Sapsucker, Mockingbird, and Mallards......

I may not be getting out a lot yet, but I can see birds from my doors and had some nice visitors yesterday.

 High up in my maple tree, I noticed a Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker!

I don't know if I should be worried about the damage he is doing to the tree or not. He is certainly pecking away at a nice series of holes!

 He blends very well with the tree.  If I had not noticed his motion, I would not have even spotted him. 

Sort of "scrunching" up here, but shows his tail area.

Out back, this Mockingbird has decided to declare the deck area as his territory.  I believe the ornamental pear with all its fruit is probably his motivation, but he will have to fight others for them. 

 He sits there on the top of the bird feeder glaring at all who come near.

And last but not least a pair of Mallards landed on the lake and spent the night. 

 All decked out in mature mating colors.

I'm enjoying the birds that visit and always have a lot of them at the feeders to keep me occupied.  Each season brings a few new ones.  I saw a Pine Siskin yesterday, too but didn't get a very good photo.  Haven't seen any of those since last year some time.

Blogging break....health related rest

I've spent the last two weeks fighting a pain problem in my upper back and neck that doesn't allow me to use the computer much or my camera, so I am taking a blogging break for awhile.  I got an injection in the back today, so I feel well enough to write a quick note and post a few photos I had on the camera from the same day as the British car show.

We followed the Ohio River upstream towards some of the small river towns along the way.  We stopped at the Blue Heron Winery.....how could I not with that name :-).  It was a lovely place high up on the bluffs above the river. 

 The view is fantastic

On another part of their property, a local artist has carved a beautiful Celtic Cross on the grounds from the local limestone rock formations.

This side has the most carving but the light wasn't as good.

Tell City is in the process of filling their flood wall along the river with wonderful murals depicting the history of the area and the 1937 flood. 

Mike is 6'4" and you can see the mark for the 1937 flood waters way above his head (above that red brick).  This flood will always be remembered in this area because of it s tremendous effect on the area and everyone living here.  Those who are still alive don't forget it and the flood walls are the end result all along the river near populated areas.

*********

Please keep me in your prayers and I will return to blogging when this pain problem is cleared up.  It may be a long haul, but it is getting better!  God is good!