Prickly Pears,
with pretty petals.
Beautiful blooms,
on bristly barbs.
Cacti,
charm,
with catty claws.
Cheers to you from The Holler’s captivating cacti~
Holler Blooms~
Archives
Acrobats~
Looks aren’t everything.
Acrobatic skills,
are more important.
The ability to debate is a also necessary ability.
It isn’t fair, but unfortunately is true,
looks often get you, more grape jelly!
Cheers to you from the handsome, skillful, and well fed Holler Orioles~
(Note- We are traveling now and will be out of the range of wifi for while. Stay safe & take good care).
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Newbies~
Meet the new neighbors at The Holler!
The Brown Headed Cowbird is a parasitic brooder.
Females of this species produce up to 36 eggs per season, and lay the eggs in other bird’s nests to be raised.
They have the most unusual vocalizations, sounding something like underwater bells. No one knows how they know how to sing since they don’t learn it from their parents. Listen to samples of their song:
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Brown-headed_Cowbird/sounds
This Lark Sparrow is also a new neighbor.
They look similar to female grosbeaks,
except for their distinctive harlequin hats!
Cheers to you from The Holler newbies~
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Neighbors~
The Holler has the best neighbors. (click/tap to enlarge)
Check out the marvelous modeling mama,
grosbeak!
She is photogenic from every angle,
and loves having her picture taken.
She is a very friendly neighbor.
The orioles,
and acorn woodpeckers add a splash of color to the scene.
Cheers to you from our Holler neighbors~
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Romneya~
These gorgeous huge poppies are bloomin’ up The Holler!
Also known as the Matilija Poppy, these are the largest flowers in the poppy family,
and they are the largest native California flower.
The blooms are 8 inches in diameter,
and the bushes grow to about 10 feet in height,
They are a challenge to grow, but so worth the effort!
Cheers to you & Happy Mother’s Day from The Holler’s Romneya~
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Fanfare~
Close up wonder of a hummer’s tail. (Tap to enlarge all photos).
Hummers can hover and fly backwards.
Their tongue is longer than their body and rolls up when not in use!
They can flash their colors at will.
Hummers are joy in the garden!
The world’s smallest bird,
is quite brave,
and not afraid of humans.
Cheers to you from The Holler Hummers~
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Mr. & Mrs. Grosbeak~
Meet mommy grosbeak.
She is not as flashy,
as her hubby.
But she has a subtle, more delicate beauty.
Here is her dashing Romeo.
You have to admit he is, quite the looker, and eater!
He is shy, hesitant around humans,
smart birdie.
Cheers to you from the happy Holler honeys~
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Holler Newbie~
Meet the Lazuli Bunting!
He’s the new bird,
on the block!
I had never heard of a Lazuli Bunting,
until this guy showed at one of The Holler feeders.
Now he is a Holler local.
Happy Easter to you from the beauteous blue bunting~
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The Golden Boys~
are back,
at The Holler!
The golden girls are too.
This guy is a Bullocks Oriole.
All the rest are Hooded Orioles.
They are amazingly fun birds to have around,
because they have such comical personalities.
They head-bob, bicker, play and people watch.
Cheers to you from the handsome Holler orioles~
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Chasing Rainbows~
Off again,
chasing rainbows.
This one arced over The Holler,
the valley,
the bank.
The Pot of gold was on our garage!!!
I ran to catch it, but it danced away.
The storm was followed by a frosty moon.
and pastel sunset.
We’ve left again. Chasing rainbows.
Cheers to you from The Holler~
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