As the rain fell in torrents the past week, the orioles must have been busy despite the wind and rain. Two of their nests are on the far side of the pond. I’m excited about the nest above as it affords great visibility for the camera and me to potentially capture great photos.
We’ll see!
The picture above has visceral impact on me. While the photo is not a prize winner, the image shows me what I often see in and among the leaves and branches in springtime. This female Baltimore oriole is dancing the dance of nature, attracting her partner who is a few branches above. Her color tones blend with the not fully unfurled leaves of this tree. She is colored like her world, yet stands out to a watchful eye who can’t help but see the beauty of her open wings and fanned tail. This picture hits me in the chest with an emotional wave of “it’s springtime and the earth is in renewal.”
But while she dances for her mate, she also is busy preparing her nest. Above, you can see her and the work she’s instinctively done for her children, with her mates help. 
This year there are more Baltimore orioles than I’ve ever seen before at the pond. I don’t know the reason why, what’s drawn them to the pond. But they can be seen almost constantly. The image above is typical. The male bright and lively in the foreground, the female not quite so obvious in the background. I am excited, anticipating the new generation, which will come along soon!
SilverLining 