The Big Splash

The Gray Catbirds continue to entertain me this summer. Now that it has become so infernally hot the water feature is a great draw. You will have to pardon my photos as I took them through the patio doors. The water feature is just across the patio from the doors and the birds don't like it if I even open the door let alone sit on the patio to photograph them. Catbirds are very wary.

Ahh yes this water seems about right.

A good splash and she feels like she can go on sitting. I do believe they have a second nest going. I haven't found it as yet. 

A good splash makes her feel better. 

Why do I think it is "her" since you can't look at them and tell the difference?  "He" is not too far away. Ever watchful. Escorting her to and from a certain direction where I think the new nest is situated. 

He even watches as she has a bite of blackberry jelly before they depart. He doesn't dine while she is out and about. He is ever vigilant, his job is to protect her.

Of course the Catbirds aren't the only ones partaking in the cooling bath. The Robins take turns making the big splash. After a couple of them bathe I have to go out and add water. After all you can't have the water too deep because you don't want your birds to accidently drown.

Robins are the Masters of the bath. They don't like to share while bathing. All others await their finish before diving in. This male House Sparrow is patiently awaiting the Robin's permission to go ahead.

The House Finches are way back on the pecking order. They have to await some time before they can move in for a cooling bath.

 

Or they can do as some of the more shy birds, such as the Cardinals, and use a different bird bath. 

Are your bird baths quite busy in the bird bath this time of year?