It seemed so long for Spring to finally get here. At last ... green leaves on the trees ... green grass ... and some perennials finally starting to flower. It was a long winter. Fortunately, it wasn't super cold or very snowy. Makes me wonder though if we are in for a very HOT summer. It's been quite awhile since we've had one.
Finally saw my first Hummingbird of the season a few days ago. I put 2 feeders out. Not a lot of action yet, but I know it will come. I had been feeding the regular wild birds all winter. I'm on my last bag of birdseed, so when it's finished that will be it until next Winter. Early on it was a mix of Bluejays, Sparrows, Woodpeckers, Cardinals, Tufted Titmouse, and Juncos. Some left as the Winter began to fade. I especially miss the Red Cardinals. they are just so beautiful! I'm glad to see the Robins though. To me they represent --- SPRING. I did have a new visitor recently, a rose-breasted Grosbeak. I had never seen one before! Just beautiful! He only stayed around for about a week. 
We do have squirrels galore!! They can be such a nuisance. My fault really ... they eat the birdseed, too. Hopefully, they will move on when I stop putting the birdseed out.
I live in gated community and about a year ago the house across the street from me became an AirB&B. It's been fine so far. No problems with visitors.
The development is very strict about their rules here. I love when we get - OUT OF STATERS! Real City Folk! We have a lot of wildlife here ... squirrels, chipmunks, wild turkey, skunks, deer, hawks, as well as the occasional Eagle or two. The best though is ... we also have ... Black Bears! The bears become more active after late Spring into Summer. They don't stroll aimlessly around the neighborhood, but you do see them occasionally. Our section borders on state gamelands, so they really only venture toward the development to occasionally hit the trash cans the night before pick-up. If you hear dogs barking up a storm at night, there's a good chance a bear could be making its rounds.
Slowly have been doing a yard clean-up. Things look pretty good. Today, I put fresh potting soil in some of my planters. I started some flowers from seed and will transplant soon. Hoping for the best. BUT - I have cut back on my pots. And -OMG- I resorted to using artificial flowers for some of them! Hey, I don't have to water or feed them. And they ALWAYS LOOK GOOD! 
Well, that's about it. Some photos below! Enjoy!
JANE
***
In photos
The deer is a very pregnant doe. She visits everyday.
The landscape photo is the Delaware Water Gap from the Jersey side.
The Rose-Breasted Grosbeak - if you've never seen one.
Post a new thread about this blog entry:
