The bluebirds near the house still have an active nest, whose young are probably due to fledge sometime this week. The violet-green swallows have decided they like this nest - they often use bluebird nest holes after the bluebirds are done - however, the bluebirds, still having young birds in this nest, are a bit distressed!
Violet-green swallow female starts rushing the bluebird nest behind the house. Both swallows (a male and female couple) were circling the area, and the bluebirds were chirping their alarm sounds.
VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW rushing bluebird nest opening
Male bluebird at the nest, flustered by zooming swallows.
Male bluebird just delivering a meal, when one of the swallows zooms toward it.
Female violet-green swallow lands at the active bluebird nest hole in the apple tree behind the house. They are not there to harm the birds, they just want to check nest out and claim it if it is empty.
Female swallow checking out bluebird nest
Meanwhile, bluebirds keep coming with the bugs - huge bugs, like this jerusalem cricket.or potato bug.
FEMALE BLUEBIRD BRINGS CATERPILLAR TO NEST, looking over her shoulder for zooming swallows
huge spider bug?
This bug is so huge it barely fits in the nest opening!
Female western bluebird, watching the nest The bluebirds mostly decide to ignore the swallows, if they can, and after a long afternoon of this, the swallows leave, and the incident blows over.
Young pygmy nuthatch Meanwhile, in the back yard, pygmy nuthatch still bringing their young for suet feedings.
Pygmy nuthatch fledgling
Pygmy nuthatches, back yard - adult is on the right
Do hummingbirds yawn?
While photographing Anna's hummer by front porch feeder, it seemed to give a big yawn.