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Nesting Time for Arizona Birds

 Though our winters are mild, birds in Arizona still tend to nest in the spring and many will continue to lay eggs until the end of autumn.  The places birds find to build their nests in Arizona however might be very different than in other areas of the United States.  


Starling Sits on Saguaro

Saguaro cacti are a popular choice for many birds.  Homes are frequently already hollowed out of the saguaro flesh by Gila woodpeckers and are move-in ready with just a few tidying tasks.  This starling is guarding the nest's entrance while his mate ducked in and out of the saguaro cactus.  Long trails of dried grasses and branches quickly moved into the cactus while he stood and observed the activity.  The tall saguaro makes a convenient and fairly safe home for birds.  These homes are relatively easy to guard and while snakes do climb the cacti in search of food, they seem to prefer an easier meal that doesn't call for them to slither among thorns.


Starling with Iridescent Feathers

I have seen starlings around my area for many years but I never really stood and admired them before.  The starling was really very striking in the sunlight.  The iridescent coloring on the chest as the sunlight played off the sleek black feathers was very beautiful.  While many birds with black feathers are iridescent, this one surprised me for some reason.  Likely because I have seen them for years and never noticed it before.

Back Feathers Starling

The back of this starling was equally beautiful though didn't seem to be iridescent.  The feathers were speckled light brown against his jet-black feathers.  For a relatively small bird, they are quite commanding of their area and would seem to be rather fierce protectors of their nests.   The Gila woodpecker is likely the most common bird to nest in the saguaro but these guys are a close second.  




Not only does seeing nesting birds make me smile but I learn something new each time I venture out and into the desert.  During this last venture, I was reminded to slow down and observe my surrounding, give a second look at animals and plants that I see every single day, and continue to admire the simple beauty all around.
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