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On a recent trip to Bass Lake Park in Holly Springs, N.C., I found a tiny Blue-grey Gnatcatcher hopping in the branches of the brush along the path. He moved quickly, stopping every few moments to inspect the area for prey. Best described as a hyperactive ping pong ball, this photo was one of a few seconds where this little bird sat still. On an never ending search for spiders and insects, Blue-grey Gnatcatchers can be found foraging in wooded areas across their breeding territory’s in the eastern U.S. Most of their nesting locations are found near water sources like streams, rivers, lakes like this one here in Holly Springs. The nest of a Blue-grey Gnatcatcher is commonly built 2-25 feet above the ground in a tree. Their cup-shaped nests are built by both adults out of lichen, spider webs, and plant materials. Females lay between 4-5 eggs which both adults will take turns incubating for around 13 days. Both parents will care for the nestlings and the young ones will fledge 10-12 days after they hatch. Swipe on to the next few photos to see a fluffy little fledgling Gnatcatcher! Photos by @sally_siko of @birdwatching_nc on the fabulous full frame SLR, the @canonusa #5Ds

A post shared by Bird Watching N.C. (@birdwatching_nc) on Jul 13, 2020 at 1:58pm PDT