Camping Month and Birthdays!

Well, the month is over and the last weekend, which is the one we looked forward to, was a washout, so we came home early. For me, camping is being outdoors and if I am stuck inside for 3 days, I would go nuts, lol.

We did get to spend one day before we left, so at least I got in one more paddle and time enjoying the wildlife. It is amazing how many birds and animals live along the waterways.

I was able to find a new nest and  get a shot before I disturbed her enough, to leave the nest. I would think the blackbirds would be used to all the boaters who paddle and fish on the pond.

And here is another Redwing Blackbird couple, she was not going to take that worm to her babies until I left the area. The male just makes a lot of noise and hopes I will go away.

Since the weather was on and off that day, we took a ride to the observation deck and spotted this Hummingbird high in the tree. There were a lot of birds, but they move too fast and hide in the bush, so that is a hard area to get shots.

And I tried to get some shots of the birds near the waterfall, but the rain was blowing into my window, so I couldn't get a clear shot. I decided to make a montage with a saying, for them. 

And since we came home early, we had a little party for the family, Ivy, the boys and Bill, all have birthdays this week. Nick got his new bike, which was too big for him, and since they couldn't take it home, we offered to drop it off the next day. In the meantime, I had Bill take it back and get one a few inches smaller. I rather have him ride a bike that makes him happy than one that he is afraid to ride. Once he got used to it, he was riding like a pro and smiling, that was all I needed to make my day. Alex loves space and wants to be an astronaut, so we got him a play mobile spaceship, play set. 

While we were there, I noticed a lot of activity in their backyard. I guess I don't need to go far to find birds, I can just sit in their backyard.

I spotted a robin, bring dinner, only one baby in her nest.

  

On the side of the yard, another nest, this one a Catbird. She had two smaller babies in her nest.

I also caught a Blue Jay, who was kind enough to pose for me.

And a few of the other visitors to his yard. A Downy Woodpecker, a Carolina wren, one of the neighbors chickens came to visit, a Chipmunk and lots of bees. It definitely was a lot easier than taking photos from a moving boat. 

I hope you all had a wonderful week and a weekend filled with joy. 

Friday Finish!

I hope everyone had a nice week and enjoying the summer as much, as is possible. I didn't get much done while we camped or during the week, it was mostly catch up when I got home, but I worked on my quilting and finished another little pillow today.

This is another design by Deborah Cade, and I made up two more to do later.

We had a nice time camping, but it was hot. The campground has a pool, but you have to sign up in the morning to get a time slot, so we were able to take a swim on the second day.

This is our spot, right on the river and surrounded by woods and lots of birds, a peaceful place to relax.

Of course being on the river means, I am on the water as much as possible. It is a small river but deep and it leads to a pond. The pond is full of lilies and plants, but the main passages are easy to paddle along and all deep water.

The area in front of me is all state forest, so a lot of wildlife and birds in the area. I had a hard time getting photos since they were camera shy, but I finally came out later in the afternoon and sat in the lilies to catch a few photos.

This Great Blue Heron was there when I went out each day, I was lucky enough to catch him on the hunt and catching his dinner.

Lots of turtles and dragonflies in the lilies, such a calming place to sit as they flew around me.

And on the way back, I caught this Redwing Blackbird, who had made a nest along the river banks.

It is a nice place to camp and they have activities every weekend. For the fourth they had a wonderful Southern country, rock band and a parade of golf carts on the fourth. Most people didn't wear masks but we kept clear of others and stayed away from the other events, but we will definitely camp here again, everyone was friendly and nice.

This weekend we will rest a bit and catch up on things, but also get out a bit for a day trip. The Ocean beaches are so crowded, you cannot move without people so we will stay away. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and you and your families are blessed with good health.