Red stayed away for another five days, but Mrs. was here every day. I wonder if Red got into a fight because he has a black spot on the side of his head he didn’t have before. But I did read that Cardinals molt once a year, so maybe that’s it. Or, I have a new bird altogether. Fortunately, he stopped by this week several times a day. My neighbor has promised to keep the birds fed while we’re out of town.
Good news. Red is looking more normal each day and keeps on visiting our backyard.
At least Mrs. is always around which makes me feel good!
A neighbor told me I should name this quail dad “Lucky.”
Lucky visits every day with his wife and three babies. Somehow he lost his tail, but he is still standing strong. That’s how he earned his name.
This is a Mourning Dove at our new bird bath. I left the old one empty when we visited our son and daughter-in-law because I didn’t want it to become a breeding ground for mosquitos. Normally I change the water every day. So the end of the story is that the old bird bath didn’t survive in the heat being dry. A resin coating splintered and peeled leaving an unhealthy mess for the birds.
A Gila Woodpecker hopped on for a ride.
Another look at Red and Mrs. before we leave for our beach vacation.
Last but not least, it was Waffles the pug’s 10th birthday this week. It seems like yesterday he celebrated birthday number one while we were on our beach vacation! These two photos were taken at our friends’ house in Santa Barbara for Waffles first birthday.
My daughter made flyers and held a party for Waffles in a park near her apartment. She gave flyers to friends, co-workers, her favorite coffee shop and hung them on telephone poles in her neighborhood. She invited everyone with dogs or not and promised dog treats for all dogs. She had a crowd that included her friends and families and even a group of eight-year-old boys she didn’t know who wrapped presents for Waffles. Everyone thought it was a perfect family-friendly evening at the park and want to meet every week.
The old man Waffles with gray hair at age 10.
What photos do you like? What do you think is up with Red’s head?
What are your plans for the weekend?
Bad luck about the bird bath, Looks like a cat or dog got a hold of that poor tail of Luckys. Maybe it was a domestic and the Mrs gave Red a good pecking 😂
Or it could be a coyote or hawk that got a hold of Lucky. We don’t have any domestic pets loose because of all our wildlife. But Mrs. could have henpecked Red.
That’s amazing that there’s no feral cats or dogs in your area. I have feral cats wander through my place every now and then.
With mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, hawks and owls, we don’t have any feral cats outside. When people have pets, they keep them inside or dogs on a leash when they walk them.
I guess with mountain lions, bobcats and coyotes, feral cats wouldn’t stand a chance. Here they don’t have any predators, only Dingoes but there’s not enough of those.
It seems that the feral cats live in the cities and can’t live long in the desert
I agree. There’s probably more for feral cats to eat in cities and less predators than in our desert.
Oh my gosh! All of your photos make me happy! Waffles is sooo cute. Mr. and Mrs are looking good too, its great that your neighbor will look after the feeders for you while you are away. That’s how it should be.
Sorry about your damaged birdbath. I tossed the old, huge bowls for my birdbaths and now use the red clay “plate” that you would put a large pot of flowers or plant on instead.
They are shallow enough for the little birds to hop into for a splashy bath. They love that and I change the water in them once a day too or more if there is poo in the water. Have a safe trip!
My old bird bath was plastic and one piece. So I bought one that has a bowl that is removable. Much better idea. I’m glad you enjoyed all my photos!
Lots of changes in 10 years for Mr Waffles! We need a new bird bath bowl as well. We’ve been making do with a cheap plastic one but it’s time to get something better.
Waffles doesn’t look like the same dog from puppyhood to old age. I guess we are the same, too. I like the new bird bath I found on Amazon. It has a bowl that I can remove and clean.
Such beautiful photos!! I’m glad red and the Mrs. seem well. I’m sorry Lucky lost its tail, but seems to be getting on rather well. Waffles’ expressions are priceless!! 😅
Have a great weekend!!
Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed all the photos!
By my calculations, at age 10 in dog years, Waffles is 56 years old, in human years. At his age, he ages one human year every three dog months. So every three months, I think you’re going to have to throw a neighborhood birthday party for him. If not, you’re spoiled dog will feel crushed.
I will pass your advice on to my daughter. I’m sure she will work on it!
Enjoy your vacation dear friend. I love all the pictures.
Thank you! I’m looking forward to taking beach walks and have a sea breeze.
Best wishes dear friend.
💕
Aw, I like your little friend, “Lucky.” We have a quail of similar appearance who we named “Stumpy Buttworth, the tailless quail” We actually interrupted the hawk attack that cost him his tail, so he’s also a lucky little guy.
Happy birthday to Waffles! And have a safe trip!
I like Stumpy Buttworth. What a name! He is lucky to escape from a hawk.
Waffles!! What a cute boy! How fun that his birthday celebration has become an inspiration for weekly meetups.
I hope you enjoy your beach vacation and that Red and the rest do fine in your absence!
Waffles is a cutie! I’m proud of my daughter for getting her community together over her pup’s birthday.
Happy Birthday, Waffles!
He loves to hear that!
That’s a drag about the bird bath. Was it old? There are many reasons a bird might stress molt their tail. It happens sometimes at our banding station. I suppose we seem even worse than a predator—aliens kidnapping them and doing unnatural things to their body!
The bird bath is less than a year old and I bought it on Amazon for cheap. I didn’t think it would be made of materials that couldn’t stand up to our desert heat. I’m happy to purchase one made of better materials. I never knew about molting tails. Or it could have been escape from a predator in Lucky’s case.
Yes, the stress molt was probably caused by a predator. Normal molts are just a couple feathers at a time.
👍🏼
Fantastic! Lucky is a great name for the quail dad. He is definitely lucky to have found your place.
Yes, I’m glad Lucky and his family have moved in.
What a bummer that your bird bath didn’t survive being dry!
I’m thinking that is the same Mr. Red, but he’s going through some changes. 🙂
Sweet Waffles. How lovely that your daughter had a party and invited everyone. I hope Waffles felt all the love.
Now that Red has been hanging around for weeks, I’m sure it’s him. The Waffles park party was a huge hit!