Blue Grosbeak

I'm posting a day behind which will probably continue.  It's just so nice up here that I don't feel like opening the computer.  It's been pleasantly breezy but that has led to a LOT of deletions.  I didn't bring a tripod so I had more than my share of blurry images. The sharpness of this fellas eye isn't up to my standards but it could be worse  :-)

This bird only visits in the summer so it is a special treat for me to see it.  The spikes on the wood are meant to deter bears and coatimundis from pulling up the hanging feeders and having a late dinner. The nectar bats are out shortly after it gets dark.  Steve, the owner, leaves the hummingbird feeders out for a bit before bringing them in for the night.  Otherwise, they'd suck the feeders dry.

I've put a Mexican Jay with attitude in as an extra.  They're a common bird here year-round as you know from the oodles of times I've blipped one.  There's just something about their subtle colors that draws me to them.

I've extended my stay by a night so won't leave until the weekend. I simply don't want to go into the valley heat! Besides, it's really wonderful up here.