out the donor paperwork, I went into the "kitten room" - a screen enclosure very thoughtfully located just inside the front door (hee!) - to play with the kittens. As I bent down to pet some of them, a small black striped ball of fur shot vertically into the air and landed on my shoulder, purring wildly. "Look, Honey! A volunteer!" It was, of course, all over after that.

I tell you this story because I'd like you to consider an alternative to some of the traditional places you might do your holiday shopping. Namely, The Animal Rescue Site. Or The Breast Cancer Site. Or The Rainforest Site. Or The Hunger Site. Or The Child Health Site. Or The Literacy Site. If you've ever clicked on any of the buttons on my sidebar, you know that you can click every day and - without any cost to you - by clicking you are helping your favorite cause, or all of them. But did you realize that you can shop, too? Serious.

There's such a variety of things to choose from, ranging from t-shirts to jewelry, house and garden, and on and on. Lots of really cute stuff for kids and teens and adults. And the prices are really reasonable! Look, I know there's a lot of competition for the few bucks any of us has left, but when you give a gift this holiday season, wouldn't it be nice to know that your purchase is not just going to make someone smile, it's not going to cost most of your right arm? And that it will benefit something you believe in?

Like feeding and finding a good home for JJ?

PhotoHunt: Reflection

2008-11-21T21:26:00.002-05:00

The PhotoHunt theme this week is "Reflection"

Another excuse to show some of my favorite images from the Dale Chihuly installation a couple of years ago at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables (a small city sort of part of Miami to those of you unfamiliar with the area, but don't tell them I said that... they get rather pissy if you call them "Miami") - one of my favorite places on the planet, especially in winter. A great spot for Reflection.

This last one is my favorite. And yes, I've posted it before. Go ahead and click on it. If you look closely, you'll see the Reflection of the rock wall surrounding this little pond. If you look even closer, you'll see the Reflection of me taking this picture! In fact, click on all of them. While they have been resized, enlarging them will give you a far better view of the Reflections. :-)

I think these were taken in January '06 or '07. I can't remember which. But I know that the following summer was when my hard drive imploded irreparably, and the only reason I was able to save these, was because I had loaded them onto my iPod and was able to download them again. Consequently, there are no un-resized versions to show you. One of my biggest regrets, and a cautionary tale - backup your drive! Often! A poor Reflection on me.

Friday's Feathers: Palm Warbler

2008-11-20T22:15:00.001-05:00

Today's Friday's Feathers belong to: The Palm Warbler

Look at that bright yellow butt!

From its name, you'd think the Palm Warbler is a year-round resident of South Florida, but you'd be wrong. The Palm Warbler is one of our winter guests, vacationing from The Great White North (a/k/a Canada), mostly.

And despite the fact that this is about as southeast as you can get on the North American continent, this seems to be the Western (or Brown) form.

Birds. Go figure.

Waiter, There's A Damsel In My Soup

2008-11-18T06:49:00.004-05:00

I recently told someone that I had never seen a damselfly before, and even if I had, like the dragonflies, I doubted if one would hold still long enough for me to take a picture of it. And then...

Right? Look at the face on that critter!

P.S. - I bow to Michelle's superior knowledge that this is a dragonfly, not a damselfly. I was going to ask her first, but I guess I was under the impression that if it was blue, then it must be a damselfly. Oh, well. I guess I still haven't seen one. I still think it's the coolest dragonfly I've ever seen. And I really like the title of my post, so I'm not changing it. :-)

PhotoHunt: Ruin

2008-11-15T00:37:00.004-05:00

The PhotoHunt theme this week is "Ruin(ed)"

We spent several days in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, last February. I think this is probably the first picture I took on our first morning there. I just loved the lines and textures of this old "ruined" tree.

Please click on the image for the full effect. Happy Saturday, y'all!

Friday's Feathers: Monks

2008-11-14T06:23:00.006-05:00

Today's Friday's Feathers belong to: The Monk Parakeet

"Bernie, quit horsing around and get over here!"

These are Monk Parakeets, also known as Quaker Parakeets. They're fairly common and apparently pretty popular as pets. Which cracks me up whenever I see one in my local Petco. I can't help but think of the dozen or so that come around here each day, wild and free. For free. Okay, maybe for a little bird seed.

Happy Friday, everyone!

Veterans' Day Tribute

2008-11-11T00:01:00.001-05:00

A Flamingo Fotos salute to the women and men of our armed forces, past and present:

Red Salvia

White Peacock Butterfly

Blue (unidentified) Wildflower

Thank You For Your Service!

PhotoHunt: Together

2008-11-08T03:06:00.003-05:00

The PhotoHunt theme this week is "Together"

This week, anything is possible!

"Why, yes. We are together. Why do you ask?"

(female cardinal & canary-winged parakeet)

(Click to enlarge!)

Friday's Feathers: Catbert

2008-11-07T00:01:00.004-05:00

Today's Friday's Feathers belong to:

Catbert!

Well, that's what we've named him, anyway. Catbert is a Gray Catbird, a winter visitor down these parts. Catbert likes Beautyberry berries, the berries on a still-unidentified small tree in a corner of the yard, insects, and using the ant moat in the hummingbird feeder as a drinking fountain.

Go Blue! - A Reminder

2008-11-02T16:22:00.002-05:00

JJ says: Of course I voted BLUE!

Please stop by Flamingo Musings for a little tune you can hum while standing in line to VOTE this Tuesday!

PhotoHunt: Blue

2008-11-01T00:08:00.007-04:00

The PhotoHunt theme this week is "Blue". A reprise -- I give you "Boo Jay":

"Is he looking?"

"Boo!"

I'm so glad PhotoHunt's theme this week is "Blue". It's my theme, this week, too! Please see my post below to see why Flamingo Fotos has changed from it's usually rosy-pink look to "Blue". It's a personal meme, and I hope you'll join me over the next couple of days!

Have a great weekend, and GO BLUE!

Go Blue - A Meme

2008-10-28T22:58:00.002-04:00

What's going on? you ask. I know, it looks a little weird. So if you didn't get an e-mail from me, here's what's going on:

My friend Kris had - what I thought - was an inspired idea, and I promised I would spread the word. I hope you will, too.

Let’s all go BLUE for the next week, between now and Election Day, and particularly on Election Day - especially if you live in a heretofore RED or "battleground" state! Like Florida. Or Virginia. Or Ohio (my actual original home state - Go Buckeyes!) Very simple, and doesn’t cost you a dime – wear the color BLUE everyday at work and at play, to indicate our desire for CHANGE.

It’s subtle, requires no conversation (unless someone actually notices and says something like, "Hey! You’ve been wearing blue all week - forget to do your laundry?"), no banner-waving - just a quiet statement that you demand CHANGE. It's kind of a grassroots thing. Maybe folks will notice and will feel encouraged, empowered. Maybe I'm delusional.

Coincidentally, I’m wearing a blue shirt today, so I’m off to a flying start. Join me and spread the word by e-mail and blog. I’ll be blogging about it for the duration on Flamingo Musings and however possible on Flamingo Fotos, in fact, I'm turning my blogs BLUE for the next week, until Election Day.

Think of it as a meme. Come on - tag yourself. Let's turn the States BLUE! Join me?

Spot-Breasted Orioles!

2008-10-27T00:05:00.002-04:00

Well! It's certainly been a banner birdwatching weekend around the ol' imaginary Flamingo Pond! And I haven't even been able to sit out to watch for birds all weekend because of all the rain we've had.

The good news? The rain is bringing with it our first "cold" front of the season - high 70's during the day, 60's at night, clear skies and low humidity (go ahead and laugh, all you Northerners). The bad news? The fabulous weather is arriving just in time to go back to work! :-( This had better not be a trend. Last winter, the weather was glorious all during the work week and rained nearly every weekend. It sucked, actually.

Where was I? Oh, yeah -- during the avian lunch rush this afternoon, three Spot-breasted Orioles showed up to snack on the balloon vine that I let run amok on the side-yard fence!

This one appears to be the "baby" - he's just starting to get his black throat feathers in.

This one's the adult - or nearly so, anyway.

They finally came close enough for me to get a couple of shots! Yaaaayyy! Geez, I really have to clean these glass doors...

Don't forget to click on the images to get a way better look!

Winter's Coming!

2008-10-26T02:49:00.004-04:00

Do you know how I know Winter's coming (and all the way down here, it ain't as simple as leaves turning color or a special quality to the sunlight, etc.)?

She's baaaaack! My little female Painted Bunting has returned to my feeders!

Isn't it funny how you tend to refer to them in the possessive? Here we have a truly wild and free creature, who, because she likes to visit my yard for the occasional meal in autumn and winter, has become mine. Just like the Gray Catbird who we've named "Catbert". Probably isn't even the same catbird, or perhaps one of several but we only ever see one at a time. Silly.

Okay, this isn't a current photo, but I'll get one soon, now that I know she's here.

But I'm overjoyed because - this week alone - I've seen the Painted Bunting, Catbert, and a couple of the Turkey Vultures (fly-overs, of course). That can only mean one thing: Winter's Coming! And down here, it just doesn't get any better than that.

PhotoHunt: Scary

2008-10-25T00:01:00.006-04:00

The PhotoHunt theme this week is "Scary".

Well, it could be scary - if you were the driver of that small black car parked illegally so the driver could use the ATM across the street. Right? C'mon, back me up, here.

Okay, it's a stretch... wouldn't be the first time... :-)

Hah!

2008-10-22T06:46:00.006-04:00

If I had a category for "fantasy", this would be there:

Squirrel-Be-Gone Vista Feeder

*	Large capacity wild bird feeder holds more bird seed so you refill less often
*	Brushed nickel feeder looks fresh and stylish in any garden or yard
*	Deters squirrels and other pests with weight-sensitive bar

Stylish and stunning, this brushed nickel wild bird feeder looks modern and sophisticated in any backyard. Hopper-style Squirrel-Be-Gone Vista Feeder holds 7-1/2 quarts (approximately 9 lbs) of seed, which means less refilling for you! Features an adjustable, weight-sensitive feeding bar to limit seed access for pesky, larger birds and squirrels. When squirrels hop onto the feeding bar, the bar drops to protect the seed. Also features a tight-locking lid to keep seed fresh and pests out.

This is how it really works:

Sure, I could adjust the bar to make it more sensitive, but then the parrots and multiple birds would close it off. As it is, only one parrot at a time can use it - 2 will shut it down. >Sigh!<

I surrender.

PhotoHunt: Family

2008-10-18T01:16:00.006-04:00

The PhotoHunt theme this week is "Family".

This is a Family group of red-masked parakeets (or cherry-headed conures, if you prefer). Truthfully, I don't know where Mom(s) and Dad(s) were, but these are mostly maturing juveniles. They're beginning to get the red around the beaks and you can see where they're beginning to molt a bit and get in some red feathers here and there.

Over the last couple of years, I've only ever seen them here in small groups of anywhere between 2 and 6. This is ridiculous! Here's your challenge: How many parrots do you see? Go ahead and click on the photo!

Altogether, including the ones on the other feeders and that I could see on the power lines and/or trees, I counted 24! And that's just what I could see! I have never had so many at once, ever. I'd say they're a Family - brothers from a different mother, sisters from a different mister.

I love these guys - parrots make me smile. You just can't help yourself. :-)

***************

Speaking of helping yourself... Please click here to donate free mammograms to women in need. It costs you nothing but a few seconds of your time, and you could help save lives. Remember, your click counts double this month, and The Breast Cancer Site's premier sponsor will donate 200 additional mammograms if the site gathers enough clicks to fund 500. But it takes 45,000 clicks to earn one mammogram, people, so click everyday, especially this month, and tell all your friends and family!

PhotoHunt: Lazy

2008-10-11T00:01:00.005-04:00

The PhotoHunt theme this week is "Lazy".

"It's Caturday. Buzz off."

JJ on her "daddy divan". Or is it Daddy under his furry blankie?

Of course, feel free to click on the image to enjoy JJ in all her plushness. :-)

******

Have you clicked to donate free mammograms today? Your clicks count double this month, so every one counts for two!

PhotoHunt: Sad

2008-10-04T00:01:00.010-04:00

The PhotoHunt theme this week is "Sad".

An angry, mentally-ill homeless man argues with a tree.

****

But on another, less Sad, note:
As you know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. So while I have your attention, I'd like you to click on this graphic. The link will take you to The Breast Cancer Site, where by clicking on the pink button, you will help donate free mammograms for women in need. This is totally for real. It doesn't cost you a penny. This is how it works: The Breast Cancer Site is sponsored by a number of different companies who donate free mammograms to indigent women based on the number of clicks on that little pink button. The sponsors gain exposure because you see their logos and might be interested enough to check them out. But you don't have to. All you have to do is click and then go on your way.

During the month of October, if they get enough clicks to earn 500 mammograms, their premier sponsor, Bare Necessities, will donate an additional 200 mammograms. But it takes 45,000 clicks to earn one mammogram, people. So everyone's help is needed. Your click will be counted only once a day, so please click every day. While you're there, you'll notice other tabs at the top of the page where you can click to benefit childhood literacy, rainforest preservation, shelter animals, fight hunger, and more. All at no cost to you. You can click through every tab on the site in under 60 seconds. That's all it takes. Unless you decide to shop. :-) Please click and help save lives. And tell your friends. Thank you!

Okay, I'm getting off my soapbox... for now. :-)

PhotoHunt: View

2008-09-27T08:21:00.006-04:00

The PhotoHunt theme this week is "View".

I work in a tall, glass-fronted building in downtown Miami, and several times a year, generally during what is obviously migration seasons, we unfortunately get a few "bird strikes". Occasionally, they're fatal, but most of the time, at least to my personal knowledge, with a few minutes of quiet time, the little guys just shake it off and continue on their way.

One of my co-workers usually has the "luck" of being around when it happens - we don't know why her - and when it does, she picks it up and brings it to me - "The Birdlady" - for identification and to make sure it will be okay. Occasionally, I'll take it home with me for release in my yard if I think that's appropriate, but mostly, like this time, once the bird becomes alert and shows no sign of injury (aside from general confusion as to what the hell happened!), I'll take it outside to the south side of the building (where there's less glass), and release it - hopefully a few hundred feet closer to its original goal! :-)

This is a Blackburnian Warbler -- and whether it's the View of the sky and trees reflected in the glass of my office building, or its View of my desk, (I know, it's a stretch!), it had a rather surreal View that morning!

Sorry for the quality - I took these with my iPhone, rather too close, I'm afraid... but I didn't want to miss any details...

PhotoHunt: Road

2008-09-20T00:08:00.004-04:00

The PhotoHunt theme this week is "Road".

Last week's PhotoHunt ("Wild") was so much fun, I couldn't help but wonder what I would post for "Road" (I confess to peeking ahead in the list!). I wracked my brain and couldn't come up with a thing. Then...

Sunday morning, as I went outside to bring in the newspaper, there was a flock of ibis just walking down the Road past my house! Don't forget to click on the photo!

Have a great weekend!

PhotoHunt: Wild

2008-09-13T00:01:00.005-04:00

The PhotoHunt theme this week is "Wild".

That's an American Kestrel perched on a utility pole a couple of yards down from mine, being approached by, believe it or not, a White-Winged Dove!

It looks like an attack, but I'm pretty sure it was just a mistake. The dove did pull up just inches from what might have been, shall we say, an inopportune landing. You know, the kestrel being a hawk and the dove being, well, a dove, and all. Even if they are roughly the same size, I don't think it could have ended well for the dove. Even so, I'm not even sure that the kestrel even noticed!

Click on the photo to get a better look. Wild, huh?

**P.S. -- Keep a good thought for those poor folks on the Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coast -- they're having their own "wild" time with Hurricane Ike (that narrowly missed us) and can use all the good vibes we can send them now, and all the help we can spare, later!

A Rose By Any Other Name...

2008-09-09T07:13:00.006-04:00

I have no idea what this is. Wildflower, no doubt. Weed? Well it is growing in the wrong place. Do I care? Not much.

This conversation was inspired by Michelle over at Rambling Woods, this morning.

Weed? Wildflower? Personal preference, I say.

PhotoHunt: Strings

2008-09-06T00:08:00.001-04:00

The PhotoHunt theme this week is "Strings".

This is the web of the spiny-backed orb-weaver spider. I've posted photos of the spider before (pretty cool in the close-up), but because of this week's theme, I concentrated on the web. Pretty "stringy", no? As always, I encourage you to click on the photos.

And now, for something completely different:

This is the unlovely end of those beautiful vanda orchids. Click on it and look closely and you'll see strings on strings!

Happy Weekend!

Butterfly Weed

2008-09-05T07:22:00.004-04:00

Butterfly Weed, Asclepias. Food for the Monarch Butterfly - leaves, flowers and all. I just think it's cool that one plant produces three different color combination blooms on the same stalk.

Red Hibiscus

2008-09-04T00:55:00.004-04:00

That's it. Just a red hibiscus growing in my front yard. I hope the peach-colored one blooms soon...
Reminds me of the little preserved hibiscus buds MJ used as garnish for the cosmos last night. I wonder how you do that. I'd take much better care of this shrub since I saw the price sticker on the bottle! :-)

Don't forget to click on it!

PhotoHunt: Beautiful (Alternative Version)

2008-08-31T16:30:00.003-04:00

As I said in my PhotoHunt post yesterday, I wanted to present something different. With absolutely no disrespect to any of my fellow photobloggers, many of whom presented truly beautiful photos in yesterday's Hunt - and I told you so in your respective comments (mind you, I still haven't looked at everyone's!), I knew there would be a lot of landscapes, flowers, children, and yes, even old people. Even I showed an orchid that I thought was particularly dramatic and beautiful. As our hostess illustrated in her presentation, everything is beautiful through the lenses of our cameras, if it moves us.

This moved me:

Why am I moved by an empty bird's nest? It goes back to what I'm trying to accomplish in my yards, front and back. That is, establish a wildlife habitat in an urban/suburban setting, while still maintaining a "socially acceptable" landscape.

We planted this longan tree (relative of the lychee) about six years ago, in the front of the house, next to the driveway. It's about twelve feet tall now. We've had bird feeders and bird baths in the backyard for about three years, and the birds came. And they brought their kids. But I've never seen evidence - despite all the native shrubs and other plantings we planted over the years, that they were actually nesting here. I've done some research, and I think it's either a mockingbird or cardinal nest. I'm leaning toward cardinal because of all the paper and plastic in the outer part of the nest.

You should click on that graphic over there in the sidebar, and find out how you can create a wildlife habitat in your own yard. You don't need a lot of space, just an appreciation for the creatures we displace.

There's a nest in a tree we planted near the street and next to our driveway. To me, that's beautiful.

PhotoHunt: Beautiful

2008-08-30T00:20:00.007-04:00

The PhotoHunt theme this week is "Beautiful".

You know, this is a very tough theme. "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" and all that. I really wanted to show something different, but this ain't it. :-)

This is my "stopgap" entry for this week's PhotoHunt challenge. It really only just occurred to me which picture I'd really like to post, but I haven't taken it yet. :-) I'll have to wait until daylight, then see if I can get it. ** Well, it's daylight now. Unfortunately, it's also pouring rain. So. I guess this will have to do, after all.

In the meantime, this is a dendrobium orchid. It's my favorite kind of photo - intimate. I've posted some of these before, but not this particular photo. You really have to click on it to fully appreciate the variety and depth of textures and details. It's like it's own little world.

This is more along the lines of traditionally Beautiful. I'll get that other shot later in the weekend. It will just have to be it's own post.

Have a great weekend!

Bunting Girl

2008-08-29T01:02:00.004-04:00

This is a female Painted Bunting that visited my feeders all last Winter. I'm hoping she'll return this year, and maybe bring a mate with her! The males are the ones with the brilliant multicolored plumage. I've only ever seen one in my yard, and he stayed back in the corner in the "butterfly/hummingbird" garden, chasing insects. By the time I got my camera, he was gone. Maybe this year, a pretty little female like her can tempt him to the pleasures of the feeders!

PhotoHunt: Wrinkled

2008-08-23T00:03:00.003-04:00

The PhotoHunt theme this week is "Wrinkled".

This is actually my own hand decorated with henna for a friend's wedding. Her family is from Tamil Nadu in southern India, and she had a "mehendi party" the night before her traditional Hindu wedding. The whole weekend was awesome and created memories for a lifetime.

A favor? Please click my little dragons before you go! Thanks!

A couple of you have asked to see more pictures from the wedding. Clicking here will take you to my Flickr mini-album. I apologize for the quality of the indoor pictures - the light was strange in the temple. That is, there was lots of it, just not where I needed it! :-)

Fay-zed

2008-08-19T14:34:00.005-04:00

Tropical Storm Fay grazed us with the "dirty" - that is rainy, windy, messy - side of the storm. The birds made off for cover somewhere, mid-day yesterday, but came back hungry this morning!

BTW - This is Fayze. Guess where I got the name? Please click on him/her (don't know yet which) and my other baby dragons, so they'll grow up!

PhotoHunt: Colorful

2008-08-16T00:05:00.003-04:00

I had to choose something from my photos of the first Chihuly exhibit at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden for this week's PhotoHunt theme: "Colorful". But I couldn't choose between these three. Which one would be your pick? Don't forget to click on the images to see them full-sized!

1. Carnival Boat

2. Carnival Tree (top)

3. Carnival Tree (detail)

Have a great weekend!

poll by twiigs.com

On Top Of The World

2008-08-14T06:00:00.003-04:00

"Go get your own country - Germany is mine!"

JJ loves "Ticket To Ride - Marklin". Her winning secret? Block all of the tracks!

BOOjay!

2008-08-13T06:04:00.004-04:00

"Hee hee hee! Is he looking?"

"BOO!"

Shoe Tree

2008-08-11T06:05:00.003-04:00

This is a planter right outside the front door of my office building.

There's a major bank, more lawyers than you can count, and a very upscale plastic surgeon whose clients arrive in limousines, in this building.

The planter has a 30 foot tall palm tree, some oak leaf fern, and now this embellishment.

I'm just trying to envision the circumstances where one would leave a single shoe behind in this particular location. I'm stumped (you should excuse the expression).

Could it be the other shoe? Check out Flamingo Musings today to see one theory...

PhotoHunt: Dark

2008-08-09T05:06:00.001-04:00

This week's theme at PhotoHunter is Dark. I chose this pic because it epitomizes dark, nightfall, the end of another day, to me. This is the time that many of the birds come for one last feed and one last bath before flying off to roost wherever it is that they go for the night. :-) Like these white-winged doves and starlings. Please click on the image!

"Oh, Yeah?" 2

2008-08-07T06:10:00.001-04:00

Don't forget to click on the images!

Beautyberry

2008-08-05T06:10:00.000-04:00

The mockingbirds and catbirds love this stuff. It's supposed to repel mosquitoes, but I'm not holding my breath.

I was going to be a smart-ass and post this for PhotoHunt's "Beautiful" theme, but I don't know those people that well, yet. :-)

February Revisited

2008-08-04T06:05:00.000-04:00

So, it's been like 92 degrees and sticky icky humid the last several days and I needed to feel cool again. I just now, quite by accident, figured out that I can download the photos from my iPhone into my computer, as if it were a regular camera. Tech Goddess, I am not. What does one have to do with the other? Well, these shots have been sitting in my phone since February, when we took that ill-fated trip to Virginia. This first one is from our first frosty day in Williamsburg.

We finally did make it to Monticello - on our way out of town - and this one was taken there. That slopey area behind it is Thomas Jefferson's vegetable garden (which they continue to plant), and then a rather sharp drop-off.

I wasn't much into pictures of people in colonial dress and all that, and it was February, so nothing was really blooming, and I just really love the textures. Hope this translates when you click on them.