Pest Control

I have not seen the swallows around during the last week and feared that they had decided not to raise their brood here.  So much delight when I saw both of them on the nest box this morning.  And when they flew off and I had a peek inside, I saw the first of the downy white feathers that they add prior to laying eggs.  Tree Swallows make the most beautiful nests, often using the soft belly feathers from chickens, ducks or geese as both a liner and a blanket, covering the eggs as they are laid.  This makes counting eggs difficult but it's just so lovely to look at.  I will try to put a shot in Extra of the first few feathers in the nest.  This definitely makes up for the loss of the third wren nest.  

It has been drizzling most of the day which I don't mind although it does preclude staying out for very long.  Still, I love the way the camera renders colors in the rain.  I took this shot at 1/250 to try to freeze some of the tiny droplets which didn't really work out, alas. That said, I didn't have to do a thing to the colors - they were perfect straight out of the camera.  

Some other potentially very good news brewing, although I don't want to jinx it by saying anything just yet.

Bestie Peg is on her way down to our house from Corning, about a 3.5 hour drive assuming she doesn't hit any construction traffic.  I'm planning to make baked cod with tomatoes, mushrooms, shallots, olives and lemon, served with bulgar wheat and baked zucchini.  The fish recipe is one Hubs has made several times and it's delicious, filled with the flavors of the mediterranean.  

xoxo
Debbi