Yesterday I got some new photos of Red. He seems to have made friends with my Costco pink flamingo. But every time I’ve tried to get his photo, he flies away. Yesterday I was successful.
Red’s been super friendly. He’s no longer ignoring me like he did when I was on the knee scooter, walker or wearing the boot. I must have looked pretty scary to such a tiny guy. Now when I go outside, I hear him singing. I took the trash out and he landed a few feet away from me on the wall. I just went to our backyard to go in the pool, and he landed in the tree above our chairs, singing his heart out.
Earlier yesterday, I saw him land on a rock on the backyard. I think he was waiting for me to feed him. I opened the casita door and he flew high into the tree.
I called out to him, “Hey Red!” in a chirpy voice. I put out some “Cardinal Seed Mix” and he didn’t fly away. I was able to get some more photos while he munched. Mrs. came and joined him, but she stayed in the shade and her photos were too dark to fix with Photoshop.
One of my lunch bunch friends who I worked with 30 years ago in Palm Springs asked why Red always faces left. I hadn’t noticed, but she’s a graphic designer and probably more in tune to things like that than I am.
I’m learning Photoshop for my photography workshop that starts in the fall. So I used PS to flip Red to the right!
A few more visitors this week:
A Desert Spiny Lizard doing pushups on the rock.
A Harris’s Hawk landed on the fence yesterday. I pounded on the window to get him to take off. I really wanted a photo of him in flight. But no luck!
Papa Quail looking out for mom and babies.
Have a wonderful weekend!
What are you planning on doing this weekend?
Maybe Red thinks he has a good side for photos? I hadn’t noticed that either. Love the Red has gotten so comfortable with you all. Do cardinals stay in the area all year long?
I think all my recovery equipment scared him away. My husband thinks at some point I could feed him by hand. I’m not sure if they stay here all year long. We’re leaving for a couple vacations, so I hope he doesn’t give up on us.
Hopefully they’ll stick around – they’ve got a good thing going in your yard! 🙂
I hope so too! I won’t be there to feed them. I have a neighbor checking on the house and also our former cat sitter to water plants. I could ask them to put bird seed out.
A lizard doing pushups! That dude is more energetic than I. Our weekend, weather permitting, will be weeding in the garden then making a pizza as our reward. Living small, but happy, we are.
The lizard is so interesting to watch. I’ll have to get a video of his pushups. I need to research why they do pushups! Your weekend plans sound ideal.
Red is so vibrant next to the lighter shade of the flamingo. Maybe he’s showing off!!
That’s funny! That must be why Red has chosen the flamingo to pose!
Very interesting behavior from Red. Love your pics Elizabeth
Thank you for the nice comments about my photos. When we first moved here, a neighbor said they had a cardinal that would come near him when he went outside. I think that must be their nature.
The cardinals I see here are very flighty. Don’t stay in a spot long enough for me to take a picture
My two can be like that, too. I have to be patient and now I’m building their trust.
They have become your friends.
They really have! We’ll be away for a wedding for a few days next week. Then our annual beach trip for several weeks. I hope they don’t give up on us!
I hope no 💕🫶🏼🫶🏼👍🏼
🥰
I love what a companion Red’s become…absolutely enchanting! Keep talking to him, Elizabeth! 🥰
It gives me an ethereal feeling when he swoops down and lands by me. 💕
I can only imagine! So good! 🥰❤️🥰
😊
Beautiful pic 👌
Thanks!
Nice Photos.
Thank you!
Still no sight of baby reds yet? How are you enjoying learning Photoshop? Are you taking any online lessons?
No sight of baby reds. Now Red and Mrs. often are in our backyard together. I’m waiting to see if they’ll bring their fledglings into our backyard — if they do exist. I followed the advice of a professional photographer who has been a close friend for more than 30 years. He told me to focus on composition, density (lightness or darkness) contrast and color balance. Right now I’ve gotten as far as composition and density — plus flipping Red around. I’m just using it as needed to enhance my photos.
Sounds like Red is generally comfortable with you. That’s so sweet! I’ve never had a particular bird that I can identify as a regular visitor.
I’ll be going in a plant walk on the Colorado Trail in the morning. In late afternoon, I’ll spend two hours in front of the local bookshop to promote/sell my two books. I got some new bookmarks to hand out.
Yes, I’m enjoying seeing Red on a daily basis. I hear him in the distance and I call him and he shows up. It’s amazing.
What a great day for you. Congratulations on your promotion at the bookshop. I hope it works out well for you!
I’m seeing some great pics tonight.
Thank you! 😊
What an amazing bird Red has turned out to be, Elizabeth. 🙂 Love your pics!
Red gives me so much joy. I’m so glad you like my photos, too!
Thank you for the photos and your description of them 🙂
I’m glad you enjoyed them!