Maybe it's just because this is the first spring in six years that I have lived in a community safe and inviting for birds (other than pigeons) to fly around from bush to bush, nestle in the budding trees, and chirp and trill to their mates, or maybe it's because I am taking my daily walks during the afternoons before sunset, but this spring I am noticing so many more birds. Or maybe it's because I'm always carrying my camera around and looking for opportunities to photograph anything that might be of interest to put on my blog.
Whatever the reason, I am seeing and hearing birds everywhere. It's another good reason to live in Ventura County, California. The birds are here, telling me it's spring.
Another sign of spring is the blooming of the jasmine bushes. I inherited three thriving jasmine plants along with the nine camellia bushes when we bought our home. All three jasmines are in full bloom now, their heavy, sweet scent filling the air all around the house, inside and out. As I walk through my neighborhood, I can smell the jasmine in other gardens before I see the plants as I pass by.
I remember the first time we walked through this house, almost exactly a year ago. When I visit an open house or do a walk through on a house for sale, I am always as interested in the yard and garden as I am in the state of the baths and the placement of the laundry and the size of the kitchen. My first impression was favorable--I smelled the jasmine and could imagine myself opening my door and sniffing that heady fragrance every morning. And so I do just that, this spring.
11 comments:
Willow, great photos of your little birds, This blog world is great for getting people out there and noticing the natural world around them..
I love to listen to owls talk..yours is probably telling it's better half that it has food for the babies..( they should be feeding young right now)Or els it IS the better half wondering where the food is(wink) thanks.
It may be spring, but feels like summer with all the hot weather, non? I love watching birds out our kitchen window... it truly is a sign of spring when I get to watch our blackbird while doing dishes. :o)
love and hugs to you, mumsy!
We have an incredible amount of goldfinches that live behind our property, as there are plenty of thistle for them to eat! I love hearing their song in the evening. I can't even imagine how beautiful the jasmine smells at your place!! We're waiting for it to be warmer here, when the honeysuckle bloom and smell sweet!
Have you ever heard of Gene Stratton Porter? She wrote Girl of the Limberlost. It's a really old one. Anyway, she also wrote The Keeper of the Bees. It's kind of a sappy book, but you might like it. My daughter and I did. Its setting is post-World War Southern California. I 've always had the idea that it's near Malibu or Santa Monica. An injured soldier is able to heal partly from the strength he gains from helping care for a garden. Your post reminded me of it this morning.
Oh I love the one you got of that first bird. I know you said what it was but my beetle brain forgot.
Great shots of the sweet smelling jasmine too...
oops just saw the other comment a goldfinch?
Oh yes the birds are definetly saying it's spring, it's wonderful to hear them singing again.
Willow,
Last night as I lay in bed I noticed a particularly loud little bird singing. I believe I should thank that little fellow for my quick slumber. The sand man had a night off.
I love seeing your birds too. The robins are twittering here.
I can imagine the smell of the jasmine! And, what a sweet little yellow bird. He's really a decorator bird sitting on the limb and looking so perfect. Having the camera ready sure helps!! :))
The smell of jasmine just screams summer to me. And now that I live so far south, the smell of orange blossoms screams spring. Those are great photos!
For the record Willow, we do actually have birds and signs of Spring in the city. (Yes, your old community!)
See here for proof...
Post a Comment