Sunflower Finch and an Absence of Swallows

Take a look at who is enjoying the sunflowers in the garden these days.

These lovely goldfinches can brighten any day, and lift spirits sky high.


Our swallows have all left us now -- they usually take off about mid-August.  With


a tiny exception -- the late hatching barn swallows (hatched August 4th) are still with us, clustered on the wires and practicing flight manoeuvres. They need strong wings and good hunting skills before following their cousins South.

I thought they had left on Sunday -- but Monday evening, all six of them (Mom, Dad and the four kids) came swooping back into the stable, cheerfully chirping.

We wish them the safest of travels, and look forward to seeing them return next summer.

The goldfinches will stay with us through the autumn, joining our blue jays, chickadees, nuthatches and woodpeckers at the bird feeders, which we'll be starting to fill again when the weather dictates.

Take care of them, all you southern living folks... look after their habitat, and their food supply...   cherish them.