Backyard photography

My favorite lighting for bird photography (or flowers, or wildlife) is bright overcast. Last week was just such a day and I set up my blind to take advantage of the great lighting. While I did not get to photograph any new species, I did get a very charming shot of a male cardinal with a sunflower in its beak.
In the meantime, we have taken down our feeder for the summer - the hummingbird feeder remains - and we have to find other ways to lure birds. One way is adding a bird fountain to our new garden. However, we have yet to find one.
Our new garden is having some growing pains, and that's mostly due to rabbits and a groundhog. My zinnias have been eaten in the front and back yard, making it look like the Munsters' garden. There are some native plants that the critters don't touch and perhaps that's a sign to plant more of those. Trial and error is the motto here and it's quite possible that the garden won't take off until next summer.

June observations

We are still seeing many birds in our backyard. In fact, their population has swelled because many have chicks now. Their constant chirping sounds through our yard all day long. My most exciting sighting this week was a Northern Flicker in our front yard. It targeted the ants on our walk. The Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are still around, enchanting us with their beauty.
Of course, birds aren't the only wildlife we attract. The chipmunks have also multiplied and we are trying to save our newly planted flowers from rabbits. The latter find our flowers really tasty. Oh well, such is life in the suburbs.