Revel In Spring

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

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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