Blue Jay Building a Nest in the Rhododendron Bush

Well, it is clearly nesting time on our little acre. Yesterday's picture was a chickadee taking cat fuzz to line its nest. Today's is a blue jay, who has been very busy taking nesting materials to a secret location in the shadowy reaches of the big rhododendron bush out front.

This rhododendron bush is a gorgeous thing. It gets bright pink flowers as big as dinner plates. The bush had grown tall enough that it was starting to obscure our view out the front window. So in the fall, I asked my husband to whack the bush back some. And boy, did he ever. I was a little dismayed when I saw how much had been removed.

But the blue jays apparently think this spot - conveniently located near one of the bird feeding stations and a water tray for bathing - is an AWESOME habitat to raise their young. And now we have a great view for the springtime baby blue jay show! Here is a song for new life to go along with this photo: the Call, with Let the Day Begin.

Here's to the babies in a brand new world
Here's to the beauty of the stars

Here's to you my little loves with blessings from above
Now let the day begin