The Orioles are back!

Even though we really never had winter the orioles are just now back.  Of course they may have been around and I just didn't see them, but normally I hear them before I see them.  This beauty has been around for a week now, but so far I have not seen his mate.  He is enjoying the birdbath daily and getting himself all groomed for his mate's arrival, no doubt. 

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.