Fair Meadows Sanctuary

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Typical of this small, fast-moving denizen of the treetops, our gnatcatcher led us to the spot where he and his mate were busy constructing their nest, a compact cup positioned on the top of a limb and resembling a tree knot.

Photo by Gary Shackelford

Yellow Warbler

Yellow Warbler

I’m slow-birding, watching for activity in my favorite bush—a large, spreading red-osier dogwood—when a bright yellow bird lands right in the middle. He moves along the branches, searching for food, and stops every few seconds to sing, “sweet sweet I’m so sweet.” 

Photo by Gary Shackelford

Tree Swallow nests—a truly feathery feature

Tree Swallow nests—a truly feathery feature

The telltale sign of a Tree Swallow nest is often feathers. In some cases, there are so many feathers, you can’t even see the underlying nest structure of dry grass or pine needles.

Photo by Gary Shackelford