Awww! I'd like to believe that the mother dove left the nest because the baby didn't make it. They will do that.

Some kind of little bird made a nest in a pot that I left hanging overwinter. I noticed the hole months ago and wondered if a bird made it. Then one day at dusk I was standing outside and saw a little bird swoop down into the hole.

Pic taken in Jan


Now the hole is closed up so I'm wondering if she laid eggs in there. I won't be watering that plant, just in case.

I have to laugh at that nest Christine. It's amazing what birds will see as the "perfect spot" to build a nest.

So sad about the baby bird Linda.

Hello everyone, I have just finished reading this thread. I am slowing ready my way through ATP. I wanted to share a few pictures from Iowa. These pictures were taken in May of 2013. I can't wait to take pictures this year and share them. All of your pictures are so beautiful and inspiring. I am so glad I found my way here.


Baltimore Orioles


Red-winged Blackbird and Baltimore Orioles


Golden Finches

Here is another picture with an Orchard Oriole in flight. As you can see, the woods (trees) are a long way from me which is why I do not have Cardinal and many other birds visit my feeders.

I never seen an Oriole here. Sure is a pretty bird! Love your huge deck! NICE!!!!

Beautiful pictures, Jeanne! I've seen two orioles here, and I just feel really lucky to have seen them. I was looking out the window when they happened to stop for a rest, and then they were gone. I've put orange halves and grape jelly out for them, but they never stop to eat.

Thank you Natalie, NewYorkRita, and Becky for the thumbs up. Glad you like my large deck, Becky. It is really nice to have. I hang Hummingbird and Oriole feeders on both ends and in the middle so there isn't as much fighting going on over feeders. It won't be long now, and I will have the Orioles and Hummers back. Here are some other pictures from the past.

I think this is a Blue Bunting. Picture taken May 2008. Do not see this very often.


Red-headed Woodpecker feeding a baby. Taken June 2009.

Thanks Natalie. I put out oranges and grape jelly and they go crazy for both. Needless to say, I go through a lot of grape jelly. When I am out of grape, any flavor will do until I get more grape. I just love this time when there are so many Orioles that stop for a while on their way through. Some do stay around for the summer.

Thanks for the thumbs up Dave and Mcash.

Great pictures again! Love the woodpecker feeding the baby! I don't think I've ever seen that before! Thanks for sharing! That blue bird is gorgeous!

I have oodles of grape jelly! Canned it myself awhile back, but I've never seen an oriole eating it. Maybe they just pass through here on their way elsewhere. I'm kind of new to my area, so I was just happy to get to see one! None of the birds here, other than the hummers, have eaten from the feeders I put up, so all the seed goes on the ground. I do have the orange halves and grape jelly on an improvised feeder though, which is a plastic lid attached to the top of a fence post. Can't find oriole feeders in my area, so I did the next best thing. I've had the orange and jelly out for a month now, which I change regularly, but it hasn't been touched! Can't remember which month it was that I saw the orioles before, so I wanted to be prepared ahead of time this year. I only remember that it was early Spring.

There are other birds that also eat my grape jelly. Sparrows, Finches, and even the Red-Headed Woodpeckers feast on it. I have even seen Hummers trying to get liquid out of the drain holes in the bottom of my blue jelly feeder. I am so anxious for the feeding frenzy to start. Pretty cool here today after a couple days of really nice temps. It might not be so bad out if it wasn't so windy.

Here are a couple pictures I took today of a Downy Woodpecker and a Red-Headed Woodpecker. They flew off when I went out to replenish the feeders but came back soon after I went back in the house.

Loving your photos Jeanne! It's very rare for me to see an Oriole -- either Baltimore or Orchard so that was a real treat. I believe your blue bunting is an Indigo Bunting -- they are so cute. I saw one here last year but it only hung appeared at my feeders for a few days & I never saw it after that. I'm hoping for this year.

I laughed when I saw that nest too, Ann.

gardenglass, enjoying your pics. No orioles here. Very cute picture of the Woodpecker feeding baby.

Thanks everyone for the thumbs up. I'm glad that you are enjoying my pictures as I am enjoying all of yours. Thanks Ann for straightening me out on the Indigo Bunting. I guess I knew that but just couldn't think of the correct name at the time. I have not seen one for a few years but am hoping maybe I will this year. I see Bluebirds once in a while. I am hoping I can get some to nest in our Bluebird houses. I have been seeing a lot of Red-headed Woodpeckers so I am hoping they will bring their babies to the deck to feed again this year. Happy Birding everyone.

The goldfinch are sure enjoying the thistle socks!

Wow, look at all of them. You sure do have a bunch. I only ever see two or three at a time around here.

Half of them had flown away by the time I grabbed my camera! They are here all year, and I sure love all of that color in the winter!

Until they rip your zinnias to shreds.. I know, I know that only happens to me.

They didn't touch mine.

Natalie, I find it amazing that those little birds can find the seed in those socks. Where do you buy them?