What's black and white and cute all over?

Why, a Black & White Warbler, of course!  And this one is doing his best impression of a nuthatch in the head-down position.  

I enjoyed a nice 3-hour hike with a friend today and we wracked up eight warbler species, including six that were year-firsts for both of us, including this little cutie.  Three other photos starting HERE on Flickr,all warblers.  

Back home for a quick snack and a much-needed shower before heading over for a visit with MIL.  She was in fairly good spirits but definitely missing her daughter who is still in AL and confused as to why they are so far apart.  It was so beautiful that most of the residents were outside on the private patio when I got there, listening to music and enjoying snacks.

The bluebird nest appears to be just about finished, completed with some of the feathers from the recent "unfortunate incident" involving a mourning dove and a hawk.  Nature provides.  

Glad I blipped the grosbeak yesterday because there were no signs of him today.  On the flip side, for the last 3 days, there has been a female Red-breasted nuthatch visiting the peanut feeder.  Not sure what she's doing here, but not complaining.  P-Hummie was seen briefly several times today and the House Wren is singing mightily.  

I am going to try to find a vernal pond that is nearby tomorrow morning - American toads are breeding now and I'm hoping to get some decent shots.  I did manage a few rather poor shots today of toads in "amplexus" - they were underwater so very difficult to photograph.  But, if you must see them, look in Extra.  And you'll also be able to see what amplexus means...

One other fun shot today, taken in the yard, was a male carpenter bee patrolling his territory.  And, yes, at one point, he did give me a little head-butt.  The males don't have stinging devices so the worst they can do is bump you.  

Be well, good people.
Debbi