Leaving the nest is scary!

The nest may be empty, but the babies are still babies! We've been hearing the distinctive sound of a baby robin that has fledged - left the nest - but still acts helpless and gets fed by its parents. Today Dad spotted one! We're pretty sure that it's not one of the babies that left the nest in the pine tree last week, because it is still too small - it has no tail feathers at all yet, hasn't been out as long as that.

New neighbors!

Two weeks ago I was looking through binoculars trying to spot a grackle nest in the pine tree behind our house. I had seen grackles flying up there with beaks full of grass, so I knew they were up there somewhere! I did find them eventually, but first I spotted another nest - this one occupied by robins! We had a good view from the back door, and could see the robins taking turns on the nest.

A few days ago we suddenly spotted babies in the nest. Big ones! I had thought the parents were still sitting on eggs, and these were practically shoving each other over the side! I stood at the back door experimenting with my new camera, which has an extremely good optical zoom - like a miniature telephoto lens. These photos were taken zoomed in from about 35 feet away.

The very next day the nest was empty.

Fuzzy bird butts!

Feeding time! This worm lasted for only one picture...