Orange-crowned in the water

I'm always entertained by the Orange-crowned Warblers when they first return in Spring migration, but seldom actually see their orange crown.  However, when one decides to take a bath, and becomes somewhat disheveled, then the orange feathers often can be seen.  This one in my yard today appeared to be totally enjoying the water, and got very wet.

Golden-crowned Sparrow in Spring migration

It's migration time for Golden-crowned Sparrows, and several have chosen to stop off in my yard on their way to Canada and possibly Alaska for nesting. As I was recording a video of this bird feeding, a Yellow-rumped Warbler showed up to add more color. The link is here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iJH_G6nDoc

Killdeer nest

Today I found this Killdeer nest, and was again struck by the apparent instinctive choice of nest material and surroundings that make these eggs very difficult to see. The noisy parent, however, was not difficult to see, putting on a very convincing cripple act about eight feet from where I was standing.

Violet-green Swallows checking nestbox

Today (4-14-14) the female Violet-green Swallow is repeatedly entering the nestbox, apparently planning to use it for nesting this year.  Every year when I watch this I wonder if it is the same female from a previous year, one of the young birds that hatched in this box, or a newcomer.  But I tend to think it is a bird who has been here before, judging by her seemingly instant familiarity with the neighborhood and the location of the nestbox.

One of several Bald Eagle nests in Yamhill County

A couple of decades ago there were few Bald Eagle pairs nesting in Oregon's Willamette Valley, but that situation has changed.  In Yamhill County alone there are now at least five active nests. This one, located on private property just a few yards from the edge of the Willamette River, may be the original one in the county. It has successfully produced young almost every year for more than 20 years.