My smoking buddies returned

[Winchester21]

Last year I posted pictures of a family of fllycarchers that took up residence in my carport where I frequently relax with a cigar and a burbon. They built a nest in the corner of the carport ceiling  which is only a few feet from my smoking area. They immediately eliminated a terrible moth and paper wasp problem that had been an issue for years. After being there for only a week the hundreds of moths that would come to the lights were gone. Same with the wasps nests. They arrived late last year so I assumed that their previous nest site had been compromised by construction or predators. They raised 3 hatchlings and remained in the area until cold weather arrived showing up often to hunt for flying insects. Just on a chance I left the nest up on the off chance that they might return this year. Sure enough at the first signs of spring they returned to the same nest. Which is not typical of the species. They hatched 2 beautiful nestlings. After a 2 week absence they have returned to the carport hanging around the nest and catching insect. I am wondering if they will attempt to raise a second hatch. These birds are very aggressive and have chased off the other birds we used to see. We have a family of wrens and cardinals that will leave when they show up. I never cared much about birds before but these are fascinating to watch I have had so many hours of enjoyment watching them. They are totally tolerant of human presence and will sit a few feet away while we smoke. Maybe they are hanging around for robs fine cigar smoke lol. I did manage to get a few pics of the adult birds and the young. The last pi’s is the nestlings the day they flew off. 

[Winchester21]

Yes they took out a whole swarm of them last fall. I am slightly allergic to the damn things so this is a welcome situation. This pair are like house pets. No dive bombing. They will sit on a chair a couple feet away from my smoking chair and catch any flying insects that venture into the carport. 2years ago the moths were so bad that I bought an electric flyseatter (very effective) to kill them before we sat down to smoke. Now you almost never see one. It will be interesting to see if they return for the 3rd year This is definitely the same pair from last year. This species is very rare in my area. The nesting areas typically are 100miles away. Very cool