Birdie Babies
I've been watching a robin's nest in our red maple out front for several weeks now. I keep hoping we'll have nesting birds in our trees, but I so often don't ever see them. This one is pretty well hidden, with many leaves and branches blocking a good view. Then, a little while ago, I noticed that mom wasn't sitting on the nest anymore. I nearly held my breath until I saw one of the pair come back (I can't identify male v. female robins). But here is the reason she's not sitting anymore:
There are actually three little ones in the nest that I've seen. There are only two little beaks here; they're so cute, just sitting with their beaks looking up over the edge of the nest. I did see all three earlier this evening, while also watching one of the parents dive-bombing a very quickly departing squirrel.
Click the picture to see a larger version. Unfortunately, she's so well hidden, it's very difficult to get a good picture. Between the lower light levels and the branches and leaves hiding the nest, most of my shots are blurry at best. But I hope to get some more as the babies get bigger. I won't be here for much of next week, so I might miss some prime action, but we'll see.