Brown-headed Cowbird (female)
This collection of photographs spans about three or four weeks; although, I took the majority of these photos within the past week or so. You’ll note that the backgrounds in some photographs are lightly green or brownish green, while others have an intensely vibrant green backdrop. The greenest are, of course, the most recent. Within the past week, all of the trees have come into full bloom.
A few notes about the birds and other critters in this post: I only see Brown-headed Cowbirds at my feeders in spring and early summer. They are a kind of blackbird. The name cowbird comes from a time when they followed herds of bison in open grasslands, eating insects kicked up by the animals’ hooves. Now, they are also found in some urban and suburban habitats.
Brown-headed Cowbirds are brood parasites, which means they do not build nests and raise their own young, as most birds do. Instead, females lay their eggs in the nests of other species who, in turn, raise the baby cowbirds, often at the expense of some of their own offspring.
Also, the Yellow-rumped Warbler and White-throated Sparrow, who you’ll find below, are winter residents in North Carolina and will likely be leaving us soon. I am enjoying them while they’re still here.
And lastly, I discovered an Eastern Tent Caterpillar nest in the woods a few weeks ago. You’ll find a photograph below. The nest consists of a large silken enclosure that houses about 150-400 caterpillars, which eventually become Eastern Tent Caterpillar Moths.
I hope you enjoy these photographs.
The Used Life 
16 responses to “Birds of Spring & Other Things”
Such pretty photos. And I love the addition of the tent caterpillars 🙂 Often overlooked, they are such a friendly addition to our world..thank you for sharing your always beautiful photos of the birds and creatures who find their way to you..
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Thank you, my friend! As you say, we are surrounded by so much beauty that often remains overlooked. Tent caterpillars are a beautiful and fascinating part of our world. 🙂
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❤️🐦
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🙏🏻🕊️✨
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Lovely photos. Birds always make my day
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Thank you! Me, too! Birds never fail to make me smile.
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You’re welcome
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Beautiful ❤
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Thank you very much! 😊
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Wonderful!
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Thank you!
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You have some awing photos here of spring wildlife! I love the photos of the dove and squirrel; they are so clear and striking. ❤
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Thank you so much, Layla! Spring is such a lively and rejuvenating time. The dove and squirrel are two of my favorites here, too.
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What’s not to enjoy! Wonderful! Weird and perhaps a bit disturbing about the habits of the Brown-headed Cowbirds and fun caterpillar find! Enjoy! I’ve enjoyed seeing a few larger butterflies fluttering by today. 🦋
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Thank you so much, Michele! The cowbirds do have some interesting habits…fascinating the way nature works. And butterflies are always a welcome and heartwarming sight. 😊🦋 Have a great weekend!
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You are welcome. 😊 Thank you, you too! 🌞
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