Up close and personal

As I anticipated, tonight's post will feature a ton of pics. However, because I'm fading fast it will not contain a ton of words...

I focused on the hummingbirds once again while over at Mom and Dad's, mostly because in just a few weeks they'll all be heading south for the winter. So I figure I should enjoy them while I can:





After a while I decided to go stand next to the water fountain so I could keep an eye on both feeders at once. As it turned out, the second feeder was too shaded to really get any decent shots. However, the hummingbirds were so focused on each other that my presence was a secondary concern at best—meaning they had no qualms about flying past close enough for me to touch, much less sitting on the tiger lily stalks that were a whole four or five feet away:



Needless to say, I took full advantage of the chance to take some truly close-up photos:







Trying to look as big and fierce as possible:





"Bring me Solo and the Wookie."





A good look at the adult feathers starting to emerge on this young male:







Trying to keep an eye on the birds coming in from both sides:





Not to mention straight above:



I didn't just stand around photographing hummingbirds the whole time, though. In fact, shortly after I arrived Dad and I went up into the woods so he could show me this pretty spectacular mushroom:



And, of course, I had to add to my Kaylee collection as well. I have a feeling she's going to be rather disappointed when corn is no longer in season:





"Look what I've got, Dad. Go on... take it."



"HAH! Too slow!"





Making sure she puts a safe distance between herself and everyone else:



So nice and crunchy:



I actually took this last one when we were up in the woods so I could photograph the mushroom. It's not the greatest shot in the world, as it's hard to make out Kaylee's features, but I still liked the effect of the afternoon sun coming through the trees behind her:

Lots of photos again today...

...so I'll just get right to it.

When Kaylee and I went up into the woods for a quick stroll this morning the contrasts between the wet wood, green moss, and white fungus caught my eye:



During our afternoon walk, while Kaylee was scouting the terrain ahead for me, I noticed a bird flying back and forth not far from where she was exploring. I definitely didn't recognize the calls it was making, or the bit of the wings I could see when it went by. So I started taking pictures in hopes I could identify it later. I'm pretty sure it's a Spotted Sandpiper, but if anyone reading recognizes it and knows differently please be sure to let me know:



Literally the only two shots that came out in focus when I tried to photograph it in flight:





After two gloomy days, the sun finally started breaking through the clouds as Kaylee and I made our way home:



Today's shots from the back yard, starting with a Blue Jay that got a bit damp during this morning's showers:



Negotiating real estate space with a woodpecker:





An itchy chipmunk:





Things can get a bit crowded at times:







A male hummingbird resting on one of the chairs on the back porch:



And working the flowers in the planter one of Mom's hummingbird feeders hangs underneath:



Finally, today's Kaylee pics.

Snacking on some grass while we were out walking:



And lounging on top of the hot tub:

Fun(gus) Friday

When I was having dinner with my folks last night, Dad mentioned having seen an extremely large mushroom when out walking Kaylee earlier in the day. Since it was still raining off and on, and I knew today was supposed to be a bit better weather-wise, we decided that I'd stop by before work this morning so Dad could take me up there to check it out. Mom even offered to feed me again as well. Photos and food? No way I'm going to say no to an offer like that.

So, first thing this morning Dad, Kaylee, and I headed up into the woods, where I photographed what was definitely hands down the biggest mushroom I've ever seen:





Dad brought along a garden decoration given to Mom by a friend several years ago: an angel made of clay that I'd say is roughly the size of a volleyball. Maybe a soccer ball. Not only did it make for a fun and whimsical image, but it helps give a better sense of how big the mushroom really was:



A couple of spider webs I noticed on our way back down the hill:





After a very yummy breakfast of eggs and hash, I stood at the back door for a while to take some bird pictures. It was actually a pretty quiet morning at the feeders in that regard, but I managed to snag a few shots nonetheless.

A couple of Blue Jay photos:





A female Rose-breasted Grosbeak with her tail smushed up against the feeder:



One of those shots I can only attribute to blind luck:



Finally, Kaylee. Although when I saw her in this pose I was more inclined to call her "your Majesty":



Keeping an eye out the window:



When it was time to head to work I went back to look for Kaylee in the living room, only to discover she'd ambled on over to the bedroom. I cannot even begin to describe how tempting it was to curl up next to her and go to sleep when I saw her on the bed like this, all snuggled in and warm:



I mean, come on—this is pretty much the visual equivalent of taking an Ambien as far as I'm concerned...