I love birds, but.....

Each spring, a huge flock of grackles comes to roost in our trees, build their nests, and raise their young.  This spring has been no exception.  Grackles are a kind of blackbird, and they have the loudest squawk you can imagine.  They are also very dirty birds, when they are present we have to hose down the patio every day!  The babies are now out of their nests and the mama birds are trying to teach them to find insects and seeds.  I've been watching as mama bird walks through the grass looking for edibles, the baby follows - supposedly to learn to find something to eat, but all the baby does is SQUAWK!  And it doesn't stop -- it is such an annoying noise, especially now that our windows are open.  As soon as the babies are strong enough, the whole flock will leave for a few months, then come back and stop on their way south for a few weeks.  I love all the other birds we have here -- orioles, meadowlarks, mourning doves, robiins, etc., but these grackles sorely try my patience!!

Heading out in a few minutes to my son-in-law's 50th birthday party, complete with blue grass band, catered barbecue meal and lots of fun.