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The sunflower seeds got planted here and there without my ever scrutinising the packet, so it was a surprise to discover some are dark red.
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They have their own brand of beetle.
Sunflower beetles. But it was cucumber beetles that did so much damage in the early stages.

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Tracking the Sun.

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These shorter sunflowers are by a front window so I need only turn my head to watch their daily progress.
They are such works of art.

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Turning my head at just the right moment two nights ago, I caught the first fawn sighting of this year.
Already quite large, but still with the endearing spots.
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Nervous mum was eating apples nearby.

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Last year there were no apples. This year, more than we’ve ever had.

Guessing, I would say the fawn is a buck.
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Early this morning, a mature stag.

An hour later a young buck and doe.

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Clearly the word is out about the apples, although everyone has a bumper crop this year.
They are all shedding.
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Recently I turned my head and caught a Monarch on the butterfly bush.
This morning Grant glanced out, just in time to see not one but two Cooper’s hawks, possibly a third. It looked like a training session for junior.
Two crows feigned indifference, then retreated.

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Coming back yesterday, after seeing the kingfisher, we stopped for a moment to see Buddy and friends.
Two hay wagons stand by the road there and Grant noticed a bird sitting on one of the rails, preening.
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It was having a good old scratch.
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It wasn’t until I examined the images that I realised that this was a phoebe.

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Just the proceeding day I’d remarked that we’d not seen a phoebe this year.
And as I began writing these words, the patio door slid open:
“You’re not going to believe this!”
Granted had looked up from his task and spotted…a phoebe.
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“Money! We haven’t seen any money lately!”
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D’you think it’ll work?

Worth a try. You never know. Hope springs eternal. And etc.
Thank you, Carolyn, for the excellent photos of your charges; they all coexist happily! As to the question, always worth a try! I love the red sunflower!
Joanna
I must try that money trick. The more we try the better our chances!
And here I thought sunflowers were just coming in yellow! The dark red is lovely. Your pictures are exceptionally beautiful again today – I really like the one of the butterfly. Ha, may I join you: I haven’t seen money in a long time too …