The Birds Are Doing What?

Around February 15th, I saw our first Purple Martin couple.  They flew around the house for several hours and viewed all of the apartments available.  Unfortunately they were not happy with what they saw.  I've seen additional couples stop by since but they also flew on.  As happens with human complexes when the desired tenants don't come, others move in.

It seems a bluebird couple has taken up residence.  This little guy is tough and has done a very good job keeping the sparrows from squatting.

Then there is the Phoebe couple who for the last couple years ended up nesting on one of the outside ceiling fans because I was on top of knocking down their mud nest at the front porch.  I missed that window of opportunity this year and they are raising three babies at the nest on the front porch.

Of course I can't ignore the hummingbirds...  They were late this year.  Finally last week I was enjoying my morning coffee looking out on the pasture when two hummers flew up to the window and started buzzing at it.  "Ah, they're finally back," I thought.  I got up and started fixing the juice for the feeders.  Apparently I was not fast enough because they buzzed me at the kitchen window too.
So put out the feeder ASAP for the hungry little fellows!

The cardinals, finches, etc. are in full singing mode.  Their colors and songs are lovely!  Late arrivals are the scissortail flycatchers.  I started seeing them on the fence posts and wires just this past week.

The "rib-eyes in the sky," sandhill cranes, have already been moving back north.  I am hoping to see them late this summer in Yellowstone.  Finally, when I take the time to let my eyes search the sky, I see the hawk couples whirling and swooping among the clouds.  What a sight!