Location, Location, Location

We broke out the binoculars yesterday.

A pair of mockingbirds have decided the amenities we offer, constantly refilled and refreshed birdbath, occasional seed balls, varied shrubbery and a never-ending supply of fresh organic lawn insects, make for a neighborhood in which they would like to raise their family.

My brother noticed them building their nest in a large bush about forty feet from the back door. He shredded some string and hung the lint on a small succulent just outside the lanai. The male mockingbird took a whole beak full back to line the nest. With the glasses we can see them fluffing and primping the insides.

So, not only will we have mockingbird song right outside all summer long, we'll get to watch them raise their babies, too.

(Also saw a black-and-pale-yellow zebra butterfly outside my window. A couple of sulphurs are already flitting around. Should be a good summer.)