Todd's Backyard

And our feathered friends are unphased!

Late this afternoon, at 5 o’clock pm, I gathered my camera and a cold beer and ventured out to the porch to see if I could catch any entertaining activity in Todd’s Backyard. Even though it was like sitting in a blast furnace, the desert critters were still out doing their thing! I thought about going back inside to the nice air-conditioned house and watch some news. But, as I watched all my little feathered and furry friends go about their business, I couldn’t help but feel a little in jealous of their tolerance of the intense desert heat!

So I figure, if they can take it, so can I! So, I settled in to watch the late afternoon routine unfold.

Heat or no heat, I always look forward to seeing this little quail family every afternoon. The family consists of 3 babies and a Dad. The mom must have met her end. What’s really special about this group, is one of the babies is crippled…he has a gimpy little leg and hops along after his sibs and dad. The dad always patiently waits for his little hop-along baby. And under Dad’s watchful eye, they make their rounds.

Todd got a new feeder yesterday. A feeder that the big white wing doves can’t get into and eat all of the seed. Tonight smaller birds checked it out and giving it their whole-hearted approval!

This poor quail is still looking for a mate !….Every night, without fail, he finds his post and calls out for his long-lost love. We hear his ka-kaw! ka-kaw until the sun goes down!

Mr. cardinal found a nice shady spot to catch a little dinner.

The finches flocked to their 5 o’clock feast!

And the dove found a nice cool drink!

So, by about 6 o’clock, the thermometer had sunk to 100, I had consumed  a few more cold beers and life was good! And tomorrow, when once again it’s 105 at 5, it will be another amazing day!…Sweet!…..I mean Sweat!