There is a northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) nest in the tree right outside my patio.  It’s only slightly higher than I could reach, and it rests a short distance outside the fence.

Today, for the first time, I caught a glimpse of a baby as its parents came and went with food to offer the little hatchling.

Unfortunately for you, the nest is embedded in the thick foliage and branches of the tree.  It’s impossible to get a photo of it (at least with my camera) because it looks like part of the tree’s own limb network.  Its height and distance mean it’s completely hidden from the other side of the tree, and I’m only able to see the baby in silhouette when the sun shines toward the patio beginning in the afternoon.

I’ve tried.  Believe me, I’ve tried to get some images.  The parents have been quite busy all spring with the building and nesting and making a home, and now I see they’ve also had a bit of success with the procreation part of the process.

But, as I said, there’s no way for me to get a photo without using a ladder and disturbing the whole lot of them with major rummaging about in the tree.  That I’m not willing to do.

Nevertheless, I was thrilled when a bit earlier I saw both mother and father returning to the nest.  While there, I could plainly see at least one chick reaching up for a bite to eat.  There could be more than one.  I simply can’t tell with the nest’s hiding place so capable of shielding it from my prying eyes.

I’ll keep watch, though.  You can bet on that.