Speaking of nests with eggs . . .

Five days ago (May 14) Suzanne and I took pictures of two new robin nests in our yard. One in a maple tree, the other in an Austrian pine. Both were quite new, and both were empty. Then today (May 19) I hoisted a mirror up above the nests and verified the presence of eggs! As we raised the camera above the nests for new pictures, you can imagine the scolding we received from the robins! They were furious! Squawking the whole time. At least they did not attack us. If they had attacked, I think Suzanne would have abandoned the project - she was in charge of operating the wireless remote shutter trigger, while I held the camera aloft. Here are the best of our pictures. Now, we're not going to invade their privacy again until the chicks hatch out. Stay tuned.

And Don't Forget the Quail!

With all the photos already posted, it is hard to come up with new ones that "raise the bar." Here are a couple of close-ups that show off their beautiful colors. And a couple where I caught them in the middle of making their distinctive calls. I am hunting nearly every day for nests among the bushes, in hopes of getting a photo of their eggs. And then, I also hope to have baby quail chicks running around the yard. The camera will get a workout then!

Other Birds

That same day (May 12) I captured these other birds, either in or from our back yard. First is the finch I have shown in an earlier post, hopping around in the yellow-green shade of an aspen's new leaves.





Next is a big hawk floating above the scene looking for dinner. He had better not dine on our quail!

And then this pretty little yellow bird that I have not yet identified. It's too small to be the oriole - about the size of the finch. Maybe you can identify it for me?

Oriole

In the evening of May 12, I was scouting the yard for other birds, when I heard an insistent new bird call coming from our willow tree. Here is the beautiful Bullock's Oriole who seemed so happy to stop here on his way migrating from South America to Manitoba Canada.

Pheasant

This pheasant was squawking his heart out one morning in the neighbor's back yard, just beyond our fence. I love how the morning sun sets his breast afire.

Recent Bird Photos

Northern Flicker (woodpecker family).


Practicing take-offs.


Practicing his landing.


Another landing.


Red-winged blackbird.

More Quail Photos

Stalking Quigley in the back yard.



He's checking me out from the safety of the apricot tree.

Ducks by the River

Bully chasing his rival

Trying to escape from the bully

Trying to walk on water

Lunch time. (Adds new meaning to "bottoms up!")

Backyard Finches

Aren't they cute?

Quail Covey

I sometimes play a recording of quail calls. Then, before long, I hear an answering call from this Quigley or one of his brothers.

After eating at the feeder, the quail will casually scratch in the flowerbed.

But, as soon as they sense my presence, the whole covey flies to the fence, prepared to escape if the "danger" increases.

Quail Update - Reading Lessons

The quail seem to appreciate the inviting welcome.




But the magpies appear to be reading-challenged!