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Interesting behavior



Hello all,
Yesterday morning, enjoying a spectacular spring day at Mason Farm
Biological Preserve in Chapel Hill, I observed a male bluebird hovering
near a bluebird house. He flew across the path, then hovered for 15-20
seconds, then landed on a small tree where, surprise, surprise, sat a
lovely little missie. Was he showing off for her or were they checking
out that house for their springtime digs? Or both?

On another part of the trail, a bluebird and chickadee were vying for
the same house, lots of swooping and calling, and some quite aggressive
behavior.

A handsome red-tailed hawk soared in the blue sky, perhaps also showing
off. At one point, he made a sharp bank and dived straight down, then
close to the ground, changed direction and rocketed back up. The object
of his attention was observing all this while gliding smoothly above.

Blue-grey gnatcatchers have returned, and lots of the regulars are still
in attendance, all singing heartily. One little ruby-crowned kinglet
belied his size with his vigorous and repetitive songs. Also saw tiger
swallowtail, cabbage whites, a question mark, and lots of skippers (sp).

It was hard to tear myself away after a 3-hour stroll!

Carol Williamson
Durham, NC
carolkwnc@hotmail.com