Last night, the catbird nest in the rose bush got quite disturbed.
One of the three eggs was damaged and the side of the nest looked more
than a little messed up.  I'm guessing that one of the three
neighborhood 'pet' cats got the bird last night.  Argh.

Last year, it got the House Wren nesting in the pine tree.  This year
the catbird and a few Robin chicks.  I think I'm going to post some
signs next year to all of the prospective nesting birds that my yard
isn't safe for raising chicks.

So, I was a bit upset, as I'd been watching and waiting for these
catbird chicks to appear. I could the nest clearly, without being
noticed, from the guest bedroom window.

After my discovery, I walked out front to check what remained of the
nest. While inspecting, I quickly noticed that the local Chimney Swift
population has surged.

Since we can predict the times that the Swifts arrive, I was wondering
if these newcomers are recently fledged local swifts?  Has anyone else
noticed a similar population change today? Regardless, it's nice to
see (and hear) even more Chimney Swifts around West Annapolis.

Good birding,

Dan Haas
West Annapolis