I was thrilled to catch the lovebirds, Red and Mrs., spending time with each other yesterday morning. They appear quite cozy together, but I have a tough time trying to get their photo. I can take their photos separately, but even though they are spending more and more time together, as soon as I raise the camera they fly off out of sight.
Yesterday, my settings made the photo too dark. I have a habit of picking up my camera first thing in the morning, without noticing how I left the settings the day before. But with a little lightening and brightening, the photo looked better.
Now that Spring is in the air, I hope to see some little Reds along with baby quail. On the Next Door app for my area, people are posting videos of baby quail already. They are so adorable the way they follow in a line behind mom and dad.
I’ve noticed quail always come in pairs and like Cardinals, they mate for life. I wonder how common that is in bird land?
Two photos of Red and Mrs. — not together — but not far apart:
What do you notice in your area that tells you Spring is in the air?
Oh my goodness! Love the pic of Red and his partner! I think I love it because it’s almost a silhouette – the darkness around them drew me in. 🥰
I loved how the light hit their heads. It was such a moment to see first thing in the morning. I have watched Red feed her sunflower seeds several times.
So endearing! 🥰
They are so beautiful and sweet to each other. It’s a joy to see!
My most honest answer to your question is “pollen.” However in the spirit of happiness, I’ll say that all the shades of green tell me spring is in the air. So pretty outside right now.
I’m suffering from itchy eyes and a dry cough. But I’m with you on the gorgeous colors of green. Plus we have trees called Palos Verde all in bloom with bright yellow flowers.
I agree with the comment above- watery eyes and my itchy nose say it’s spring… haha! But so do the daffodils and tulips around people’s mailboxes. We have a pair of very large ravens making a nest in a tall pine tree just off our back deck. Our neighbor has a tree whose leaves haven’t come out yet, so they ravens fly to it, somewhat choosily (is that a word?) pick a twig, and take it in their beaks back to the pine tree. The pine is bushy, so I can’t see the nest, but they must be building quite the luxury apartment because they’ve been at it for weeks!
Yes, I have itchy eyes and nose, too. But it’s so gorgeous outside. How lucky you are to have the nest of ravens nearby. I spotted Red and the Mrs.’s nest behind our fence in the wash, in the middle of a cholla. It’s exciting they have made their home so close by.
nice pic
Thank you!
Aww, lovely pictures Elizabeth. We have flowers blooming everywhere
Thanks! Yes, I see people posting beautiful flower pictures. We have a saguaro with blossoms on the top that are so pretty.
I love the unique flowers you have.
Thanks! I love your flowers, too.
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Incredible photos, Elizabeth! Love that you got them together and knowing that quails Cardinals mate for life. How interesting!
Thanks, Wynne. It’s so much fun to see all the Spring love birds and wildflowers. What a great season!
They are breathtaking!
Thank you!
Everything looks green. It’s so beautiful. When I walk around I can’t help but be joyful
That’s how I feel too. We have trees with green leaves and bright yellow flowers against the blue sky.
Red really is a primadonna. Does he knock on your window and say, “I’m ready for my photoshoot now.” Ha, ha. I’ve been trying to get a shot of the Cardinal that likes our deck but he’s a flighty one. He keeps flying away before I can get a decent shot off. Ugh.
That’s how Red used to be. Now he and the Mrs. call to me to be fed in the mornings and afternoon. Red prances around a poses a bit before taking off.
He’s doing the “model walk.” Ha, ha.
He’s definitely a poser. I swear he knows how good looking he is. 😅
🤣😎😎
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They are lovely birds to have around.
Lots of birds mate for life especially parrots while others are not monogamous at all.
They are beauties. We have friends who moved from
Melbourne to Santa Barbara and brought two
Galahs with them 35 years ago.
I have some Galahs in this post
https://bushboy.blog/2025/04/27/what-is-it-art-or-photography/
Thanks! My friends’ Galahs are named Fred and Honey and they wanted babies. But it turned out they were both males!
Did the Galahs get a re-name?
No, they are still Fred and Honey. I guess too many years to change their names. One of them plucked the other’s head feathers out. Definitely not in love for llfe and just put up with each other. Our friends had to give up citizenship from Australia to bring them to the US.
Bet they are sorry they did that now. I would want to escape the madness of the US
The wife is from the US and the husband from Melbourne. It’s been more than 30 years since they moved here. There are many things through decades of their moving to the States they disagree about each country’s politics. But most they have minor personality issues with each other. Just like Fred and Honey.
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Sweet love birds.💕 Sting here means the weeds are going strong and so is the wind!
They are so adorable together. I can see their love and connection for everyone. We get windy afternoons but so many blossoms. I love how the Spring brings the desert alive with blooms.
Fabulous photos.
Thanks!
Oh, Elizabeth! These are lovely. 💜
Thank you! I was trying to get photos right now for tomorrow’s blog post of a saguaro in bloom and Red showed up and started singing at me!
I love that!
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