The big barn is full of activity, the Starling young have hatched and the parents are busy hauling food in and out.
When I walked into the barn the adults called out warnings and all chirping ceased. I waited quietly for a few minutes, then let out a “HOOT!” and suddenly the barn came alive with “Cheep! Cheep! Cheep!”
Who did they think I was? The Hoot Owl food delivery guy? Funny!
I was able to catch a few moments of blue sky off and on today. I spent (am still spending) most of the day in front of the computer, putting together my weekend stories and Tuesday’s Outdoors stories.
I heard this amorous male purple finch long before I saw him. He was crooning away, looking for a lady, I suspect, high up in a tree in my orchard.
He’d sing and then he’d look around to see if anyone heard. Typical male. 
This poor pigeon was left behind yesterday by some people that were out in my backyard training their dogs for an upcoming NAVHDA test. He/she won’t find love with this robin (she already has a mate, they’re building a nest behind the barn), but maybe it’ll find a friend.
I found this European starling perched on a fence post flapping his wings and purring like a kitten. Interesting behavior. According to the Birds of North America website, the behavior is called “wing waving” and he is doing it to attract the interest of a female.
I spotted this female red-winged blackbird hanging out in her barely red epaulets, what beautiful breeding colors!
I captured this lovely lady the other day. The intensity of the color and contrast is so striking. This lady (below) fascinates me …
I look forward to seeing the golden-crowned sparrows get through the rest of their molt. They have been looking pretty ragged lately. This little guy (gal?) is just near the end of it …
