Sunday, July 27, 2014

Finches and Pinches



Not much to report of late, as a matter of fact I've been a bit out of pocket recently.  At first it was because of the 4th of July holiday, then we had company in from out of town, then I was having computer issues, and within the last couple of weeks I have had a pinched nerve in my arm...which makes being on the computer difficult.

I have had it checked out and it turns out I have "golfer's elbow," which is kind of ironic since I don't golf!  And in all the years that I played competitive tennis, I never once developed tennis elbow, yet somehow I now have golfer's elbow...go figure!  Maybe I should take up the game and see if it makes my elbow/shoulder/upper arm better?!




With my arm out of commission I haven't been taking pictures, holding the camera is one of those things that seems to irritate it, but I did make an exception when a female Goldfinch decided it had to have an afternoon snack and landed on the Anise Hyssop plant on our patio.

A male often joins her on the plant, and they happily pluck the lavender flowers, which apparently are quite yummy.  If you look closely at the image above you will see that she has a blossom in her beak, and you can also see that many of the small lavender blooms that fill each stalk are missing.

The male is much brighter yellow, and a striking fellow I must say, but the plant is located not too far from our sliding door, so whenever I try and open it to take a shot they both hurry away as though they'e been caught red, or in this case purple, handed!

This is the first year I have tried to grow Hyssop, but it won't be the last.  I originally wanted the pink/coral variety, but the anise was all I could find in my area.  There seems to be some debate as to whether the variety I have is the same as the traditional European hyssop herb which is prized for its healing powers.  You can read more about anise hyssop HERE

Whatever healing powers it may or may not have doesn't seem to prevent the birds and bees from loving it.  The stalks are full to the brim all day long with bees, which seem a bit addicted to its flavor, or perhaps the magic it possesses.  And for now, the goldfinches seem quite content as well.

I will be away a bit longer as I try to let this arm of mine heal.  Wishing you all a very happy week ahead!

6 comments:

  1. I like your title...but no, I do hope you feel well soon. Beautiful shots of the finches!

    Jane xx

    ReplyDelete
  2. Such a beautiful capture Kat! I haven't ever grown hyssop, but maybe I will now.
    I'm so sorry about your arm. I've had tennis elbow and it is so darn painful and I after this post, I don't think I want golfer's elbow either :)))) I hope you heal quickly Kat, so you can get back to taking your beautiful photos to share with us all.
    Have a wonderful week sweet friend and heal up fast.
    hugs from me....

    ReplyDelete
  3. I always love your beautiful photos, Kat...and goldfinch are some of my favorite birds! So sorry to hear about your elbow...summer is a good time to rest and relax (well, anytime is good for that lol)! Hope you are feeling better SOON! xo

    ReplyDelete
  4. I have neck and shoulder issues now and then due to manure pitchfork syndrome...... it's not fun! And I suspect it's the years of tennis that have finally come home to roost for you, regardless of the golfers elbow name. Lovely pics, as always.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Beautiful picture of the finch. You take amazing bird shots. Birds are extremely hard to capture so thanks for sharing your talent. I am going to be on the lookout for a anise hyssop plant. So sorry about your issues with your elbow. Take care, relax and I hope healing will come very soon.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Great photos, Kat! Too bad you can't use the healing powers of the plant yourself, huh?
    So sorry you are ailing during the summer season. Hopefully it won't be long, and you will be feeling lots better.
    Debbie
    xo

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.