Mornings Begin Early

 
I am supposed to be stitching bee skeps this month! 
Here's my newest start - Shepherd's Bush "Keeping the Bees". 

Near the 45th parallel north, sunrise is early this time of year: 5:29am. It is light by 5:00am and the dawn chorus begins. 

So many birds are nesting and/or feeding their young - that starts at first light too.

There's lots of chirping now from the Tree Swallow House.

Two of the Violet-green Swallow houses have babies too.  Besides feeding, the parents do their best to keep a tidy nest site.  Here a bird is removing 'poop'. One of the most basic of tasks that parents of all sorts must perform! 

No sign of young Flickers yet.  Females...

...and males are Suet Fans.

This female Hairy Woodpecker prefers to feast on a seed block. 

I was pleased to see a male Hairy Woodpecker tapping away on a tree close by.

My Hummingbirds are not big fans of sharing the wealth.  This female Rufous has her tail feathers all fanned out in an attempt to drive away another female. 

One bird at a time - even though it is a large floriferous flowerbed! 

So here's a special shot - two birds in close proximity!

It wouldn't hurt you to share!

In the evening, there is a communal sharing at the water cooler. Here a male Purple Finch chats with their ladies.

As dusk comes, the American Goldfinches gather before settling down for the night.