What I see in my backyard...

[skimonkey]

What a peaceful relaxing scene ski! I was in Krakow not that many years ago and, although I don't remember that brand, I do recall the Polish beer was excellent.
And, although I also don't remember its name, there was a particular dish of pickled herring with pickled onion and sour cream base that I really enjoyed, even better than the somewhat similar Dutch matjes or German rollmops that I also like. Now that went really well with that Polish beer!
Andrew

Thanks Andrew-I am really loving the start of our Summer here in Michigan. A friend of mine bought me this beer as a "thank you" for helping her at work. I really enjoy the smooth taste of it, with a hint of grape flavoring? I've never been to Poland, but it is on our bucket list. That dish you describe is Creamed herring. At least that is what my husband's side says. We have it for Easter and Christmas each year. Hubby loves it, me not so much. Cheers to you!

 

[scifan57]

A few minutes ago I watched the ISS fly OVER my backyard.

 

[The OB]

A few minutes ago I watched the ISS fly OVER my backyard.

Looks like you are having a nice clear night to see that sci. Did you try for any pictures?
Andrew

 

[scifan57]

Looks like you are having a nice clear night to see that sci. Did you try for any pictures?
Andrew

Unfortunately I didn't have a camera with me at the time. It looks just like a bright star, but moves quite fast; much faster than an aircraft.

While I didn't see it this time, if it moves into the Earth's shadow while you're watching, it will disappear like a light being turned off.

 

[The OB]

BUSY BEES IN THE HERB GARDEN
Working flowering rosemary:

I'm not sure its the same bee. There were a number of them enjoying some nectar on our rather overgrown rosemary bush
Andrew



Sent from my iPad Air2 using Tapatalk

 

[skimonkey]

There's been a real push for planting flowers that attract bees here, due to the issue of bee shortage. I'm not entirely sure of the cause and effect of all of it, but your picture Andrew is assuring that they are still thriving somewhere.

 

[The OB]

There's been a real push for planting flowers that attract bees here, due to the issue of bee shortage. I'm not entirely sure of the cause and effect of all of it, but your picture Andrew is assuring that they are still thriving somewhere.

Thanks re the pics ski, but Australia too has serious concerns re reduction of bee colonies as honey supplies, canola and other plant losses have suffered badly; largely due to drought and increasing use of pesticides. A reduction of the little critters has serious implications for world food production. Heres a link re Oz....
http://www.futuredirections.org.au/...mplications-for-australian-food-security.html
I must admit I had no thought about that when taking the photos of those little guys among the rosemary flowers which they love. But at the same time I remember recently lamenting with my neighbours about poor lemon production in our back yards, apparently due to poor pollination.
Quite coincidental.... As I was typing this my missus came home with a few shopping items where we were running low. And one of those was this jar....

 

[skimonkey]

That's a really interesting post, Andrew! I really hadn't checked until now about our world-wide decline. I had noticed myself that the cost of honey went up from the last time I bought a jar. No wonder there's so many messages on my Twitter garden feed speaking about planting flowers that attract honey bees. I may just have to do that, between all the rain we received the last few weeks!

 

[Czevski]

Birds are once again swarming my backyard. Lots of brown thrashers -some still ask to be fed.

Rose breasted grossbeaks are back but only dad let me photograph him.

 

[The OB]

Birds are once again swarming my backyard. Lots of brown thrashers -some still ask to be fed.View attachment 66075View attachment 66076Rose breasted grossbeaks are back but only dad let me photograph him.View attachment 66077

Great pictures Czevski! I love that bird-feeding set up with that chick apparently being fed by a parent. Good to see apparatus like that also helps the birds get through a winter.
Andrew

 

[skimonkey]

Love those pics czevski! We have had a lot of woodpeckers come out and visit us lately!

 

[scifan57]

I saw this large dragonfly in my backyard this afternoon.

 

[skimonkey]

Sci...I have seen so many different kinds here in Michigan. Green, blue, red, but not one that big and sinister!

 

[scifan57]

Sci...I have seen so many different kinds here in Michigan. Green, blue, red, but not one that big and sinister!

The actual dragonfly is about a third smaller than in the photo. While we have dragonflies with more blue colouring, I haven't seen the brightly coloured ones you have in Michigan.

 

[skimonkey]

The actual dragonfly is about a third smaller than in the photo. While we have dragonflies with more blue colouring, I haven't seen the brightly coloured ones you have in Michigan.

Next time I see one, I will take a picure.

Yesterday I went for a walk. When I got home, I saw: 4 deer, a doe nursing it's 2 fawns, 2 woodpeckers, 2 monarchs flying over our Milkweed, 2 hummingbirds, 1 rabbit and an assortment of other flying creatures in my backyard all in a span of 5 minutes!

Gotta love Nature!