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.)