Ready for Spring

I haven't posted in a while, but I'm excited to reembark on birding this year!  Even though the weather has been fickle this winter, with repeated blasts of springlike temperatures followed by a return to chilly ones, bird patterns have remained consistent. 

In mid-February, robins started appearing.  The one below literally shook its tail feathers while grooming and then struck a pose.

A few weeks later, the bluebirds made a reappearance, scouting nest spots.  This male is presenting a nest box for the female's careful consideration.  An English sparrow got a little too close, and both bluebirds attacked it viciously.  The birds fell to the ground, sparring, and I was certain I would have to dispose of a sparrow carcass, but it quickly flew away. 

Finally, this elusive bird appeared in the sky above our house this morning.  Not realizing there were any bald eagles in our area, I'll take the challenge of capturing a better photo.

  And spring 2012 begins!