On March 4, a pair of Chestnut-backed Chickadees had built a nest in our nest box after I put out suet for a winter. Looking into it floored me - they built a thick mat of moss topped with cozy dog fur, shaped into a cup!

By March 13th, they had laid 5 little eggs (buried in fur).

Yesterday (April 1st) I peeked in again, and saw that two chicks had hatched! Checking infrequently was a real test of the observation-seeking scientist vs. first time host to a baby bird nest in me.

I am smitten it is the most amazing thing in the world!!! Though I've found nests before, there's nothing like being part of the whole process and seeing them raise chicks! Esp after a nest box that has been vacant for years!