Watching for a meal, on a post next to the garden. An Eastern Phoebe, Sayornis phoebe, is a perfect friend to have around. A loner, even as mated pairs they spend little time together. A loner, finding insects to wolf down, she relies on insects for sustenance most of the year. When it is too chilly, and insects are hard to find, she resorts to eating berries.
Here on my mountain, she nests year after year in the same spot – under the eaves of the woodshop. It will be the female who builds her nest, or in this case repairs her nest as is necessary. She will lay 2 to 6 eggs in 1 or 2 broods. Normally I see 2 broods each year, and then – POOF – they are gone, with the exception of the one who will help me keep insects at bay.


