bath time in the yard

It's bath time at the Utenzi Ranch. Not me--you don't want to see me naked. Especially right now. I've got a touch of poison ivy and parts of my hide really should be hidden (hide --> hidden) as a result. Gross, y'know?

This is the drying rack, so to speak.

I keep this pile of brush around for birds to alight on while they dry their feathers from their bathing session. Birds don't fly too well when their wings are wet so this is important for their safety from predators. Like that mean cat in my header. (sorry, Oreo)

As you can see, there's quite a few birds in the dry cycle right now.






The bath in question--seen over there on the left-- is for my bird population. I keep this turtle that I inherited from the previous owners of the house y'know around so that it can be used as a large and somewhat unclean birdbath.

They seem to like it and turtles and birds get along great. Cats? Not so much!

By the way, I suspect it was a cat that gave me the poison ivy when I picked it up so no more picking up nasty cats for a while. The suspect is Pippin, the blonde cat that used to be in my blog header. Bad ole Pippin!


Here's a closer view of birds having fun. I bet that carniverous cat would love to catch them like this!

Usually when there's a few birds frolicking like this, there's at least one or two up on the lip of the bath able to give warning should anyone nasty approach. Including me, unfortunately.








As a result, I take these pictures mostly from inside the house.

Here's a picture taken from my dining room window of the drying rack and the bath turtle so you can see how close they are to one another.

The turtle is on the flagstones just outside my dining room and kitchen windows.

Comments

kenju said…
I'm so glad it's a bird bath, Utenzi. Wouldn't want to see your poison ivy at all!
MorahMommy said…
I loved the photos. There is something endearing about watching little birds have bath. Oreo stay away!!
Ciera said…
Cool. about the birds and all that...not about the poison ivy [yikes!]
Anonymous said…
I love seeing pictures from other NC bloggers! And you're so right about giving the birds a place to dry off. I'm so feeling you on the poison ivy too. I swear I got it from the dogs rolling around in it. They of course don't suffer from it but I sure do. Off to apply more benadryl cream.
MaR said…
What a nice blog design, Utenzi. I guess it's been a while. Love your pics and your concern about birds. Michele sent me your way tonight, have a lovely weekend!
Anonymous said…
Youve got the birds spoiled.

My neighbor has enough bird feeders/baths for the both of us...
Lora said…
I never really thought about the need to dry off for the little birdies. What a thoughtful person you are. But you are getting supisiously close to trash talking the kitties...
Sandy said…
I just ordered a bird bath for the yard. Can't wait to get it set-up and start taking photos.

Michele says hi!
Nic said…
I have that exact same sandbox for my daughter. What a great use for it!

Hi again from Michele's!
Well, I love this Utenzi, my dear.....I'm not too happy about your nasty remarks about CATS, but..I'll forgive you because you do care a lot about other little creatures...
Oh and sure...blame the Poisen Ivy on the cat...it has nothing to do with where you might have been, huh? Not that I know anything, mibd you, but I don't think cats carry Poisen Ivy....I could br wrong, of course!
Great pictures of those sweet little birds, my dear...

Here from Michele where we posted at the same time!
i hope you don't catch West Nile Virus from the turtle pool heh heh. At least the sparrows love you.

Here from Michele's
Michelle said…
As soon as i saw "naked", i was sweating with excitement!
How adorable those birds are, and what fun they look to be having :o)
Mike said…
Great pictures of the birds. Keep plenty of calamine lotion on the poison ivy.

Michele sent me.
Anonymous said…
They all look like they're enjoying themselves!

Here via Michele's :)
Chatty said…
I love the new look of your blog. We have enough water here to bathe all of the birds on the east coast! It must be raining where you are, no?
carmilevy said…
I would think birds would love turtles: they represent an ideal landing spot while flying over water.

What a delightful ecosystem you have in your yard. You're a good egg for thinking of the birds' needs to empathetically.
Thumper said…
!!You gave me a great idea for attracting birds to our bird feeder!!

Her via Michele's, even though I'd get here all by myself later...
RC said…
Hi, Michele sent me!

Are you a boy or a girl?

Happy Mother's Day, just incase!
utenzi said…
The beard in my picture is a hint.
Anonymous said…
Hi Utenzi!

Cute birdie pics - and I'm sorry to hear about the poison ivy. Ya know, I see you over at Michele's place a lot and I gotta admit, I've always pictured you as a woman - not sure why! But now I've seen your pic (I dig the beard :) and I've been set straight!

Have a good night!
Anonymous said…
Sorry 'bout the poison ivy -- but the pics! Excellent!

Visiting from Michele's...
Ethel said…
Cute birdie bath pictures :)
Michelle said…
I dunno David, i've seen some women with some serious beards happening!
Spock said…
Alright now, I'm starting to get a little insulted...evil cat...nasty cat...blah, blah, blah. Don't make me come down there......
Spock said…
PS: Schmaybe the kitty gived you the itchies cause you called him nasty..........

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