Open wide..........

This starling (I assume it is the same one) always nests in a hollow in this ash tree. I know this because we have had a marshall standing under the tree every year for the Haltwhistle Challenge. The tree is near to the Featherstone (stone) bridge across the River South Tyne, and the runners and walkers cross the river then near the end of our Haltwhistle Challenge event.

Previously the Challenge has been in early May, but this year it was on May 21st, so the young are much more mature than previously. I took a few photos yesterday but the focus wasn't sharp enough. I went back today and had better luck (better settings).

Grubs like this one looked very jucy and were well received.

Better in large