Today was an active day for the birds – finally a nice spring day and I was able to get some pictures to share.

First the Bluebirds were busy working on a nest – it looks like they have decided on House #2 which is the same house they used last year.  They made a good start on the nest today – actually Mrs. Bluebird did a lot of work on the nest today – she does most of the nest building.  Here are some pictures from today.

Mr. Bluebird sitting on the fountain

Mrs. Bluebird gathering pine straw

Mrs. Bluebird getting the straw into the house - this piece got stuck so she came back out and then turned around and went back in with it.

Mr. & Mrs. Bluebird

Then later this afternoon I saw something large fly across the yard and land in a tree.  It took me a minute to find what it was because he was hidden behind the leaves.  Luckily it was busy so it gave me time to get my camera and try getting pictures from a few different vantage points.  I tried from the kitchen window but the leaves were in the way, I tried from Tyler’s bedroom window – still no good, I tried from the driveway outside – still couldn’t get a good shot.  He was really busy.  I finally went out on the back porch (I was trying not to make any noise so I could get a picture) but Aspen snuck out with me and started barking which interuppted my busy visitor.  I did get one really good picture when he stopped to listen to Aspen and then a picture of him flying off (its not that good but you can see him).  What was it and what was he doing?

It was a Cooper’s Hawk and he caught something – possibly a bird that was under or on the feeder – and he was eating it – that’s why I had so much time to try to get a good picture until Aspen started barking.  He did take it with him when he flew off.   In the picture look on the branch in between his feet and then look at his feet where he is flying off.  I can’t tell what it was – I have a feeling it was another bird.

Cooper's Hawk with his prey

Cooper's Hawk flying away

I hope you enjoy the pictures.