Friday, December 28, 2007

Creature Comforts

I just have a few photos to share today and they seem to have taken on an animal theme.

The bird feeder has been attracting a fair number of feathered, and even a couple of furry friends. This squirrel happily stocks up on nuts.




This male cardinal is among those who wait their turns at a freshly-filled feeder one snowy morning.



The female watches and waits for an opportunity to help herself to the seeds.




Even the dogs have been known to munch on the nuts, shell and all. Here's a video of Benny's partner in crime, Raven hopping around the seed-covered table, trying to reach a peanut.



Benny got all tangled up on his walk, while wrestling with a small branch.


Lucy is Frank's African Grey parrot. She seemed a bit wary of the camera, but that didn't stop her from asking me for (and accepting) peanuts and chips.


Every now and then, Benny got a little too close for her liking. Watch that nose, Benny!


On our way back home, Benny let out a few mournful cries from his traveling cage, but soon settled into a sleep.


Skitty waits on a high plateau, ready to pounce on a well-rested, ultra-energetic Jack Russell Terror.



Later, Benny decided to join Skitty and me (under the blanket) to have a rest on the sofa. All was fine for a while as both animals laid together quietly. But Benny couldn't resist poking his nose closer and closer until it was too much for Skittles. A quick whap on the nose sent Benny on his way. Photo taken by Frank.

27 comments:

Frank Baron said...

Skitty caught Ben with a lucky left hook. Ordinarily, he sees that coming and avoids it easily.

I blame that dark-haired vixen, Raven. She tuckered him out.

Next weekend, Ben will fare better. He's been working out - chasing his tail and barking at shadows.

I nearly feel sorry for Skitty. But then I remember how he tries to suck my breath while I'm sleeping.

Hilary said...

(nudge) Frank, wake up! You're having that recurring dream again...

Reb said...

Beautiful photos as always Hilary! I especially love the Cardinals, we don't get them here and they are so pretty.
Raven is pretty funny trying to get at the nuts! I am also glad to know that Frank uses a traveling cage for Benny. Has he considered a Seat-Belt Harness? It restrains them yet, they don't slide in the cage - I started with a cage for my dog, but switched to a harness and he was much happier.

photowannabe said...

Your dog and cat are a lot like brothers and sisters pestering each other until one gets whacked. Great shots of the feathered and furry that call your place home.

Aquarius said...

I've been enjoying your photos of winter, especially during this holiday season. The birds in the snow are especially beautiful and certainly not something we see in my home state of Hawaii. Thank you and Happy New Year!

Kappa no He said...

I want to open my door and see a bird other than a pigeon or a crow. Any bird.

Benny cracks me up. That action shot of him dodging the cat punch was perfect.

the Bag Lady said...

So, as you know ('cause she whines about it often enough!) the Bag Lady cannot view the videos with her dial-up connection. But she cheated today. She and the Cowboy went to town for another family celebration, and those townie relatives have real modern stuff, like flush toilets and high speed. The Bag Lady conned her nephew into a quick peek at the Raven video and was greatly amused. Very cute.
Love the cardinals, too.

Hilary said...

• Thanks Reb. I love the cardinals too. Of course the males are eye-catching with their bright red feathers, but the females seem to emit so many different colours and shades depending on the light.

If you could see how difficult it is to even clip a leash onto a jumping, wriggling, darting JRT, you'd giggle at the concept of trying to fit him into a harness! :)


• Thanks Photowannabe, my place is home to Benny only on the weekends, but yes, he and the cats are much like bratty siblings. :)



• Thanks for your kind words Aquarius. No doubt there are some amazing scenes out your way. Thanks for stopping by. :)


• Kappa, you'll have to keep opening blog doors then. :) Benny cracks me up too. The cats feel otherwise. ;) Thanks for stopping by.


• How clever of you, Baggie. I'm glad you were able to see the video. You'll have to go visit them more often. ;)

Happy New Year, all!

Crabby McSlacker said...

So do you carry around a supply of tranquilizer darts or are you just an incredibly patient talented photographer? I can never get good animal pictures 'cause the damn things MOVE!

Great shots, thanks for sharing them.

Hilary said...

Neither one, Crabby.. I feed the little moochers. ;)
Thanks for the kind words. :)

Anonymous said...

Beautiful pictures, as always. As I am a novice at this, I would like to know what lens you are using. That is, if you do not mind sharing.

We had tons of Blue Jays here when I was growing up, but now Cardinals. Now it is just the opposite. I will have to see if there is a relationship there. It was nice to see that pretty blue again!

Sweet and Salty said...

What great pics!!! I especially love Skitty's solo pic, but the "match" with the dog was good also. lol...

Hilary said...

• Thanks Gawilli, I just finished snapping another blue jay shot. It may show up here eventually. Let me know if you figure out the relationship between those jays and cardinals.

I don't mind sharing at all, mostly because I really have no idea what I'm doing. I'm using a 6.0 megapixel Canon Powershot S3. I'm still trying to figure it all out, and have a long way to go, but I'm having fun in the .. er.. process. ;)

• Thanks Pavel. You must be a cat person. That last image was taken by Frank, so it's his action shot expertise (fluke). ;)

Shammickite said...

That's such a funny video, I love the little black feet trying to jump higher and higher!
Great animal pictures, both of the creatures inside and outside.
Best wishes to you and your family, including the animals of course, for a happy and healthy 2008! Happy blogging!

Hilary said...

Thanks for the good wishes, ex-Shammikite! The same for you and yours. Thanks for stopping by. :)

Leah J. Utas said...

Your squirrel photo is exceptionally fine. I haven't seen all the pics yet as I have dial-up, but the ones I've seen are wonderful.

Hilary said...

Thank you Leah.. much appreciated. :)

Wayne said...

Love these photos. Esp. the cardinals...

Happy New Year! May 2008 be full of Joy, Love, and Prosperity for you and your loved ones.

Wayne

Hilary said...

Thanks so much Wayne, and to your and yours as well. :)

Tink said...

Oh! The cardinal shot is breath-taking! I was just telling Hoop last night how pretty the birds are up north and how much bigger the squirrels are. The squirrels in Florida look like they're diseased or something.

Hilary said...

Thanks Tink! We may have bigger squirrels than you do in Florida, but you have much bigger ducks and mice.. and you name them too.. Donald.. Mickey.. ;)

awannabe said...

Lol... that squirrel looks mighty plump! Wow!

Hilary said...

Yup Awannabe, he was all puffed up to keep warm. Cute, eh? :)

Anonymous said...

ummmmmmmmmmmmmmm .. Benny, you silly dawg you!!!

The fox is UNDER the blanket!!!!

Hilary said...

Oh and the bull is in the above comment!

Thanks Gary (aka Bu||s) ;)

Chica, Cienna, and Cali said...

haha....the last pic is a riot!!!! :)
love all your animal shots.....you sure have a way with them..they pose so beautifully for you :)

Hilary said...

Thanks so much Moi but I have to credit Frank with that last shot. :)