Georgia Backyard Nature

Terrifying Turkey Vulture aka A Buzzard

I saw this big Turkey Vulture, or Buzzard, flying over the lake this morning looking for the carcass of some poor animal. Finding nothing, he landed in the top of a tall tree across the lake and perched there with wings outspread. This is a common behavior for these birds and may be to warm up, cool off, or dry the wings.  Turkey Vultures are easily distinguished from other Vultures by their featherless red head.  Also, notice the five feather "fingers" on the wing tips.  Even though the dietary habits of Vultures are pretty disgusting, they serve a valuable purpose in nature and are often more efficient than county road crews in removing dead animals from the roads.

There Will Be Bluebirds!

There will be Bluebirds! I switched the bird box from winter roost to nest box last week. Almost immediately Mr. and Mrs. Bluebird checked it out. Now I see a flurry of activity with the couple flying to and fro carrying nesting materials. Even though it’s been so wet I haven’t had time to put out pine straw for them to use, they’ve located some nearby. Other tasks have been done.  The bird box pole has been greased with petroleum jelly so ants won't invade the nest and torture the nestlings and a cache of luxurious Alpaca hair hangs in a nearby tree to line the nest. 

Bluebirds like to nest in open areas so they can spot predators and this box looks over the lake and the treeless backyard.  In years past, Chickadees have commandeered that box so I'm glad the Bluebirds got there first this year.  Welcome to the cozy lakefront cottage—prime real estate to raise a family!

Quiet Quince

  The little flowering Quince is tucked under the big Camellia in the side yard. It has struggled over the years because I don’t think it gets enough sun. However, every spring it manages to put out a few pretty coral blossoms.  I’m going to fertilize it and do a little pruning and hope to see more flowers next year.