THE LITTLE BLOG

The Painted Lady prefers nectar from composites 3-6 feet high, especially thistles; also aster, cosmos, blazing star, ironweed, and joe-pye weed. Flowers from other families that are visited include red clover, buttonbush, privet, and milkweeds.

Zebra Swallowtail enjoying my new hanging basket …. Fairy Fan Flower (Scaevola aemula)

I took a drive through Dolans Lake a couple of weeks ago and found lots of wildflowers.  This “Wild Bergamot” was just gorgeous.  The bees and butterflies were lovin’ it!   They are “Fritillary Butterflies” …. these are the “Aphrodite Fritillary” (Speyeria aphrodite)

Meet the little Red Fox Family …..

I’ve been feeding these foxes for over 2 months.  The first time that Mom & Pop brought the little ones out for me to see it was around 9pm so I didn’t get a photo of them all together.  That night there were 3 little ones and they were very small.  Several nights later they came out and there were only 2 little ones.  A few days ago someone came by and told me that one of the little ones had been killed on the highway!  (ruined my whole day).  I still put a big plate of food out when it gets dark but for the last 3 nights Mom is the only one that comes over to eat.  Maybe something has happened to the last remaining little one.

I feel sad for Mom since she was such a good mother and so protective of the little guys …… but …… they get a certain size and she is no longer able to control them.

Mom only brought them out right before dark so the images are not that great

This is a shot of Mom.  She certainly is a gorgeous lady!  Her coat is so pretty and shiny when the sun hits her … she seems healthy and has no signs of mange.

And, this is Dad …. he’s making off with a couple of hotdogs!

When baby Canada geese, called goslings, emerge from their shells in springtime they have yellow feathers like baby ducklings. They follow their parents around in a goose parade for about two months until they are ready to learn to fly. By autumn, they accompany their parents on the southward migration.

That water sure looks nice and cool …. maybe I’ll go for a swim.

Guess I better wait for mom and dad to go in first ……

I’ll just hang around here on the bank and eat some grass until they get in the water and then I can follow them.

I’ve finally added a new album in my Picasa Web Albums.  You can view all of the latest uploads in “Wings Up”.

Downy Woodpecker (male)

Northern Cardinal (male)

It’s the 134th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden.  One of my favorite things to watch on TV.  I’ve missed this program only one time in all the years that USA has been showing it.

Tune in to USA and CNBC for all the live coverage on Monday and Tuesday night … Feb. 15 & 16.

This years favorite for Best in Show seems to be Sadie, a Scottish Terrier.  Last year Stump, a Sussex Spaniel took the top honor.  Two years ago it was Uno, a Beagle.  Who could forget that adorable little dog …. he was just wonderful!

UNO Best in Show 2008

USA Network and CNBC will be home to The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show presented by Pedigree®, for the 27th consecutive year in 2010. USA Network and CNBC airs exclusive live coverage from Madison Square Garden on Monday, February 15, and USA Network airs exclusive live coverage on Tuesday, February 16.
Schedule
NIGHT 1:
Monday, February 15
Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding Groups
8-9 p.m. (ET) live on USA Network
9-11 p.m. (ET) live on CNBC
NIGHT 2:
Tuesday, February 16
Sporting, Working and Terrier Groups, Best In Show
8-11 p.m. (ET) live on USA Network
Breed judging highlight videos are available throughout the day on Monday and Tuesday on the Westminster Web site. These highlights will be available after the show, as well.