Toad, hummingbirds, backyard birds, garden birds

  

Well, the toad story continues. Much to my delight my little friend was back again today. It seems that he is quite familiar with the goings on around here. He showed up today at the same location near the kitchen. He wasn't afraid of my approach, and tolerated my photo taking. It seems he had an agenda in mind. Our concrete stoop must make a great sun tanning location. He gradually worked his way up there, and there he sat until the sun passed on. I hope patrolling the garden beds is on his "to do" list. I could use some organic help.

I must add that the hummingbirds have all but disappeared. Maybe there are more flowers now, and therefore other food sources. Possibly the female is nesting. If so, she sits on the nest 85% of the day. He does not participate in brooding, but he does chase off intruders to protect their food supply. In any case, I am missing their crazy antics! I pray that they were not preyed upon by some hungry predator, I'd miss their quirky entertainment.

Another timely observation. Our garden has a greater variety of birds this year than other other year of our residence here. Two large brown thrashers, three Eastern Kingbirds, several Bluebirds, an Orchard Oriole, and for the first time Robins, have joined the menageries here. I love it.