Female Northern Cardinal Pictures

I've been trying to get a good picture of a female cardinal for a long time. Of course, I only get a chance when I'm in between cooking and being with the girls! But last week, she landed on our feeders and didn't get spooked when I brought out the camera. Hooray! I love her earthy colors next to little bits of red and her vibrant beak.

Eastern Bluebirds: Doc and Betty

John checked the nest this evening, and there are 4 eggs. Poor Betty was scared to death as he checked, and she flew quickly out of the nest when John got close.

A little later on, we were all still in the back yard. Betty was sitting on the girls' swing set and watching all of blow bubbles and tend to our garden. I saw Doc in another yard, and all of the sudden, he dive-bombed a Brown-headed Cowbird. He was protecting his territory, his woman, and his babies! Betty was watching, and I'm sure her chest puffed up as Doc ran off the bigger bird. Oh, I wish I had pictures!

Swallows

These pretty, acrobatic birds have been flying all around our house. They've occassionally landed on our feeders, but they stay pretty busy flying around. I think they are Northern Rough-winged Swallow. I took some pictures of two that landed on our fence next to the Cedar Trees.

Betty and Doc Have Eggs

John was able to get a quick picture of the nest in the nest box on Saturday. To our delight, there were three little blue eggs in there!

In other bird news, the brown headed cowbirds are all over the place! They are scaring other birds away from our feeders. One pair even tries to scare off another pair from the feeders and bird bath. I'm wondering if a pair might try to lay an egg in the mockingbird nest behind our fence in the back yard. We are enjoying their song!

Nesting Birds

We have two sets of nesting birds in our back yard! We were so thrilled last year to have nesting bluebirds, and we have another pair this year. We have named them Doc and Betty. Betty has built a great nest in the nest box, and we're hoping for babies soon. I'll do my best to have John take a picture of the nest. Below are pictures of Betty on the arm of the feeders off the kitchen window and of Doc sitting on the deck. It's always amazing to see their beautiful colors up close.

























A mocking bird has also decided to take up residence in the back yard. She is getting a little territorial, and every time we get a little too close, she flies out and gives us "the look." I can't quite get a look at the nest because I'm short and the fence is tall. Maybe we'll get to see the babies at the feeders one day soon. I'm sure I'll get a picture of the mocking birds soon! They have been at the feeders and the bird bath a lot lately!