Saturday, May 4, 2013

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.


9 thoughtful remarks:

Rebeca Trevino said...

what a lovely day you had.
my favorite photo was the one of the baby parakeets. how great is that?
i wonder if this person raises birds to sell or if it's a hobby?

have a great weekend E. i am off to work in the new studio. need to see if i can get some work done.

Yvonne said...

Interesting. I love seeing the birds. My cousin took one of those huge satellite dishes and turned it upside down to make the roof of an aviary. It looked and worked great.

Craftymoose Crafts said...

Awesome photos! I wondered, too, if they were suppliers to a pet store or just enjoyed the birds for themselves. Hope the sun comes out for you sometime this weekend! Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving such nice comments!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful tour. Loved seeing all those morning doves and baby parakeets. My bunnies live with my ducks and the get along great. Xox

pam parker said...

Really enjoy your blog here in Australia. I just wanted to let you know that those birds you called parakeets are Australian Native Budgerigars. They fly in huge groups in the Aussie outback. The natural colour is green but over years of domestication and breeding, now come in a range of colours.

Dianne said...

what an interesting little side trip! guinea pigs and birds together, who know? so adorable to see them together. all those birds and animals must be a lot of work! thanks for sharing, and enjoyed the shots of the river too...

Rita said...

I had a pair of white-face grey cockatiels like that years ago that had babies that I handfed. Brought back good memories.

Hope you got your herbs. :)

~*~Patty S said...

You had me at the rusty VW :)
Are the guinea pigs in the bottoms of the bird cage?
That's a lot of flora and fauna with those cute little woven 'huts' too. Such an interesting place to visit...
oxo

Halle said...

Love the aged and patina on the terracotta pots...and oh boy the V-dub...LOVE!!!