Birds, Bath, and Blooms!

 These pics were taken on March 4th, 2012.  Recently I purchased a bird bath near the bird feeders to add a little extra fun to the space.  Starting this year into next, I will be adding more color and little art pieces here and there to give the gardens a bit more punch.  Next to the fountain is the Texas Mountain Laurel.  The blooms on this slow growing bush are signs that the garden this year is going to be one amazing place!  Last year after the historic freeze, there weren't any blooms and the El Presidio Gardens didn't look so good.

While the photos on today's post aren't the greatest, they do give you an idea of how it's all set up.  The trees and bushes were just beginning to bud.  I'm hoping for some excellent cacti blooms this year and that should be very very soon:)

Peach Blossoms

Since I'm writing about blooms, I need to let you see the peach blooms that are always the first to bud on our trees......reminders that hibernation is over for many of our plants in Tucson.  The larger the tree becomes; the more spectacular it is in spring.  This year was no exception.

I've also been adding little bird houses here and there just to make the garden areas bird friendly.  If you love birds and want to attract them to your space, remember to plant low lying bushes or grasses to help aide in ground cover.  Birds like to have a quick escape and hide when they sense danger.

I'm proud of this one particular space.  Xeric and bird friendly, it truly lends itself to lowering our water bill while adding a lush green side forest to the El Presidio Gardens AND adds the voices and sounds of birds to the mix on top of it all.  This garden is around 3 and a half years old and each year becomes a little more magical.  More tomorrow...

La Casa De Semillas

House Finch

Bird feeders are fun.  I'm nowhere near some of you when it comes to your birding checklists:)  I'm still enjoying using my camera to capture the shots. My focus today is on "the easy".  I went for a hike in Madera Canyon a couple weeks ago, which was fun, but there wasn't much wildlife out and about.....or at least none that could be seen:) 

.....well....beyond the woodpeckers.  So I met up with an older birding couple from Ontario, Canada who were really nice......

And we watched as the birds kicked the seed all over the place......

....and while that was all going on, we had a great conversation on some of the birds they saw that day.

White Breasted Nuthatch

So I discovered the Nuthatch and the Titmouse.  It was funny.  I hiked 2 hours and saw a lot of pretty landscape but NO animals until I got off the trail.....

Acorn Woodpecker

.....where local residents put out bird seed......and it was nice to not have to work at snapping the pictures.  I just stood where I was and let the show go on.

.....and then I saw some of the most amazing visitors.....like the Bridled Titmouse.  A new favorite in a never ending and increasing bird list.  The Bridled Titmouse!!  What an interesting name! They were cute.  Sometimes I wish we had some of the birds that are seen elsewhere like the Blue Tit, etc.  But this was just as cool.

Bridled Titmouse

Making a strong appearance were the Gray Chested Jays.  They were in EVERYONE'S airspace today!  Still.....what a beautiful bird!

Mexican Jay

And then people wonder why we add birdfeeders to our gardens:)  I ask them back, "Why wouldn't you?"  More tomorrow....