Hard working tulip

We have 4 volunteer tulips in the yard, all red. They have been blooming for around 3 weeks now, just giving their all! They are full of yellow pollen from the big trees. Well, EVERYTHING is covered with yellow pollen! It's SO bad this year, I can't believe it. Worse than sand, it gets in every single crack. I can't believe I'm saying this but we need a good rain to wash some of it away.

We have a pair of merlins nesting in one of the Doug Firs behind the house. There was an "official" birdwatcher out on the street who showed me where it is. We have heard them up there the last few weeks, making all kinds of noise. She said the female is banded and she's hoping to see the numbers so that the bird's journeys can be tracked. It's very exciting! The female hasn't laid eggs yet but probably will within a week or so.

Have a great weekend!