More Spring Things!

Eastern Bluebirds were checking out a nesting location! The male Eastern Bluebird displays at his nest cavity to attract a female. He brings nest material to the hole, goes in and out, and waves his wings while perched above it. That is pretty much his contribution to nest building; only the female builds the nest and incubates the eggs.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eastern_Bluebird/overview

Midland Painted Turtles on left, sharing a floating stick with a non-native Red-eared Slider.

A very vocal Red-bellied Woodpecker was drumming up attention at this nesting cavity. Perhaps he was still trying to attract a mate? When exiting the cavity, he cautiously poked out of the hole, making sure the coast was clear of potential predators.

Red-winged Blackbirds continue to make announcements to anyone who will listen!

On a very windy morning, some Turkey Vultures chose to roost in a tree rather than tackle the windy conditions. Turkey Vultures use their sense of smell to locate carrion. The part of the brain responsible for processing smells is particularly large, when compared to other birds. It can even detect dead animals below a forest canopy!

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Turkey_Vulture/overview

Northern Cardinal reflection

Grabbing a snack! A Black-capped Chickadee enjoyed the Staghorn Sumac fruit.

Brown-headed Cowbirds are native to North America but are considered by many to be a nuisance bird. They have been implicated in the decline of several endangered species, including the Kirtland's Warbler. Female cowbirds make no nest. Instead, they lay their eggs in the nests of other bird species who then raise the young cowbirds, often to the detriment of their natural offspring.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Brown-headed_Cowbird/overview

Song Sparrow, taking a break from singing!

Female Bufflehead: I had been watching this bird paddling, about 50 feet in front of me. She suddenly took flight and landed directly across from where I was standing! She must have wanted her picture taken!

It's nesting time for Eastern Screech Owls. Males choose a roosting location which gives them a view of the nesting cavity where the female sits.

Easter Bunny relaxing after a busy weekend.