Oriole Nesting in Liquidambar Tree

The nest has been in the Liquid Amber tree (liquidambar styraciflua) for several weeks now.

Look at how beautiful the nest is made.

Finely woven with grasses.  This is one reason I don't like to do a lot of weeding around the property.  The birds use so many native grasses for their nests. 

The nest is at the very bottom of the branch on the left.  It looks closer to the patio cover here, but it is actually a few feet above it.  This is right outside my patio door off the kitchen. I can here the female chatter each time she returns to the nest. 

Here is a photo of the male just after a dip in the birdbath.  So far I have not had the camera ready when the female comes by. 

The Colors of Winter in Southern California

Sharing a few photos I took today in the backyard. Weather is warming up again, 73 today but the nights are cool at 46 degrees. The ground is still wet from the recent rains. This weekend will be in the low 80's.

Liquidambar styraciflua or more commonly known as Sweetgum

Cookie Crumble amongst the leaves

Aloes beginning to bloom. The hummingbirds are loving the nectar now with so few blooms around the garden.