More from Around the Yard, July 20

I am linking up Camera Critters and I'd-Rather-b-birdin I hope you will join in on the fun and share your critters and birds.

It has been a hot humid week here in Maryland, other than going to work and coming home to a cool house I have not been anywhere to take different shots. It's too hot!!!!! So these may look the same but they are new photos. The Ruby Throated Hummingbird easily entertains me. Goldie Girl has had a hair cut for the summer and looks more like a Labrador than a Golden Retriever. She is still my cutie!! I caught a Chipping Sparrow singing loudly by my mailbox. And I am trying Tex's idea of putting out fruit to attract more butterflies. I am not having much success. :(  So that sums up my week and now for the photos.

Goldie Girl looking more like a Lab. See my cute bear, it's ear and nose was chewed off by my neighbors Labrador mix Marlow. He came over for a visit, despite his invisible fence. A wild puppy, he is a handful.

I am going thru more sugar water now, and very happy to provide food for these cute hummingbirds.

A hummer near the monster trumpet vine on our deck.

Another shot of my male Ruby-throated Hummingbird.

Hummingbird Moth at our butterfly bushes. It has a cute fuzzy bottom.

I have caught this one butterfly, at least I think it is a butterfly at the fruit feeder. The fruit feeder is an idea I stole copied from Tex, except she has had more success. Tex, what am I doing wrong?
I did catch some green looking flies and found a good way to be rid of overripe fruit.  :) We go thru more bananas, I usually eat one a day. The mushy bananas go out to the fruit feeder.

A loud Chipping Sparrow in the pine tree by my mailbox.  He is peeping at me while I get the mail.

If you have time click on my links and visit with my blogging friends and their blogs. Where else can you visit Africa, the south of France, the United Kingdom, I believe Sweden and last but not least Virginia, USA all in the same day?

 Ok, here is my new list for the week of my favorite blogs to visit and if you missed any... look back at all my previous Saturday posts they go as far back as 6/22/13.

Jo's Memorable Meanders  visit with Jo, she will take you to Africa and shares her beautiful birds, scenery and life in Africa.

1000-pattes Noushka has been sharing some amazing birds and insects. Awesome and beautiful nature photos.

Birds & Nature in the Forest of Dean,  Bob has awesome closeup of great birds. I am in awe everytime I visit his site.

NF Winged  Monica has this fun meme on Thursdays..sharing birds, insects and anything with wings. I love all her birds and nature photos and appreciate her hosting this meme.

Life at golden pines..Kim is truly a loving person ..she runs a Golden Retriever rescue... which is a very generous thing to do. I wish I had the time and funds to do the same...I love my goldens...Goldie Girl and before her my first golden love.. Daisy. 
I hope you enjoyed this variety of photos and critters. 

 I wish everyone a happy weekend.

 To see more beautiful photos and cute critters

 please visit:  Camera Critters and I'd-Rather-B-Birdin. Thanks to the gracious hosts Misty Dawn of Camera Critters and to Anni of I'd Rather-B-birdin.

Herons & Hummers

For my World Bird Wednesday and  Nature Notes

On Saturday, a friend from my bird club and I birded Violettes Lock at the C&O Canal and Hughes Hollow. One of the birds I really wanted to see was the Green Heron. I was lucky to spot this one below almost as soon as we arrived at Hughes Hollow.  A list of the birds seen at Hughes Hollow included two Green Herons, Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, two Red Shouldered Hawks, RT Hummingbird, a wren, Mallards, Yellow Billed Cuckoo and a few swallows.

Green Heron at Hughes Hollow

Hummingbird Clearwing moth 

Ruby Throated Hummingbird at Thistle. I see a tiny dot on its throat this might be a juvenile male RT Hummingbird.

Great Blue Herons and DC Cormorant at Violettes Lock and on the Potomac River.  I really was looking for a Black Tern  that had been spotted previously in the area. No luck on finding the Black Tern so my search for a Black Tern goes on.

I was amazed at all the dragonflies, skimmers and moths we saw. They might deserve a post of their own.

For more great birds and photos check out Springman's World Bird Wednesday and

Michelle's  Nature Notes .

Thanks to Springman and to Michelle for hosting and thank you for visiting my blog and post. I hope everyone has a great week and happy birding!