Fragmented Solitude -IV

 

Huntsville Residents - I.

Two weeks ago while I was in Huntsville, a stranger told me that there are raptors in the area. I had seen an Osprey fishing in Pineview Reservoir, but I didn't have any idea what other raptors I might find there.

Then, a week ago, I met a Swainson's Hawk—and it was a handsome male! The hawk wasn't intimidated by my presence at all, allowing me to spend almost half an hour with him. The stranger was right. There are definitely raptors around Pineview Reservoir!

Generally, life is good!

Nesting Tree Swallows

My last encounter with immature swallows was a memorable morning at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, where I photographed American Cliff Swallows. 

However, that very morning in Huntsville brought an unexpected surprise.

While exploring, I accidentally came across a family of Tree Swallows. As soon as I noticed the cavity opening of a weathered, dead tree trunk, I was greeted by two pairs of bright little eyes.

While the offsprings were climbing out of the cavity, their parents watched them carefully from nearby.

An adult male Tree Swallow keeps a watchful eye on his chicks to ensure their safety

Preparation for the Nesting

 

It’s become a bit of a mid-May ritual for me to wander with my camera in the local cemetery in Huntsville, hoping to cross paths with the pair of House Finches that nest there.

That morning was wonderful.  I found them perched high on a spruce branch, completely absorbed in their morning routine.

The female was collecting dried grass and twigs, pausing to arrange them until she had a massive, tangled bundle clamped firmly in her beak.

With House Finches, it is almost entirely the female who does the heavy lifting when it comes to construction of nest. She builds it herself, taking anywhere from two days to a couple of weeks to weave the twigs, grasses, and rootlets into that neat cup shape.

While she is gathering materials, the male will accompany her, flying alongside her from place to place. He acts as a sentinel to watch for predators, keeps other males away, and to defend their territory.