Housekeeping

I happened to catch sight of Mrs. Flicker doing some housekeeping after excavating her nest. She began with a critical appraisal from the outside…

Then, she ducked in…

. . . all the way in . . .

. . . and then emerged with a mouthful of shavings in her beak. She released them, but it was a windy day, so I could see the shavings blow away over her left shoulder.

She worked at it for awhile, bringing out several loads of litter. I suppose the interior is all ready for some eggs now — and she’s ready for a cozy rest incubating them!