Mountain Laurels are some of the first trees to bloom each year. The are usually swarmed with bees and butterflies. So far, the butterflies haven't found mine. But, my bee buddies are enjoying it!

The blossoms on our tree are paler than they have ever been. I think it is the stress of the drought and freezes. But then again, I am not a botanist- just an old fat man making a guess.

Miss Olive was just sitting watching a squirrel in the neighbor's tree when I took this shot. She will stay frozen like that for a long time.

When I call her, she barely turns her head! She is not easily distracted from her squirrel patrol duties.

Mr. Vinny could care less about squirrels these days. He used to be just like Miss Olive, although he was never as focused on it. He prefers to find a sunny spot and just lay there. But, you have to realize he is getting pretty old. I think he is 13 or 14 years old now. That's the equivalent of 80 years old for humans using the new guidelines.

There were several Northern Cardinals at the feeders when I took most of the next shots. They were very cooperative and posed nicely.

Our crackpot roses are blooming out like crazy. I can never remember the real name for them.

I love this fella's crest.

Do you see the tiny buds on my hackberry tree? This particular tree is the first to get leaves every year. The one behind it will get them about two weeks later.

I think house sparrows are some of the prettiest birds. But, my favorite colors are shades of brown. I like forest green, too, but I haven't seen it on any birds.

Is he looking at me? I'm going to pretend I can't see him and play hard to get.

Whenever two starlings hit the suet feeder, a fight is inevitable.

There is always a winner.

I swear that this guy is thinking, "Isn't there supposed to be food on this thing?"

The blue jay landed in the tree for approximately 10 seconds. It was just long enough for me to get a shot. It isn't a good shot, but I GOT IT!

The sparrows don't like to use the closest feeders when I am on the patio at first. After a while, they nervously start to land in the tree above them until they are sure I am not a threat. If I make a sudden movement, sparrows go flying in every direction.

This mocking bird likes to sit in my neighbor's tree and serenade me. In the summer, he and his mate will come to my birdbath for a drink and sit on my back fence. I rarely see them on my feeders, although I did see this guy on them a few days ago.