Sunday, August 18, 2013

FUZZY FINCH ALERT!

I CAUGHT HIM NIPPING THE SEED END OFF OF THE PETAL!
We both kept hearing it.  Weeet, weeet, weeet.  Weeet, weet, weet.  It sounded like someone squeaking a dog toy over and over again.  Fuzzy was on the alert,  Pomeranian-head tilting to the max, trying to figure out what the noise was, listening,  not barking.  Thinking that maybe a neighbor had gotten a new puppy,  I got up to look out the front door, and here is who I saw... 

My husband was home and I called out for him to come and see this.  Fuzzy was spinning around.  He wanted to see, too. He was under the impression that someone had a new squeaky toy for him out there.  Finally,  having learned to keep the camera handy, I asked my husband to grab hold of Fuzzy so I could get a pic without Fuzzy running out the door.  I opened the door and snapped away.  I got some interesting shots.  I believe this is a goldfinch.  He had chosen my favorite peach-colored zinnia to deflower.

I was planning on saving some seeds from this bloom as soon as it got big enough to put a mesh gift bag on it.  Finchy continued munching away, flinging petals all around as the camera snapped away.  If only I could have been a little closer.  I was trying to adjust the focus and the camera noise finally scared Finchy away, or maybe it was me with the camera, my husband, and a wiggling, panting, grunting Pomeranian at the front door that alarmed Finchy.
HE SAW US ...AND WAS READY TO FLY AWAY.

Fuzzy was on DEFCON alert for the rest of the day.  Every time he heard the dog-toy goldfinch call,  he thought he should let me know by barking.  He spent  the day at the front door waiting for Finchy to come back.  He included all birds that landed in the yard for the rest of the day in his alert. He also included any people, squirrels, rabbits, or unusual sounding cars and trucks in his surveillance and alert.  He is guarding my zinnias with all of his might.  He can stop real soon as far as I am concerned.  I am going to have to have a talk with Fuzzy about all of this barking.  Maybe he can just go back to Pomeranian head tilting.  That is a lot cuter, and not nearly so nerve wracking.

WHO?  ME?  I AM TOTALLY INNOCENT!


24 comments:

  1. What a delightful sharing,lol, although I'm sure not so much for you with all of the barking involved. he he I adore Goldfinches...
    they are quite common where I live. Purple housefinches too. I'm just a lover of all birds really and since I posted about my hummer, activity has really increased. I'm sure they are gearing up for their long trek south now.
    Thanks for stopping over to comment...good to see you there! :)
    Many Blessings,
    Akasa

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  2. Great photos and what a cutie Fuzzy is. I have a Bichon named Teddy who goes on defcon alert when the squirrel comes around. I think the squirrel enjoys terrorizing Teddy. LOL

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  3. I know just the sound you mean.. the goldfinch squeaks and the barking. Head tilts are heart-melters though. Fuzzy is a cutie. :)

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  4. Beautiful zinnias - and wonderful goldfinch moment! Thanks for your message on my blog. I'll be a new follower of yours too.

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  5. What a glorious garden! Zinnias are the happiest of flowers
    and the yellow finch is like a flower himself. A flying flower.
    Beautiful pictures. Plus you and Fluffy made me laugh♥♥

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  6. I love those little goldfinches! Those must be some delicious zinnias you have there! I find it easier to attract goldfinches with thistle seed, than for me to grow zinnias. Ha! Fuzzy is so funny, he certainly is in tune with you and an excellent protector!

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  7. I think little Poms are the sweetest dogs ever. I have owned two now and they are wonderful little companiions. Your pictures are beautiful. IF only I had a good camera! (always say that. I think it is just an excuse for my poor picture taking, but I try.)
    Hugs,
    Mona
    p.s. Mel thinks Fuzzy is pretty darned cute too! :)

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  8. I love these pictures! The bird photos are amazing! And, I love Fuzzy ;o)

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  9. Great pictures....I am not sure if we have goldfinch in East Texas...I don't think I have seen any at my feeder. I love watching the birds here,but cats are my problem..my neighbor daughter has a lot,and they are always messing with the birds...thankfully they rarly catch one. Your fuzzy is a cutie :) Blessings

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  10. I think we have goldfinches here, but never that close by. I have some zinnias in the garden, I will keep a eye on them.

    Jen

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  11. Hi Susie. Thanks for visiting my blog. I love all your colorful zinnias. I have not grown any of those since I was a teen, 104 years ago. I love them. Nature makes me happy, so I love your bees and birds too. I have never seen a black pom before. Only red. He is adorable. Did you want me to have him? ;) I visited your Etsy too and your Santa creations are awesome! I'll be back. Nice to meetcha.

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  12. Susan, Now I know what to look forward to when I plant Zinnia seeds that a fellow blogger is sending. Fuzzy was really trying to be helpful with his barked warnings.

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  13. Thank you for stopping by to visit my blog. I've read several posts here and enjoyed them all, but most especially the post about Squirrely and summer memories. I made several smock tops to wear to school in the 70's and peasant blouses, too! And I laughed at lying outdoors. We'd use a blend of iodine and baby oil to get our tan and did the lemon juice thing too which had little effect on my brunette head. Funny thing is it would lighten right at the roots. Now that's where the gray shows most so I keep dying it to cover it up!lol

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  14. Susie, I haven't been by in such a while and I've just finished enjoying all of your latest posts and fabulous images!
    (I have never seen zinnia so BIG and beautiful!!) And your fruit!

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  15. Fuzzy is just doing his job! and that is just about the cutest thing ever! Love the photos. I'm your newest follower via GFC and also Feedly. :-) Thanks for stopping in at Cranberry Morning today. Hope to see you again. Pet Fuzzy for me.

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  16. Yep..that is exactly what Mele would have done..OUT the door like a shot..protecting her property! Making a lot of noice and looking back to see how brave she is and do I approve! NOT! :)
    I am so hooked on Pom's! I wanted a black on and got Mele..her father was all black.
    You got some great shots there...I wonder what on earth that little bird was doing? Do they eat those? Or are they like us and just want to play with colors? :)
    Hugs,
    Mona

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  17. How fun to catch these photos! I can see why fuzzy wanted a closer look. I love saving Zinnia seeds from year to year. They never disappoint!
    hugs,
    Jann

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  18. Great you have the goldfinch to visit in your garden. The zinnia's are great. They don't want to grow in my garden on the clay. Important to leave some seadheads in autumn for the birds to eat.
    Have a wonderful day. Greatings Marijke from Holland.

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  19. Thanks for calling on me Susie - do call again.

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  20. Nature is so entertaining! You had to give up the seeds but you got a blog post out of it.

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  21. Thank you for popping by my blog and saying hello! Fuzzy is VERY cute! I have a grandpom named Lina. She's a dolly, too.
    Your zinnias are glorious!

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  22. Dear Susie,

    It was nice to have you come by and visit, and I'm glad I came to see what your finches are up to! Sometimes it's hard to watch the goldfinches destroying perfectly good flowers with unripe seeds, but they're so pretty, who can get mad at them? Except maybe the dog, of course. :)

    Have a wonderful day,

    Marqueta

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  23. Your zinnias are beautiful (so I can see why the finch couldn't resist ;)

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