They are gorgeous nw! I understand your concern though. Once years ago my DH and I were heading for our yearly visit to a local osprey nest from a respectful distance . On the way we interrupted a hawk honing in on a squirrel. The hawk was flying almost at ground level around the tree and the squirrel was running around the base for dear life. Our first reaction was to disturb the hunt - which we did and the squirrel got away. Almost immediately we felt badly for the hawk and wondered if the hawk had needed to feed it's young. It is survival mode out there.

peren and ken..I love this natural setting and the wildlife..it's wonderful to see the animals up close and personal..I'm sure the birds of prey, the fox and coyotes keep the rodents under control..I could be wrong but I don't think I've ever had a vole..

So awesome! I saw one fly over my neighbor's house the other day but by the time I got my camera, it was gone. Then I saw one in the parking lot of Sprouts grocery store. It also disappeared before I could snap a pic.

Ospreys are nesting here again. I also really love them.

popmama..at home I see hawks the most..then owls..eagles the least..there's a reservoir close to my house and eagles hang out there..there could be ospreys there too..I'm blessed to have these experiences..

I would like to borrow one of those magnificent birds to take care of the 🐇 here.

Sherry

Sherry..my woodland garden with wildlife is surprising..I have less trouble with voles and rabbits eating my hosta than many people on the forum..maybe we all need some predators..

That's excellent. If they came here, they can have all the small birds and rodents they can eat! I have seen some nearby including a nest with a couple eaglets, but none in my neighborhood.

steve..the predators are welcome to voles, chipmunks, rabbits, mice etc..but I love bluebirds, chickadees, Carolina wrens etc..if I saw a predator attack a little bird I'd be sad..a natural occurrence but I'd be sad..

Wow, that is exciting. Here, I see lots of turkey vultures and hordes of crows. I have no idea of why there are so many crows here. Don't really like them; they are creepy and make a lot of noise.

What beautiful birds, such a treat to get the chance to see them.

So beautiful. Nature is a wondrous thing...

What a cool sight to see!

Esther..it WAS exciting..I've seen a few turkey vultures on the road next to a cornfield that you take to get to my neighborhood..they're not pretty are they? haha..I agree with you about crows..it's been awhile but I've had crows too..I don't miss them Lol..
Beth..yes such a treat!
oursteelers..nature is the reason that I picked this house..I like the house too but the setting was what sealed the deal for me..
newhostalady..was very cool..I hope they come back..

They are so beautiful. It is amazing how white their feathers are--and how white they stay. Mine would be a nice shade of red clay. Send them here, they can have all my squirrels.

frankielynnsie..a true story..I was sitting on my garden seat and a hawk flew 5?6? feet above my head with a screeching squirrel in it's claws..he went by me and the squirrel fell then ran off..I understand the food chain but it's sad sometimes..

Nice shot. No worries about them going for small birds as they wouldn't waste the energy. They do love their fish though, as my avatar shows.

tj

tj..good to know that the small birds wouldn't be a target..it makes sense that they hang out by the reservoir to go fishing 🐟🐟🐟

Beautiful though!!

Esther I thought of you today..I saw (and heard) crows!!..I didn't stop working to get my phone for a pic..I couldn't believe their timing!!..I just said that I haven't seen any..

Today, it was drizzling all day long. Between that, it being the Sabbath, and the coronavirus, I restricted my activity to going out on my balcony to check on my hostas and heuchies. I saw a lot of birds in the very tall trees, medium trees, and shrubs in the courtyard, so I went in and got my binoculars. I saw a beautiful cardinal, flocks of crows, house sparrows, starlings, and mourning doves. I think I also saw a house finch. Not bad, from just the balcony. Sometimes I see flying Vs of Canada geese, too.

Lots of my hostas are now unfurling. Hopefully, that will help with the NOIDs being identified. I think two of the small fabric grow bags contain Cracker Crumbs. Can't tell yet what the other NOIDs are. One has big fat pips unfurling into round edged blue leaves--can't find anything on my list that corresponds to that. I have very few blues outside of Blue Jay, and that's the only round edged one I can think of. I think my Blue Jay is still in Long Island with my friends, as well as Marilyn Monroe and a few others. With the darn coronavirus raging, I don't see my friends coming down with them any time soon.

it was drizzling here too..I was out anyway but eventually had to come in..heavy rain..thunder..lightning..I didn't look around today for any hostas coming up..I was going to look and take pics but I wanted to work a little first..then I had to come in..I noticed yesterday the Clausa in front are up over an inch..your pots are further along than mine..it won't be long and you'll have leaves..how nice that you saw lots of birds from your balcony..right now we can all use some cheer..