Ready for re-opening, a patio has its shades in place. A goldfinch enjoys the shade of our Walnut tree, and a fallen tree creates mystery reflected in the shadows of live trees. (For Lens-Artists challenge: shades and shadows.)
Blackbird chasing off a Red-tailed hawk Muscovy and Black-bellied Whistling Ducks (from archives) (For Bird Weekly’s challenge: more than one species in a photo.)
Hard to beat the goslings, but I think this Blue Jay doing an imitation of “Take my wife, please!” is pretty cute too. For Cee’s Black and White Photo Challenge: cute factor.