Clark's Nutcracker Building Nests

[mvjo...@gmail.com]

Hi all. Last week while out with the camera, I encountered two Clark's Nutcrackers building a nest. It was one of a few times I have seen Clark's Nutcrackers building nests as they, like other Corvids are early nesters. I sat and observed as both male and female cycled in with nesting materials every 3 minutes. It was amazing to watch. This species may have been under-represented in Atlas block surveys since they are such early nesters and habitats are often inaccessible so early in the year due to snow (except for this year!).

I took photos whenever the busy birds perched for a moment. They pretty much ignored me which was somewhat fascinating of itself. I have included about 6 photos of their labors on my photography website http://johnrawinski.zenfolio.com/  under "Recent Additions". Note that the photos are intended as documentation and not necessarily for artistic merit.  If you get a moment, please check it out.

John Rawinski

Monte Vista, CO

 

[Will Burt]

Great photos, John. Thanks for sharing.