Originally Posted by stranding

This is a great idea for a thread and is producing a lot of very interesting photos of animals, birds etc.

Would like to ask about the word "backyard"?

Here in the UK, a backyard would usually be a smallish area, perhaps surrounded by a fence of some sort, with either paving or some scrubby hard surface, meant for storage or have some other utility function such as drying washing or a place to keep the bins. Normally screened to be out of sight or tucked away in a corner.

But the main area around a house would be called a "garden" and would normally be the area made pleasant with grass & flowers, to be seen from the house and enjoyed. The garden might have two or more sections--a front & back garden, say, or a vegetable or rose garden.

So does the word "backyard" in the US mean what we would call "garden"? What would the bit in front of a house be called? Front yard?

Many Americans have nice backyards, with landscaping, seating areas, pools, gazebos, grills and such. The front yards are often landscaped, but most people hang out in the backyard. At my houses, we keep our garbage cans in the side yard. We have only a few gardening tools, because we hire out the yard work, and those tools are kept in the garage. (Many people store stuff in their garages, and some have three-car garages or more.) I don't know anyone who hangs out laundry; we use washers and dryers.

Ok this is one of the kangaroos, just learnt how to attach photo, will find the bird tomorrow

Originally Posted by clermont

<img src="http://www.ipadforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=20754"/>

Ok this is one of the kangaroos, just learnt how to attach photo, will find the bird tomorrow

That is so cool! Thanks for sharing

Wonderful photo Clermont!

Nothing quite like seeing a mob of kangaroos on the flying hop!

iPad 2 3G 64gb

Originally Posted by stranding

This is a great idea for a thread and is producing a lot of very interesting photos of animals, birds etc.

Would like to ask about the word "backyard"?

Hi Stranding, thank you for your thoughts on this thread. I am really pleased to see all the different animals, bugs, etc we all see in our backyard. Our Backyard here in the States is nicely described by Czevski and KayKayKay. My backyard has a walkout patio which is surrounded by my flower garden and and bird feeders. We also have a vegetable garden along the back of the house as well. We have a 2 car garage attached, which holds...cars, garden equipment etc. We also have people manage our lawn like what Kay said earlier...just makes it easier with our work schedules.

I have managed to capture some pics of our hummingbirds in action yesterday...finally. This one kept coming back to our feeder. I am afraid that he has scared the others away. We have a 2nd feeder which a brown hummingbird approach it but never lands .... At least we don't see it ourselves. These birds are tiny and fast!!













...@ Clermont...I really love the kangaroo pics!! I was hoping to see a few of those and maybe some Koalas! Love the animals that you and Leelai share in your beautiful Country! Can't wait to see the bird pic!!

We have some hummingbird feeders but no hummingbirds ever come to them if I ever see them, I'll try and get a picture

Wonderful photos Ski....you did well to get those photos!

So so cute!!

iPad 2 3G 64gb

Originally Posted by leelai

Wonderful photos Ski....you did well to get those photos!

So so cute!!

iPad 2 3G 64gb

Thanks, Leelai...these hummingbirds have really been a joy to watch!! Makes me smile!

I see blue skies from my back garden, for a change......

Originally Posted by Hayz

I see blue skies from my back garden, for a change......

Very blue skies indeed!! We have rain here now!

Love the Weather Vane you have there!!