Fair Meadows

Competition for nesting cavities

At Fair Meadows Sanctuary, one fact has been made abundantly clear: there is keen competition for nesting sites, both in artificial structures and in tree cavities.

Photo by Gary Shackelford

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

 
 
 
 
 
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