As you may have guessed, I spent a lot of time in my backyard bird blind this spring while visiting with Zippy. I stopped posting about every session because they got very repetitive. But now I want to share some of the best shots from the silly birds in my backyard!
![Fish Crow](https://i0.wp.com/www.blog.catandturtle.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Fish-Crow_Backyard_202303041_copyrightJessYarnell.jpg?resize=800%2C533&ssl=1)
This Fish Crow likes to sit in the treetops and yell. On this particular morning, he landed on my neighbor’s roof with a stolen bit of fruit. At least, I think that’s what it is! His mouth was full and he had trouble holding onto it. Little piggy!
![Gray Catbird](https://i0.wp.com/www.blog.catandturtle.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Gray-Catbird_Backyard_202303051_copyrightJessYarnell.jpg?resize=534%2C800&ssl=1)
Mr. Catbird has bene the backyard bully this winter. He chases off the cardinals and thrashers when they get too close to “his” feeder. Rude!
![202303111_copyrightJessYarnell](https://i0.wp.com/www.blog.catandturtle.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/202303111_copyrightJessYarnell.jpg?resize=800%2C533&ssl=1)
Speaking of the thrashers, they built a nest in the backyard, but then nobody occupied it! I think they have a second nest in the hedge. I still see them periodically. I’m hoping to see blue-eyed babies soon!
![Northern Cardinal](https://i0.wp.com/www.blog.catandturtle.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Northern-Cardinal_Backyard_202303051_copyrightJessYarnell-2.jpg?resize=533%2C800&ssl=1)
I think the cardinals are nesting next door. Pretty soon we’ll hear the nagging calls of their first clutch of babies. In the meantime, Mrs. C sometimes takes a break to sit in the treetops.
![Northern Cardinal](https://i0.wp.com/www.blog.catandturtle.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Northern-Cardinal_Backyard_202303051_copyrightJessYarnell.jpg?resize=533%2C800&ssl=1)
Papa C likes to fly straight at the camera!
![Painted Bunting](https://i0.wp.com/www.blog.catandturtle.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Painted-Bunting_Backyard_202303101_copyrightJessYarnell.jpg?resize=800%2C533&ssl=1)
My Painted Buntings are leaving right now, and I already miss them! They will head up north to nest, then come back around the beginning of October. Is it October yet?
![Red-shouldered Hawk](https://i0.wp.com/www.blog.catandturtle.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Red-shouldered-Hawk_Backyard_202303051_copyrightJessYarnell.jpg?resize=800%2C534&ssl=1)
This Red-shouldered Hawk likes to hang around and scare the little birds. This was a take-off shot after he posed watchfully on my neighbor’s roof.
![Ruby-throated Hummingbird](https://i0.wp.com/www.blog.catandturtle.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Ruby-throated-Hummingbird_Backyard_202303051_copyrightJessYarnell-1.jpg?resize=800%2C533&ssl=1)
Look carefully – this isn’t Zippy! This is a female Ruby-throated Hummingbird. She shared the yard with Zippy, even though he tried to chase her off every time he saw her. (Not a good way to get a mate, Zip!) Then after he left, she took over the hummingbird feeder. I hope she sticks around and makes a nest nearby.