Chrissy

Chrissy is on the left on top.

We went to a scrimmage game at Millikin to see her cheering for the first time.

Empty Nest

I hadn't seen or heard the parents this morning, so I went out to look in the nest and the babies have fledged! I had hoped to see them learning to fly, but they must have taken right off while I wasn't there to see. No evidence of foul play; the nest is intact and empty. It's pretty quiet in the yard now.

Babies

The eggs have hatched. As I was sewing, I watched the adults going to the nest with bugs in their beaks. When I went out and peeked into the nest I saw little baby birds.

Expecting

Four eggs are in the nest.

Carolina Wren Nest

The other day as I was at my sewing machine, a Carolina wren pair were singing loudly right outside the window. I watched as they built this nest in a hanging flower basket. Today, I went out to check the nest because it had been so quiet, and was surprised when the female flew out.

I quickly took photos and went back inside. A few minutes later she returned.
It will be fun watching this new family.

As you can see the deer (or rabbits or both) are munching on my hosta, leaving bare stems sticking up. In the past I've put netting over my plants but birds get caught in it, so that was nixed. We have some repellant spray but apparently that wears off too soon. Next I plan to try fishing line and soap.

Birthday Girls

Jenny and Chrissy's birthday was on Sunday, I took them to lunch on Thursday. Chrissy had big news - she made the cheerleading team at Millikin U. for next year! Looks like I will be going to some sporting events.
We've had some beautiful weather, in between the rain. Cooler, and the cicadas seems to a little quieter. Lovely evenings with the full moon this week.

Cicadas

This has been the year for the 13 year cicadas to come out and party. My youngest grandbaby was born 13 years ago, his birthday was Friday, the 3rd. I remember the cicadas being out when he was born. They are fascinating to learn about, spending 13 years underground feeding on tree roots, then emerging by the millions (it seems) flying up, mating, laying eggs and dying. According to the article "A Prime Mystery" written by Laura Erickson in the spring 2011 issue of Birdscope ( a newsletter of the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology: Nobody can explain why the cycles of periodic cicadas are prime numbers, but many people believe it somehow makes it harder for predators to track their cycles.

It's been so hot and the cicadas have been so very noisy and smelly - I'm ready for their party to be over.