The Brown Thrashers are building a nest in my backyard. It’s in the viburnum hedge right behind my bird blind. I actually spotted the nest while doing yardwork, then on my next backyard photography expedition, I started to notice the sticks being taken into the hedge.

To give the birds some space, I stopped using the blind and set up my camera in other spots in the backyard. Still the birds seem quite trusting of the crazy camera lady. They come within a few feet of me in search of the perfect branch. In fact, they have a bit of a Goldilocks complex when it comes to selecting the perfect stick.

This leaf is too small.

This clump of leaves is too big.

This one is too scratchy.

This stick is just right!

When I trimmed my crape myrtle trees, I broke off some branches and left them out in the vicinity of the nest. The next morning I saw the twigs being transported into the hedge. It’s nice when my offerings are appreciated! I will look forward to watching this family grow. :)