True intelligence doesn't exist in these devices. They're just electronic devices designed, programmed and manufactured primarily by people, usually with the help of computers and other devices. The word 'smartphone' especially is a misnomer! I wish my camera really were smart! Then maybe it could figure out what I want it to do and do it! My camera can't even understand when a flash is needed...sometimes it flashes when a flash is needed and sometimes not! I don't blame the camera, however, I blame the idiots who designed and programmed it. As much as we paid for the camera and accessories, it should definitely do that! Lin, I think the fact that you manage to produce some really good pictures proves that you're smart enough!

Ok, I fibbed. I know these electronic devices aren't smarter than me ... it's just that I'm LAZY! And that't the truth.

flaflwrgrl said:Your problem is just that you get intimidated by them. You aren't stupid & you aren't inept. You just get too nervous & think the electronic item is smarter than you are. It is NOT. It can't operate without YOU. Remember that.

They may not be smarter than Lin but those things are smarter than me. I can't figgure out these new cell phones and I don't even have a computer tablet, just my desktop model.

LOL Rita, don't get me started on cell phones!

A few years ago my husband upgraded both of our phones to the smarter phones ... I had so much trouble with mine, you had to scroll up or down to reach a contact to make a call and I'd scroll down and it would always go way past the one I wanted; I's scroll back up and it would go way past the persons name. Once in a hundred times I'd maybe get to the contact I wanted! I got so frustrated I finally went to Best Buy and bought a cheap flip phone!

We have a desktop machine but I haven't used it in a couple of years. I strictly use my laptop ... same system as the desktop but I can use it most anywhere and take it with me when I travel.

I know that people must want a cell phone to be everything but I guess I am must behind the times. Oh well. I just muddle along.

LOL, my little flip phone serves it's purpose! I don't need internet, gps, camera, etc. etc. on a phone. I guess I have enough confusion in my brain to need more.

Ha! I agree. Me too on the enough confusion in my brain already without adding to it.

Two birds that are not the prettiest on the block, LOL.

American Black Vulture, and ................... Wood Stork:

No beauty contest winners there. Great pictures though.

The baby Mourning Doves are doing well! They're still at the same corner of the house but have moved from beneath the shrub and up into one of my container plants. The juvenile Mockingbird is flying all over the place and eating on it's own. It still hollers when it's parent is nearby and mama is ever watchful but the young one is doing great! When I was taking a picture of the young Mockingbird who was perched in the Bottlebrush tree, a Hummingbird stopped by so I got a pic of it too!

Juvenile Mourning Doves:


Juvenile Northern Mockingbird:


Ruby-throated Hummingbird:

Great shots! And the young doves look so adorable in your container. Glad they are doing well.

Thanks Rita! I'm so glad they haven't been eaten by something! They look healthy but don't peep/chirp/cry to be fed like a lot of other baby birds so I guess that's a good thing ... keeps them safer.

Newyorkrita said:Great shots! And the young doves look so adorable in your container. Glad they are doing well.

And it is hard to look at vultures & wood storks but good photos anyway Lin.

Thanks Ann! I've never gotten a photo of a Turkey Vulture but I think they are even uglier than the Black Vulture.

plantladylin said:Thanks Ann! I've never gotten a photo of a Turkey Vulture but I think they are even uglier than the Black Vulture.

That they are!

Seems like I am always catch this one on the hummingbird feeder...this time, he didn't seem shy about it! Black-crested Titmouse with a sweet tooth.

Lin, those are wonderful photos!!

A few recent photos from my backyard.

Robin--Yellow-headed Blackbird--Evening Grosbeak


Pine Siskin---Dueling male Cowbirds---Steller's Jay

Linda, cute titmouse.

Linda, Love that little Black-crested Titmouse, such a cutie and it looks like he's posing for that shot! That little one must indeed have a sweet tooth, I never knew them to drink nectar.

Margaret: Great shots of all your backyard birds! I love seeing birds that don't visit this far south and you've really got some beauties up there in B.C. Someday my husband and I hope to travel to that part of Canada. I just love the Yellow-headed Blackbird and that Evening Grosbeak is really pretty too. I see you get the Brown-headed Cowbirds up your way too ... they must be everywhere! Wow, Wow, Wow ... the Stellar's Jay is really beautiful!