Check out the critters who dropped by The Holler in the last week or so.
Grosbeaks are building nests all over Hollerdom.
Red winged blackbirds are new arrivals and are hopefully nesting too.
The orioles own the place, and their distinctive hanging nests are up and going.
Yep, we put out a snoopy toddler pool for wildlife watering.
Wily E. sniffed it a bit and helped himself mid-day, soon after we filled it! Cheeky wily one.
Osprey came to check out all the action.
Maybe he followed the bald eagle.
One Ceanothus Moth typically shows up each year, usually in May. This one was early and had a five-inch wingspan!
Cheers to your from your Holler critter friends~
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Love the Wily E Photo 🙂
Initially I was dumb, and was very scared of the coyotes when I first moved here. Now, eight years later, I have learned to enjoy them.
That’s lovely Cindy, I think if you take your time you can co- exist along side each other 🙂 Have a lovely day 🙂
Yes, one does need time, to figure most things out, especially how to co-exist, which ultimately is the most important thing of all.
The odd one to me is the moth. We have the other suspects around here, but he’s really cool.
It is odd. We typically get one of these gorgeous moths a year and they land on our back window screen, and stay for a few days. This one is a month early. I wonder if we will get more than one this year.
That would be cool.
It would, but I am content, with one. <3
So cute and great images! That is a huge bowl for the wildlife – you are so thoughful!
It is covered with Snoopy images. I wonder what the critters think of Snoopy!
Why do I think Wiley E. will be owning that pool soon? Wonder if he likes tennis balls, too!
Can’t you just see him sitting in it in mid-summer? The tennis ball idea is sheer genius. I will put some out by the pool. 😉
Hopefully he doesn’t eat it!
He is Wily E. He couldn’t survive all the human hatred, unless he is smarter than us all.
I do want to see what he will do with the tennis balls.
I suspect he will ignore them.
But not before sniffing them and pushing them around a bit with his snout.
😉 😉
But let’s see.
I am adding tennis balls to my grocery list.
I think, actually, he might.
Your bird life is wonderful! And you took beautiful shots of all of them The coyote looked to be checking the water out pretty carefully.
He was highly suspiscious, but he did eventually drink.
So how did you get them all to pose so nicely for you? (smile) As always, such lovely photos, Cindy.
I think they are just natural hams and posers! 😉
Wow so amazing
Ahhh. thank you!
The colors are just magnificent!
Mother Nature gave them these colors. <3
If I click my shoes three times, the holler can be my home….click, click, click. Huge grin!!
All that’s missing is Auntie Em, wait, what a scary thought, I am Auntie Em!!!!! 😉 😉
Omgosh, you made me giggle and I got to see beautiful pictures, win/win! Huge hugs.
Visa versa 2Ux2! <3
Wow, you have quite a few one-of-a-kind photos here… red-winged blackbird, osprey – yeah they’re certainly new to me! And now maintaining a pool for coyotes and other guests! It’s like a resort for all the critters out there. What a generous thought Cindy! <3 ~Lynn
You would love all the birds out here Lynn. Literally hundreds just outside my office window. They keep up a constant hub of activity. The orioles are stripping palm strings to make their woven nests, all the birds are eating , bathing, nesting, squabbling. The Holler is definitely for the birds!
Yes, you know I would Cindy! Until I get myself out somewhere like The Holler, I’ll continue loving stories from you! I’m finishing that book on parrots in the wild and have gained insights on what various bird species might be like according to their nesting behavior. Would love to get out into the great outdoors and apply my knowledge to other species! 🙂
The parrots are the most accessible to humans vis-a-vie their intelligence because they can speak human languages, plus they are freaking smart.
Science is now gloaming on to Raven intelligence, woodpecker memory. Flocking behavior is being seriously studied for essentially telepathic communation. Scientists have now, finally, begun referring to birds as “feathered apes.”
According to science, we are top of the food chain, predators.
But birds are ancient, and effectively evade us.
What does that make them?
Smarter than us.
That’s quite the visitor waiting for a dip in the pool 😀 lol
Yes, I suspect he’ll soon lobby for a larger one! 😉
You’ll see that memo soon I’m sure lol
I have no doubt and it will be a pack request with lots of howling if I don’t comply!
What a fantastic array to see at the holler, Cindy! Wonderful photos.
So pleased you enjoyed them Jane & cheers to you~
Gorgeous photos Cindy! I wish I could get such clarity. And that moth! Wow!
Alison
Each year we get one, but always in May. I wonder if we’ll get more this year~
What amazing colors on this little creature
We have a large group of grosbeaks this year, and they are so beautiful!
Wow! You know their name… I’m impressed
I like my birdies! <3
Excellent photography. In high school, we had resident red-winged blackbirds who regularly dive-bombed us students. It happened so frequently that our rival school ridiculed us relentlessly. The dive-bombing always occurred near the entrances of our rectangular shaped school complex where there were lots of bushes and trees. This shrubbery included one ubiquitous specie which prolifically produced a bright, toxic (to humans) red berry. Adults told us the birds were consuming these berries and getting “high” which made them act more aggressively. I don’t know if that’s true, but the dive-bombing behavior was very regular and didn’t appear to be exclusive to the bird’s nesting cycle. It was a little annoying, and at times comical especially when new students would transfer in from other schools. The poor kids would often panic when the birds came after them… lol!
Wow!
Blackbirds getting high at your school. I am surprised the principal didn’t put them on detention and force them to attend after school DARE training. Sorry, couldn’t resist! 😉
Besides being druggies (which I didn’t know until you just told me) they are also one of the most promiscuous of bird species. A single male may have as many as 15 female mates and he will vigorously drive off all intruders, including humans who get near them. This probably also makes them cranky, just think 15 wives. They are known to be quite defensive birdies. We’ll see how they deport themselves at The Holler. It is not possible for them to out aggress the hummers.
OMG, that’s hilarious! 15 wives? Maybe they should think about getting an anti-Viagra drug?…lol!
Honestly, it could help calm them done, but then of course, they wouldn’t be red winged blackbirds. <3
Those red winged blackbirds are gorgeous. It’s like they’re decorated with a splash of paint.
Exactly! They are particularly beautiful when they fly with these even larger crimson patches. I hope they stay long enough for me to get some more clicks~
Such gorgeous photos, Cindy. Are you sure you’re not a professional? Looks it to me.
You have many colorful companions at the Holler. Love that moth – wow!
One moth, once a year, always in May. Strange. But this year one has arrived in April. We’ll see what happens~
This year has definitely been one for the books.
<3
Such a heavenly place, Cindy! These birds and Wily E. know you love them. 🙂 I have never seen colorful moth like this one.
Fabulous captures! Thank you so much, Cindy! 🙂
The moth is the strangest thing. One moth, each year, stays on the back window screens for a
couple of days and then flies away, like clockwork, each May. Except for this year, when this one arrived early.
One moth each year 🙂 Birds and wildflowers are all one month early this year here in Texas. 🙂
Okay, yes, thank you, this may explain it. Wow.
Amazing shots Cindy!
Thank you Dor & Happy Sunday evening~
Hi enjoyed the wonderful pool with its esteemed Wily Coyote. I wonder if it were hot, would he jump in?
I liked the very different birds and 5 inch wing-spanned visiting moth. I like how you say there is only one each year. 🙂
I think he just might jump in when the Holler starts cookin’ around July. I will take a click for you if he does!
Wily E. looks like he found a paradise… thank you Cindy!
Yes, the coyotes out here are healthy which is nice to see.
Your Wylie really does look like Wile E. Coyote lol incredible creatures surrounding your world. Intoxicating!!! ❤️
He looks like Wily E, because he is Wily E! 😉 😉
haha!! That explains it! 🙂
<3
Terrific shots! The moth is extraordinary.
Yes, the moth is incredible and so large. Very much unafraid of people too.
I made some adjustments yesterday to my post delivery system. I wasn’t getting yours at all unless I went to my reader, which I don’t do often. You’ve been languishing there and I was missing all the good stuff if this is an indication. Wow! Those are some great photos!!! I couldn’t pick a favorite.
Awww, that is so nice. Thank you and so pleased you enjoyed the wild ones. They make the very best neighbors!
I actually prefer those kinds of neighbors.
Yes, very much, me too. <3
Your photographic expressions bring ecstasy to my eyes!!! That moth is gorgeous, if u can comfortably say that about a moth🙄And the osprey and birds…BUT MOST OF ALL THE COYOTE HAVE A REFRESHMENT BIA YOUR SNOOPY POOL!!! Love him or her..goddess bless I got providing water for them…😘😍❤️
I did think the Snoopy pool was most appropriate for the wildlife! 😉
You are thoughtful and most appreciated my friend. Be well~
Yes!!! That pool is perfect!!! I leave birdseed for the doves and blue jays and crows that sit on the lines above out pool…last year a dove gave birth in the palm tree in our backyard!!! That was a seemingly strange location but they all seemed to make it and now they too swoop I for the morning buffet.. I love caring for just about every living thing..including fishing drowning bees
Out of the pool…I just feel part of them when I help care for them..circle of life and all that rot😉😎🙌🏼😸👍🏽
Yes!
Exactly.
One finds their true importance through others.
Doing this for you and me, seems an essential task, connecting us all birds, animals, humans. Actively engaging in it like you are doing is an amazing gift.
As we see and protect the beauty in wild creatures, we cannot fail to recognize and want to protect the beauty in ourselves.
“Goddess bless u for providing water for them”…my typos are getting worse
No worries about typos, I am the Queen of Typos, never met one I don’t love~
Then I am regent!!!
Good for you! <3
Amazing photos!
Ahh, thank you.
Fascinating.. I love the osprey, such a majestic bird! Thanks for sharing!
Yes, and for me a very elusive bird, this was my second chance in life to see one.
Love that moth’s coloring. Beautiful.
It is quite an amazing creature, in pretty much every way.
You get to keep such great company Cindy.Fantastic photographs.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
I have the best possible friends. <3
Wonderful colors, wonderful captured… 🙂
Ahhh, so nice. Thank you~
I love the wildlife pool! I put out a container of water under the trees here for visitors coming through.
So they wiil come to you, knowing you put it there. <3
Birds were always fascinating to me. That freedom that flight and the beauty. Your captures are tremendous and sublime.
You are the person I post them for. <3
Great photos! Ospreys are beautiful, but always have a rumpled look, like they got out of bed on the wrong side.
Yes! Exactly! Hard to photograph for just this reason. They look like rumpled witches. Amazed you know this!
red winged one is so striking, quite wonderful, really 🙂
He is quite handsome and must know it because the males have up to 15 mates at the same time!!
I love the coyote, I have never seen one (I don’t think we have them here in Spain!) He looks very well. 🙂
Oh, I am so glad you love the coyote. It took me living with them to wise up about them, get over the stereotypes and my fear. They are hated in much of America which is ignorant. They are similar to wolves and share much common DNA. They are intelligent and highly adaptable. They thrive in harsh conditions. At The Holler they are very healthy because they eat a lot of rodents and calves. They hunt in packs like wolves and co-operate.
Your wild e is like our urban foxes in his cheek. Good at this time of year when the Cubs come and play on the lawn. About the fab butterflies how are your butterfly populations? Ours seem to be diminishing at an alarming rate in the UK through a combination of lost habitats and climate changes
I love your foxes and photographed them extensively last year both in London, yes London in a Duke’s walled garden, and in Ireland. They are so beautiful, with such strong family bonds. In London I photographed a family with two kits over several days. Gorgeous and so playful.
Coyotes seem halfway between a wolf and a coyote. They share a lot of DNA with wolves and are larger than foxes. They are incredibly adaptable, and can survive in a variety of harsh habitats. They are merciless predators and are hated by many Americans. When I first moved to The Holler I was stupid and very afraid of them. Now, I respect them as I do any wild creature.
Yes, our butterflies in the US are diminishing, although you can’t tell at The Holler. We have huge populations of honey bees, butterflies and moths.
Long may that be the case Cindy, esp the bees.
<3
These are absolutely stunning pictures!
Ahhh, I am touched. Thank you!
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
This week’s photographs from the Holler courtesy of Cindy Knoke and including a wonderful up close and personal with a coyote…
I am so very happy that people are saying nice things and liking the poor maligned coyote. I used to be stupid and terrified of them in the huge packs they live in out here. Living with them for eight years now, I have learned and am no longer so ignorant. They really are incredible, intelligent, wild creatures and formidable hunters. Thank you Sally for supporting them. They need support.
They are stunning creatures as most are that live in their natural state. It is only the intervention of man that upsets that equation, unless of course they are shooting with a camera instead of a gun. Then we all get to see their magnificence…. hugs
Ahhh, Sally, you are such a good person.
I totally adore Your Holler critter friends Cindy and they are all so gorgeous! Love the fact that you put out a little pool for the wildlife. That is so amazing! Wiley E definitely enjoyed that! What a beauty it is! Thanks for sharing. 😀 ♥
Just so very pleased that people are appreciating the coyote. They need and deserve our appreciation. Thank you my friend~
Wonderful photos
Thank you!
Your photographs are stunning.
I have never seen such a colorful moth, quite something. I wonder why there is only one.
I know they live and breed in the wild lilac (ceanothus) that blooms all over here. We typically go away in late April so maybe we miss them, but I have only seen one every year usually in May when we return. This one is early which makes me wonder if we might get more.
I hope you dp
<3
Stunning – thanks so much for sharing them with us.
I thank you more for appreciating our wild critters Mary!
wow..very special photos..thanks a lot for sharing <3
Thank you more for liking them!
Wow!!! Amazing wild life, you got national geographic in your backward 🙂
We used to have grizzlies here. In fact the largest grizzly in the US was shot here in the 1890’s. I wish we hadn’t killed them all off. I would love to have them here, it would spice things up!
Beautiful photos Cindy! It’s so nice of you to provide water for the wildlife. It’s hard to pick a favorite, but the blackbird is stunning.
He is a handsome fellow and apparently knows this. He has up to 15 mates, at the same time!
Wow!
🙂
Dear Cindy,
I love your holler friends, they are so pretty and colourful. 🙂
They love you too Ranu and would love to meet you~ <3
I love being a witness to the changing seasons and wildlife at the Holler. Your photos really are amazing!! Thank you 💛
I am just honored and pleased to know you Val and to share our lives.
Mutual 💕
<3 <3
Well done Cindy! I just love getting a glimpse of your world. 😀
Awwww, it is more enjoyable when shared with you!
Such lovely sharp images – wonderful colours
Ahhh, thank you Diana, most kind and appreciated!
Were these taken on your new camera??
No, we have had rain and so I have not had much chance to use the new camera, except for practice shots. With the practice shots I am not seeing too much difference, even though the new camera is more than twice the cost of my existing one. Tomorrow there will hopefully be sun and I can take them both for a extended try out. I’m gonna look for that eagle!
I saw a difference between my D750 and the Sony A7 if you can believe that. I almost felt the Sony was too sharp lol. Not sharp enough, too sharp, it’s not me it’s the camera!!! 😉 Good luck finding the eagle. 🙂
Yeah, I was hoping for increased sharpness. Tomorrow will tell. If I don’t get it, I can relax about using a less expensive camera. I sorta felt guilty about that. We are funny aren’t we? Too sharp, too cheap, these are our complaints. <3