Time to get back to Earth, and my balcony where I seem to see more birds than anywhere else. This morning I saw the Great Spotted Woodpecker in a nearby tree, and the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker a few days ago, but regretfully when I reached for my camera they both flew away. I do have some success with the little Firecrest as it visits my balcony fairly regularly, but never stays long enough or still enough for me to focus my camera for a good shot, before it also flies away, however today I am sharing a few images, but first some succulent plants.
I was given the large plant as a Jade Plant, but was never sure if it is the correct name, so if anyone knows it's name I would be grateful if you would let me know, and the one surrounding the Jade Plant, I never knew it's name, although I like the many bright rusty red flowers it produces
I have been reliably informed that it's scientific name is Crassula ovata.
Seen from below
The surrounding succulents
The Firecrest emerging from a planter, perhaps looking for insects.
I got another shot when it flew to the top of an old stalk, but had to move quickly as the Firecrest was extremely active and I also had to lighten the image a little, as it was still a little dark on my balcony.
On another occasion I managed to capture three images.
The Periwinkle is now in flower so I'm sharing it today, even though the photo was taken on a grey day.
When the first flower appeared I took a photo on a sunny day.
Another plant on my balcony
The Blue Daisy Felicia amelloides
It's got quite leggy, but I'll take some more cuttings and insert round the pot and it will soon fill in. This plant was born of cuttings taken from the mother plant in the garden.
I saved the best until last.
34 comments:
Dear Sonjia,
I think the plant you have is named Crassula ovata. They are easy to take care of, but here :) I give them too much water, and then they die. I have never seen a firecrest before. I think they don't live here in my cold climate. You have so many beautiful flowers in your balcony!
Warm hugs.
Such a cute bird visiting
Their constant flitting can frustrate even the most patient photographer. You got some pretty decent pics of the firecrest. I like your Blue Daisy!
Beautiful photos of the succulent plant.
I love the firecrest, the last picture is indeed the most beautiful.
Greetings Irma
These are wonderful photos of the Firecrest, Sonjia, and I am extremely envious and full of admiration at the same time! I think that I have only ever seen Firecrest on four occasions (never in my garden!) and know just how difficult they are to photograph because they never stay still for more than a moment. Well done you!!!
My very best wishes - - - Richard
Hello Sonjia,
Your Firecrest is so cute, love your photos too. Adorable bird a great visitor to your garden. Your plants are lovely. The first plant does look like the Jade plant, I have to google Crassula ovata, it is new to me. It is nice to see the pretty flowers, always a happy sight. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.
...year ago we had a large beautiful Jade Plant. I should try to get another. Thanks for sharing this post on this cold and snowy morning.
Good morning, Sonjia: I am amazed that the Firecrest continues to visit your balcony. This is a bird that gives most people fits and many is the birder who has gone home frustrated after a long day trying to find one. Count me among them. On all my trips to Europe I have searched and searched but have never been able to gaze upon a Firecrest. I see that I shall have to visit Portugal and beg permission to share your balcony and we could be awash with satisfaction together as we revel in close-up views of a Firecrest. I will bring Champagne of course! If we drink enough of that we'll be able to turn a House Sparrow into a Firecrest! I'd like to see that Middle Spotted Woodpecker too! As for house plants, my expertise is sadly lacking, so I'll leave the ID to the experts like Marit. With many hugs - David
It's a shame you didn't manage to capture an image of the Lesser-spotted Woodpecker Sonjia. It's a good number of years since I saw one and it would be nice to see one again, if only a photo. You perhaps wouldn't believe how incredibly rare they are now in the UK, even more so here in the North West. I love the idea of a Firecrest just out side your window and the last image is surely the best - just great.
The firecrest is so cute!
How pretty and the last photo is perfect. It's neat to see it from all angles though when it has so many colors. Enjoy your weekend!
What a great location for bird watching! I love the view, too.
Wow. Your photos are amazing. I like a lot this little bird. Have a nice weekend.
awwwww, it is hard to save the best for last...they are all so beautiful. the plants are pretty too, being winter here, it is nice to see healthy green plants and flowers!!
the firecrest is a beautiful bird, i have never seen it, even in pictures, before!!
Beautiful photos as always. The firecrest is a beautiful bird and you captured it very well. Thanks for sharing and have a great weekend.
Dear Sonjia, Needless to say, I do not believe I’ve ever seen a Firecrest in person. And what a pretty bird it is. I completely understand why you said, “I saved the best until last.” That said, it is, for me, impossible to say which of your photos will come in second place. 😊 They all spark joy. Now, I found this interesting: Your first image … I’ve always called that a jade plant. So, I had to go lookup Crassula ovata and found this on Wikipedia: Crassula ovata, commonly known as jade plant, lucky plant, money plant or money tree. I like all of those names! 😊 Lastly, I love the Periwinkle on a sunny day. Thank you, Sonjia, for sharing. Wishing you happy days ahead. John
PS Sonjia, Thought you might enjoy this. I asked the AI chatbot, What is the scientific name for a jade plant? Here is the answer I got: “The scientific name for jade plant is Crassula ovata. Crassula is a genus of succulent plants in the stonecrop family (Crassulaceae) that are native to South Africa and nearby areas, and ovata refers to the plant's oval-shaped leaves. The jade plant is a popular houseplant that is known for its thick, fleshy leaves and small, star-shaped white or pink flowers that bloom in the winter. It is also sometimes called "money plant" or "friendship tree" and is believed by some cultures to bring good luck, wealth, and prosperity.” John
What a sweet visitor bird you had. I have always called those jade plants.
It's easy to see why birds are attracted to your balcony. That last photo is particularly cute. Amazing how birds can stand on such thin little legs. :)
Wow...what a charming bird. And beautiful plants.
Thanks for linking up this week!
The Firecrest is gorgeous,I don't think I've ever seen such interesting colouring before, I used to photograph the birds on my bird feeder at work before I retired, I'd spend hours every day watching them as I manned the gate to book people in and out. I do miss the birds, unfortunately we don't get too many in our garden due to neighbours cats always being around. I'm no help with the plant names unfortunately xxx
Beautiful capture of the Firecrest from different times and angles and cute plants and flowers from the balcony! I have seen succulents grow in pots in the hill stations here. I hope you have a good week ahead!
That's a beauty.
My Dear Sonjia, You are so lucky to have such a variety of bird life visiting your garden.I have refreshed my feeders and added rice to another bowl but I am still without visitors other than doves and the occasional tit.Perhaps next door's cat is the problem. As we go through life we learn and forget.Need I say more? You have such an artistic gift. I look forward to your captures and often wonder where you get your ideas from.What an imagination you have. Please do not stop.
Geniales tus fotografías. Es correcto el nombre de la planta, se ve muy brillante. Un abrazo.
This looks like my jade plant. Well, not really. Mine is about seven inches tall -- just a baby. But the leaves are the same! Fabulous birds!
Lovely post! I call it a jade plant too. My phone has an info button that identifies plants and animals and it says the official name is Crassula ovata.
Your plants are doing well and healthy. Love the birds shots.
I enjoyed seeing your plants,
... and yes your last photograph is lovely, such a sweet bird.
Enjoy this last day of February and have a good new month of March.
All the best Jan
Hola Sonia. Preciosas plantas. Yo tengo un árbol de jade también y cuando en verano lo saco al sol es cuando a sus hojas se les pone el borde de ese bonita color granate. En cuanto al reyezuelo son maravillosas tu fotos ya que es un ave muy difícil de pillar porque no se está quieta casi nunca y son muy pequeños. Feliz día. Abrazos y besos
cute little bird and beautiful flowers...
great captures
The Firecrest is strikingly beautiful. Very nice assortment of flowers and plants, so welcome at this time of year when we are in the cold and snow.
Me gusta el pajarito es muy lindo. Te mando un beso.
Beautiful photos as always, Sonjia.
Your little Firecrest is so cute!
Hugs and blessings.
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