Warm Wishes for a Wonderful Weekend!

More rain is expected for the weekend here in the Midwest.  A fabulous forecast for ducks, newborn goslings and us lake lovers alike!

Whatever the weather in your little corner of the world, make it a memorable one!

Return of the Rose-breasted Grosbeaks

 

Truly one of the loveliest and sweetest birds of summer.  Such a joy to have him back at our feeders.  

Updates: Bon Bon Pond Birth Announcement

 

 

I had a feeling the goslings hatched yesterday (see my earlier post) but was dumbfounded this morning to see Leona & William AND babes here on my shoreline!  The thought of these tiny newborn balls of yellow fluff climbing the steep embankment out of the South pond, crossing the road, then descending down another steep embankment to get to Bon Bon Pond takes my breath away.  The tots are too small to climb up yet another steep bank to get to the corn so this morning I went down to the shore to put some out.  If the mountain won't go to Mohammed . . . !  Such a happy day!  Photos and video, soon.

Pond Ponderings

Cats, dogs and pitchforks!  Man, did it rain!  It’s been a long time since Bon Bon Pond has been treated to an old- fashioned gully washer.  At 3:00 a.m. I was awakened to the refreshing sounds of water bursting over the  gutters and crashing onto the asphalt.  I purposely stayed awake just to enjoy the sound, smell and sight of a critically needed thunderstorm.    It was a hard rain, but a nice rain, as it came straight down and with little wind.  Unfortunately, the humidity—precipitation’s unwelcome symbiotic partner—has moved in today, but all in all it’s a fair tradeoff.  Give me downpours for the Pond and I’ll suffer thru a sweaty day.

William was noticeably absent yesterday.  He did not make one corn visit which tells me Leona’s eggs have hatched.  I took a walk to the south Pond in the afternoon and saw him standing guard just outside the tall cattails.  I am so excited to see this year’s goslings.  Stay tuned for photos!

Considering Canada Geese hatchlings, I am somewhat surprised to see the spring mating game among the ducks still ongoing.  Groups of mallard drakes are still chasing fickle  females.  The hens appear to be taking their time with mate selection.

Right after yesterday’s early morning Oriole sighting, a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak made his appearance.  Such beautiful birds!  The females are not as showy but certainly rank as one of summer’s friendliest and sweetest birds.  Can’t wait for my girls to arrive!

No Hummingbird sightings, yet.

Thank You, Friends!

 

At 4:00 p.m. CDST the counter hit 5000 page views!  From all of your friends here at Bon Bon Pond, we deeply appreciate your support and interest.

Baltimore Orioles Return!

 

Today got off to great start!  A glance out the bedroom window this morning revealed a beautiful Baltimore Oriole perched on the Hummingbird feeder enjoying a leisurely breakfast.  Change of plans!  It’s off to Wal-Mart for grape jelly and oranges!

Just a cautionary note to all kind-hearted humans who feed our feathered friends. Make sure the jelly you offer is sweetened with REAL sugar and NOT high fructose corn syrup (HFCS).  Unfortunately, it’s a lot more expensive but our beloved birds are worth it!  Wal-Mart, for one example,  sells an excellent product in the birding department.

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds Return!

 

May Day!  May Day!  Around Bon Bon Pond and most of the Midwest that alert means the Ruby Throats are winging their way back to their summer nesting grounds.  Weekend reports had scouts spotted in Iowa.  Nothing is more joyous than the return of these flying jewels.  Welcome home, little friends!  Your nectar is up and awaiting your arrival.