Golden overgrowth

Just eleven days from the May 17th post about our buttercup invasion.  The overgrowth is now chest high in areas, with Casey occasionally getting swallowed up during his excursions.  Amazing.

Newbies come through in the "clutch"

Big day today. We knew something was going on in the robin clutch. Mama was in and out all day, and Papa was no longer scarce, showing up on the fence and yard. So...I took a peek. Inquiring minds needed to know, and the new mom hadn't seemed to mind us being up close and personal so far. And whaddaya know...

Three chicks. At least three so far...I didn't want to hang around or be too intrusive. 






And Casey was pretty excited about it as anyone can see, as well as plainly hear in the video clip.

Good morning, little Mama.

Don't mind us, girl. We're just passing through, and we'll try to keep the noise to a minimum.

One week down

Four American robin eggs (bottom of mirror)

Just an update to our Sunday post on the robin roost

So, all's well, and Mama Robin seems OK with her current nesting situation, in such close proximity to a loud collection of cohabitants.  We thought she'd be long gone after Casey burst out of the back door one time or barked to be let back in.

One week down, one to go before the fledglings appear.

Golden meadow invasion

Right on schedule, and seeming to arrive almost overnight, our neighborhood meadows, even lawns, are flush with golden carpets of buttercups. This brilliant Northwest version, the Creeping buttercup, is one of many welcome additions to Bellingham's many emerging wildflower mosaics.

Sunday songbird serendipity

Well, this is a first. Of all the potential roosts available among our yard's shade trees, a feathered family is now being raised on Casey's back porch. Obviously the parents' peril meters didn't register the first indication of a threat.

We first noticed this robin's unperturbed brooding when Casey and Stella seemed to be preoccupied at the back windows with something going on outside. And today, instead of the new mom taking flight, she let us get a good look at her as she stepped out to stretch her legs.

Now, with another month to go before the fledglings leave our deck for good, it looks like the newness could already be starting to wear off, at least as far as Casey is concerned.

Favorite Friday Harbor photo

Keeping an eye on Vic

All abuzz in lavender

One stop during our stay on San Juan Island last weekend had to be the Pelindaba Lavender Farm. A spring visit is a must and this season's outrageous display of blooming lavender was spread like a quilted heliotrope.

The lavendula varieties were impressive enough, but the countless bees, some drones Jurassic-sized, were working overtime. The Spanish lavender below was abuzz with foragers.

Turning on the charm, or playing the sympathy card

Anacortes Ferry Terminal with Mt Baker in background

So what's the first thing drivers do before boarding a ferry for San Juan Island - check in with an aloof, no-nonsense Washington State Ferry ticket seller. And today was no different, except that Casey was working this WSF lady employee for a treat while we were busy paying our fare. Of course, what's new...just another kiosk with a potential doggie handout.


Except this time our lady was so moved by Casey working her for a treat, that she closed down long enough to run to her car - holding up the ticket line - to bring back a bag of goodies.

Who could blame her? Just look at that Border Collie stare finesse.

Very impressive, Casey. But don't expect it with the next shift. A cat person just might be on duty.