Nature's delights

Earlier this week, I went with a friend for coffee, but we got sidetracked when he asked me if I liked birds, fish, and plants.  I told him I liked birds, and of course, I like fish in a pond.  He knew what a nut I am about plants, too because he had just brought me some yuccas I hope to plant in my front yard now that it is more open to sunlight.  He told me I simply had to meet one of his friends, who raises birds and fish, and grows lots of outdoor plants.
 

So off we went.  Of course, I had to try to take photos of the river now that it had risen due to all the rain and snow we've had.

I should have known I wouldn't get much of a shot in a speeding car, but I had to try.

I was mesmerized as soon as we walked into the foyer, where a fish pond was set up, but the waterfall had been turned off.  Still, it didn't deter me from taking photos.

As soon as I spotted the old rusty car, I fell in love.

A few steps later, we walked into the shop, where the the birds were kept.

I had to laugh at this one sitting on the feed and not letting the other birds near it.

Of course, they were all so busy skipping, hopping, and flying (see the feathers in the lower left) they didn't have time to notice their food had been hijacked.  I was surprised how well these photos turned out, especially since

I shot the photos through those tiny bars.

There was no overhead lighting in the room, just lights for the birds.

Next came the parakeets which were in a different room.  They were equally active.  The cockatiels were in the next cage further back. 

But first, I got a glimpse of the newborn parakeets and the ones that were not yet born that were kept in a box on one side of the parakeet cage.

Talk about symbiosis.  Guinea pigs live in harmony with parakeets and cockatiels.

Two cockatiels were secluded in a box on the side of one cage and were attempting to mate.  At least they were before we interrupted them.

Next came the fish, then the outdoor art.  But I'll save that for another day.  I don't want to take up too much of your time.

On the way home, we passed another part of the Arkansas River (pronounced AR Kansas by natives) and I tried to take one more shot of the river.  It's been a long time since this river had more than a drop or two of water in it, so I was glad to see it had risen.

I'll be out today because my friend Sally and I are going to the Farmer's Market for Herb Day.  It will probably be cold, cloudy, windy, and wet again, but I'm more than willing to brave the weather to buy a few herb plants.

Of course, I'm hoping each and every one of you has a super weekend filled with sunshine and spring-like weather.