magpie nests

I haven't seen any birds working on the nest in the photo, which is between our house and the garden. There are two more nests in trees near it, and not far away there is another one that a pair of magpies was working on diligently. It promises to be a noisy summer, as last year's parents appear to have brought some young adults back with them.

Magpies build a roof on their nests.

There are crows around the yard as well.

Also, I saw starlings this morning out the bathroom window. There are house sparrows that build a nest under the eave, and the starlings either leave an egg with them or steal their nest.

(Have to pull out the bird book and brush up on my facts. The starlings were here the past few years so I should know.)

"April 17   In the Himalayan kingdom of Nepal, an annual religious event called the Chariot Festival of the Rain God begins on this day. It is dedicated to Machendrana, the ancient and powerful Indian god of rain. The festival is celebrated for approximately eight consecutive weeks." -Original source unknown

Stephanie Nielsen, a young Mormon mother, was in a plane crash with her husband and a friend. The friend, who was the pilot, died. Stephanie suffered serious burns and was in hospital for months while her sisters looked after her four children. Her husband got out of the hospital sooner.

She is still going through a lot -- pain, surgeries, etc -- and her faith and courage and openheartedness are inspiring.