It’s May, as you already know, and this is the month when old friends return to my little corner of the Concord River. For example, my Rose-Breasted Grosbeak has come home to make her nest and raise her young.

Female Rose-Breasted Grosbeak

I happen to think the female of this species is the most stunning of all female songbirds. She has that Cleopatra eyeliner going on, and if you could see under her wings…well, let me show you what I’m referring to:

https://www.flickr.com/photos

There, see what I mean? How can another female compete with this beauty?

Okay, so my female has returned and with her is, of course, her mate, the well-dressed male of the species.

Male Rose-Breasted Grosbeak

If I’m lucky I’ll get to see their offspring, like I did last year when a juvenile spent a summer afternoon on my window ledge. He’d take a sunflower from the feeder, sit on the ledge and eat, return to the feeder, back to the ledge, and so on and so on. My fingers and toes are crossed that I get a repeat performance this year.

Juvenile Rose-Breasted Grosbeak from 2019.

My other friends have also returned, namely the Baltimore Orioles. I haven’t been able to get photos yet but I can hear the male establishing his territory.

I’ve already told you the Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds have returned. I’ve only seen one but I can hear their chittering when I’m out in the yard.

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird from 2019.

I need to have my camera attached to my body so it will be handy when I need it.

The Great-Blue Heron decided to stop and pose for some photos. Up to now it’s been doing flybys.

I haven’t see the snapping turtle yet. It’s possible the river is too high for her to come to the surface, plus, I have to admit, it’s been too windy and cold to sit on the wall and throw bread into the water. Even the tree swallows haven’t been performing their ariel shows like they did last year. However, one did come and check out the nest box I put up for the Wood ducks. As it turns out, the Wood ducks are out of luck, along with the tree swallows, since the sparrows have taken over the box and guard it with a vengeance. At least the swallow stayed and posed for me.

Tree Swallow

I have a pair of Acadian Flycatchers who’ve been spending time in my yard.

Seriously, these are the cutest little birds and watching them catch the white moths that flit about during the day is entertaining as heck.

This morning we had snow on the river. The Eastern bluebirds didn’t mind, nor did the ducks.

By the time ten o’clock rolled around the snow was gone but the wind kicked up, knocking branches onto the ground. My neighbor was nice enough to come by the other day with his John Deere and mow up all the twigs and branches that were littering my yard and now I have a ton more. Sigh, my hip had better hurry up and heal so I can handle my chores.

Since today is Mother’s Day, I thought I’d end this post with a celebration of motherhood. Ready?

Fourteen Mallard chicks for one hen! This certainly makes up for last year when I received a pitiful amount. Hopefully there are more to come. If you head over to my YouTube channel, there’s another chick video posted there. http://www.youtube.com/c/TinthiaClemant

Okay, that’s it for me. I want to wish all you mothers and grandmothers and mothers-to-be and every other kind of mother a Happy Mother’s Day. And for those of you who have lost your mother, grandmother, mother-in-law or other kind of mother due to COVID-19, cancer, or for other reasons, remember, your loved one is with you. Be peaceful and you will hear her speak to your heart.

Blessed be :}

Mi manchi, mio ​​immortale.