We have babies and eggs!
Earlier this week I noticed a mockingbird flying in and out of the rose bushes on a pretty regular basis. I thought it was building a nest but this morning I heard a loud racket coming from the bushes that sounded like baby chicks squealing with hunger. Of course I had to take a peak.
These were challenging pictures to take. The roses are on a steep hill and I had to reach them from the top of the hill without slipping while moving the thorny branches out of the way with one hand and holding the camera and clicking with the other. I was mindful not to disturb the nest and watch for mom and dad. I didn't want them to attack trying to protect their nest if they felt I was a threat.
The babies are big already. Mockingbird babies will leave the nest as soon as 12 days after hatching. They usually seek shelter in low lying shrubs until they can fly. The parents will continue to feed and protect them during this time. Mama bird was waiting patiently in the cherry tree with a mouth full of food (looks like a dragon fly or a mayfly) ready to feed her chicks.
Just in front of the orchard we posted two birdhouses made by my father-in-law for two of our boys (notice the inscription). The bluebirds built a nest in the house on the right. I was so excited since this is the first time bluebirds have nested in our garden. Unfortunately, when I checked the nest this morning I found that the baby birds were all dead. I am not sure why the nest failed.
Later in the day the bluebirds were back, both mama and papa bird.
They were busy cleaning their house all day. Going in...
...and out
When I checked the nest this afternoon the nest was clean. They seem to be ready to try again. I hope they have better luck this time.
In the house on the left fence post is a nest with five eggs! And, now I know where all my moss went...
The birds fly in and out so quickly I am having trouble deciphering them. They look like the eggs of a Tufted Titmouse or White-breasted Nuthatch but could also be a Carolina Wren (help, anyone?). I have all three of these birds in my garden.
These were challenging pictures to take. The roses are on a steep hill and I had to reach them from the top of the hill without slipping while moving the thorny branches out of the way with one hand and holding the camera and clicking with the other. I was mindful not to disturb the nest and watch for mom and dad. I didn't want them to attack trying to protect their nest if they felt I was a threat.
The babies are big already. Mockingbird babies will leave the nest as soon as 12 days after hatching. They usually seek shelter in low lying shrubs until they can fly. The parents will continue to feed and protect them during this time. Mama bird was waiting patiently in the cherry tree with a mouth full of food (looks like a dragon fly or a mayfly) ready to feed her chicks.
Just in front of the orchard we posted two birdhouses made by my father-in-law for two of our boys (notice the inscription). The bluebirds built a nest in the house on the right. I was so excited since this is the first time bluebirds have nested in our garden. Unfortunately, when I checked the nest this morning I found that the baby birds were all dead. I am not sure why the nest failed.
Later in the day the bluebirds were back, both mama and papa bird.
They were busy cleaning their house all day. Going in...
...and out
When I checked the nest this afternoon the nest was clean. They seem to be ready to try again. I hope they have better luck this time.
In the house on the left fence post is a nest with five eggs! And, now I know where all my moss went...
The birds fly in and out so quickly I am having trouble deciphering them. They look like the eggs of a Tufted Titmouse or White-breasted Nuthatch but could also be a Carolina Wren (help, anyone?). I have all three of these birds in my garden.
