Revel In Spring

Readers share shots of birds taking a dip, raising their young and more.

One spring morning, my friend Gary and I visited Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. A herd of bison roams there, so you’re required to stay in your car. As we drove, I spotted the bright colors of a Bullock’s oriole in a clump of cottonwood trees. Snapping photos out the open car window, I captured this shot.

Carl Muehlemeyer BROOMFIELD, COLORADO

CASTLE IN THE SKY

Bullock’s orioles weave hanging nests to raise their young in. Pairs use natural fibers to create gourd-shaped houses that dangle up to 25 feet off the ground.

While hiking in a state park last spring, my wife and I noticed this blue-gray gnatcatcher stealing some caterpillar silk to construct its nest. Many small songbirds use silk, spiderwebs or animal hair to secure their nests. It was a unique moment to witness!

Travis Bonovsky BROOKLYN CENTER, MINNESOTA

A couple saw me walking with my binoculars and camera in hand in the north Georgia mountains. We talked about the birds I’d seen that morning, like hooded warblers, indigo buntings, blue-winged warblers and more. They asked if I’d walked past the pileated woodpecker nest. I just happened to be at a place on the road where they could point out the exact tree to watch. About 20 minutes later, I took this incredible photo.

Amy Boggan

HAYESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA