Today, I spotted the male perched atop their favorite house again. When I grabbed the camera and zoomed in, I noticed that the female was inside with her head peeking out through the hole. I was pleased. ~smile~ Although they built their nest in March, I checked a few days ago and saw no eggs. This is a good sign.
I went outside (beautiful day, sunny and in the 60s) to get some better shots. As I was walking out into the field (I can't wait to be able to call it a meadow once I've established native grasses and wildflowers)...I spotted another returned visitor--four of them actually; the tree swallows have returned as well. They were soaring and diving around the open space above our property. I figured they were house hunting and just enjoying the spring weather and the feelings it brings. :) Normally, they choose two other nestboxes from the five or six I've put up...but, today, I realized that they had their eye on the house that the bluebirds have already built their nest in. I'm not happy.
I expect the bluebirds to win the standoff--but, I've never really noticed them competing before. I hope it doesn't get ugly.
(Pictures to follow--I'm having trouble uploading them at the moment.)
Recreating a native habitat has been a dream of mine since I was about 18. It only took me 20 years, but I finally have two acres of land in the country with which to work (and play). My goal is to document the improvements I make to the property: restoring habitat & attracting birds and butterflies in addition to other wildlife.
2 comments:
You just need more houses! :) I know you aren't into swallows, but their flying is fun to watch. Do you make your own houses? I have a plan for bluebird houses made from one 8' 1x6. I paint the roofs only for more longevity. I have both bluebirds and swallows, too.
Stacie,
Sorry for the long delay to publish and reply to your comment. I really have to get back to checking and posting to my blog more often.
I have no problem with swallows--most years I have two nesting pairs of tree swallows in addition to the bluebird pair. I'd also *love* to host barn swallows--there is just something special about them in my mind.
I'd love to host more native birds. In addition to the cavity-nesters, I've been lucky enough to have a nesting pair of Baltimore orioles--one year, I even spotted the nest *while* they were actively nesting (prior to that, twice I spotted an old nest once the leaves had fallen).
Thanks for the comment. After typing the above, I checked out your blog and confirmed my suspicion that I may know you in real life. :) Cool.
Love your chickens!
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