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.
Saturday, April 16, 2016
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Cheerful Sight
After weeks of unseasonably warm weather and what looked like a very early spring, temperatures plummeted and we got an inch or so of snow this weekend. Although I was used to working out in the yard in 60-70 degree weather, I still got out and did a lot this past weekend...but what I want to share now are some of the photographs I got of birds in the snow. Something that seemed to be lacking most of the winter.
I was thrilled to be out with camera in hand, and take shot after shot of the small flock of goldfinches perched in the largest dogwood in our front yard. This dogwood has served me well (and wildlife well also)...I still recall fondly the various species that came in the fall for the berries. What attracted the goldfinches here was many handy perches as they came for the black oil sunflower seeds I'd put out.
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