Friday, June 29, 2018

Western King Birds and The Apple Tree Surprise



Western King Bird


I do so love the twitter and chirps of the early summer. The  morning songs consist of sparrows, house finches, friendly robins, cooing doves, bright yellow orioles, starlings, a few roosters, hens, ducks, turkeys from down the road, ravens, and the western king bird. My, I do have quite a variety !




We had so many birds in the backyard and I was looking for some nests up in the big apple tree but could not see them for the leaves and the abundance of apples growing on the branches.



I noticed yesterday morning there were 2 western king birds up on the wires and they seemed upset when I came outdoors. I just chalked it up to their personality. I took some photos of them and thought it a good time to take a video of  them so others could see and here what they sounded like. I used the branch that was hanging low from the weight of the apples to support my camera. It was the perfect level. I took the video and walked around the hanging branch and my eyes zoomed in on a nest with 2 babies inside ! Whoa ! I must have been 1 foot from the nest as I took the video. Watch video so you can see and hear what the the adult birds sound like. It is 33 seconds.








Finding the nest gave me such a child-like magical feeling. I love it when these experiences happen.



Can you imagine finding a nest at eye level? 



 I carefully stepped up to take a photo. Look close in the center you can see their little black eyes.




Baby western king birds in the nest, Iron County, Utah




I made sure to walk wide around the branch and the parents seemed to trust me after awhile. I felt they could sense I meant no harm. So I scooted a bit closer. and Click* 




Two baby western king birds.





Oh they are so cute ! And they have their feathers and I think they will leave the nest soon. Precious little things. I am so glad I was able to see them before they left the nest. What a blessing to behold.





 By Deborah Moon Moen
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Until next time remember,
The more you appreciate Nature, the more Nature experiences will come to you. That is because Nature Loves Appreciation !