Good Morning Dec 14, 2021- A Storm is Coming and a Patient Hunter

Good morning. There was not much pre-sunrise color since the clouds were thick on the eastern horizon. It was 46f at sunrise and it’s now 52f with thick cloud cover and more moving in. We’re supposed to get rain this afternoon, and then wind this evening. I went around the yard and secured a few things just in case. There were plenty of little birds for awhile until Blackey the cat took a stroll around the the pool and stopped for a drink. Then the hawk showed up. He’s a very patient hunter. He hangs out very still in the patio olive tree and waits for the little birds to forget he’s there. They did and wham! He attempted a strike, but alas, it was unsuccessful. He landed up in the big mulberry tree (hopefully more photos later)for awhile, then resumed his quiet waiting buried in the branches of the olive tree over the patio. He must have been up there for another 45 minutes or so until finally he gave up and flew off in search of other hunting grounds. I noticed that my elf aloes around the yard are developing bloom buds. I love these plants with their long lasting blooms, and the hummingbirds like them too. They make a nice spot of color in winter and early spring. I also noticed that my neighbor’s large aloe vera has put up some bloom buds. I need to get some of mine in the ground so they will mature and bloom too. Looks like Blackey and the green eyed kitty are having some territorial disputes. I just saw the green eyed kitty run through the patio and over the corner wall with Blackey in hot pursuit. I do believe Blackey is the older cat and thinks our yard belongs to him. The sky has turned quite moody now and the wind is picking up. Time to head back inside and warm up. But wait! There’s a warbler at the bird bath now. 

Oh well, Happy Tuesday. - Michele

Hungry birds on the feeders this morning

The one on the right is for the local mountains. My weather ap has been behaving odd lately.

Hungry birds in the treetops and on the feeders this morning