Amazing Blooms

This bush in the yard is just covered in blooms this spring. They do not last long and are already falling off, but they are beautiful. The bush is only three years old and I just love it. This photo does not do the bush justice, of course. Somehow, deep reds do not come out quite right with my camera, but the colors are bright. A deeper fuchsia in actuality, the bush drops the flowers and the leaves turn a pretty, dark purple-green.

Cardinal Neighbors

Yes, the days are warmer now, and the birds are making their nests around the yard. I love having the birds nearby. With up to seven pairs of cardinals who come to the feeding station on the coldest days, I am usually sure to see two or three in the morning and evening. I love the males and females, but the red feathers of the males make them show up better in photos most of the time.

This particular photo I took right inside my home. The cardinal was about four feet away in the bushes right outside my sitting area window. He did not stay long after I snapped one shot. They usually do not like to see me so close pointing something at them.