Good evening. Today is I think the first hot day here, I had the AC on by 3 PM, for Mo. I thought we could sit out this evening but a squall rolled through, just at sunset.
Did you notice how early it's getting dark?
The beach birds were swarming just before the storm. Especially the Black Skimmers. They are funny squatty birds on land and magnificent long winged beauties in the sky. They form large colonies and lack the funny charm and friendliness of the Oyster Catchers. They aren't as vicious as terns but they will attack to protect the nest sites.
The skimmers are tireless parents, I see them flying low overhead 24 hours a day, bringing small fish from the marshes for their voracious babies. Quite a sight on a dark night.
But the swarms or flocks are unusual in August. Maybe they are practicing to leave soon, they migrate early in huge flocks.
Above photos from Google Images.
More on the skimmers and other birds, with my own photos,
now lost due to computer changes: HERE
We had a lot of rain a few days ago. It has hastened the scraggly demise of my zinnias. The ugly powdery mildew has set in.
I cut them back today, might they regrow? Cutting back has renewed the nasturtiums!
Various little posies, they bring me so much joy! The zinnias say Cut and Come Again, so....?
This is the tiniest! A miniature travel inkwell my dad found for me. Size of a thimble. I love it. With Blue Willow doll dishes.
The marigolds are coming in nicely. They are miniatures, so not showy. They are, oddly, volunteers. Lori of Humble Quilts sent me Mexican Hat seeds from her lovely garden/ yard. And the marigolds are what grew from the seeds. We are both mystified.
Mo enjoys his afternoon snack of ice cream! A doggie mix from Chewy.com His fave flavor, here
He has lost one pound on his diet!
Enjoy these summer days! I am off now, it is the next day as I post this---beach walk and swim before sewing on the deck at 4-ish.
love
lizzy
gone to the beach......
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Beautiful zinnias and nasturtiums...those colors just glow don't they?
ReplyDeleteI think our seasons are changing with global warming; we are seeing huge flocks of birds wheeling around our skies already...
Hugs, Julierose
I'm at least glad something bloomed from the seeds! lol
ReplyDeleteLovely flowers and you have them displayed so sweetly. Cute Mo enjoying his icecream:).
ReplyDeleteYour zinnias should recover if you have a good spell of dry sunny weather. Ours have survived an onslaught of japanese beetles, which left the leaves looking awful but seemed to encourage more branching and flowers. The flowers seemed much smaller this year even though they're supposed to be the same cut and come again variety that we've had before. The flocking of the birds might spell an early winter, hope not. Enjoy the beach and swimming time, we just have heat and humidity here.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad your 'cutting garden' has done so well, and I love the little bouquets you have in surprising places! Little treasures just waiting to be spotted.
ReplyDeleteWe've had a week or so of high-90s and today hit 100 (not counting the heat index!). It's supposed to turn a little cooler and have a chance of rain/storms tomorrow and for several more days. I just hope we don't get nasty storms.
The past couple of years have been sort of odd weather, I think. I don't think I believe it's because of global warming, I tend to think it's a long-term cycle of some sort. I guess it doesn't really matter, whatever weather we get we'll just have to live with! Unless someone invents a weather control machine.
I don't think I've ever seen even a picture of those odd black skimmers! They're kind of funny looking with that big beak.
I hope you're prepared for hot weather, and have your just-in-case supplies for storms. It just occurred to me a few days ago that it's hurricane season again! Time has been getting away from me!
Thanks for sharing, and take care!
The number of Skimmers in the flocks are amazing. What a sight.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy your little zinnia posies. Tiny containers are the just the best for popping all over the place. I'd definitely take a chance and trim your zinnias to see if they live up to their name.
I love those first two photos, of the beach and the sky before/during a storm. Just gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteYour area gets darker sooner than here in Central Ohio. Our sunsets are now around 8:30. I seem to remember that when I was a child, it didn't get dark until 9:00 or 9:30, even in August; and in past recent years it seems to have been the same. I suppose it's a faulty memory....
Those skimmer babies are adorable. It's fun that you've learned the behaviors of various water birds. You probably know their calls, too?
Your zinnias are beautiful. I hope they grown back for you. Zinnias are some of my favorite summer flowers, with all their bright colors. Your inkwell is adorable. What a treasure that you have it.
Does Mo mind losing weight? We had one dog who just wanted to eat, eat, eat. Another who gained weight from biscuits with a pet sitter. It was fairly easy to put her on a diet because she was not a food hound. I hope Mo doesn't mind less food.
I love your photos! Especially of the sea and sea birds. Such lovely color on your flowers. We are in our 6th week of hoy 90 temps. Buy there is promise of cooler temps and rain coming. Yay! Kit
ReplyDeleteYES! I have noticed how early it's getting dark. I just surprised myself by thinking that maybe I'm not going to mind it this year? I might be ready for cooler days and early evenings...
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute little inkwell. The perfect thing for holding your posies.
Good going Mo!! I'd like to shed a pound or two, myself ;)