Feathers and Fuzz

one woman's cure for the empty-nester blues

Carolina Wren

Wild Bird Egg Hatch Countdown 2018

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The 2018 Egg Hatch Countdown has begun.  Five nests (on camera) cradle a total of 25 eggs.  The lineup is shown below with the Chickadee having surprised by revealing SIX eggs.  The rural Bluebird pair has four.  

I expect the first hatch as early as Monday, April 9.  I provided estimated hatch dates for all nests.  The Chickadee date is a total guess as one just doesn't know the lay date.  

As you will see, this will go by fast!  Six or so posts from now -- these nests will be empty.  I can't wait to share with you their stories.

Bluebird N

Bluebird N Mom 2018

Phoebe

Phoebe Mom 2018

Wren

Wren Mom 2018

Bluebird S

Bluebird S Mom 2018

Chickadee

Chickadee Mom 2018
Bluebird N Eggs 2018
Phoebe Eggs 2018
Wren Eggs 2018
Bluebird S Eggs 2018
Chickadee Eggs 2018

April 9

April 10

April 12

April 18

April 20

Not to be left behind, the Flying Squirrel triplets are climbing the walls.  They appear quite mature so I expect they'll be out of their nest soon.  It usually doesn't take them long to start exploring outside the box once they are mobile.  Inevitably, this leads to Momma Flyer relocating them.

2018 Flyers Climbing Walls

Feeding the Flock

Now to keep everyone stocked in mealworms.  The post's feature video reminds us that the love of mealworms is not limited to the five nests I've talked about here.  I've even noted our little Napoleon has discovered the worms.  This should be interesting.  Once the eggs crack open, it will be worm mayhem!!

Jack-in-the-Box Meet Wren-in-the-Box

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The Carolina Wrens, having been evicted from Phoebe Place, hopped right on to a new nest site.  As many of you have no doubt discovered, Wrens are creative nesters.  Jack-in-the-Box ... meet ... Wren-in-the-Box!

 

Wren in the Box

Learning From Past Mistakes

The bamboo box was previously located on the ground level of my house ... sitting a couple feet off the ground on a small table.  One afternoon, I noticed a Wren emerge from the box.  Further investigation revealed a nest full of eggs.  I just can't help who I am!!  There is no way that nest was safe from snake predation, so .... the box got moved a few feet and mounted high up on a pole with a predator guard.   Momma Wren was back in the nest in no time and I happily watched the nestlings become fledglings.  THEN -- I relocated the box to the terrace on the second floor of this house.  Let me just be clear.  If snake predation is a threat on this terrace, then I am packing up the bamboo box AND everything else I own.  Relocation will swiftly follow.

I Don't Hate Snakes

Since I've made several unpleasant remarks about snakes, I think it merits pointing out that I welcome their presence on this property -- just as I welcome raccoons, flying squirrels and other wild creatures known to prey on nesting birds.  I simply wish they would not eat MY nesting birds ... and I have ZERO desire to hang out with them on my terrace.  Red wine makes such a mess when it gets spilled.

Let's Go Back to Thinking About Wrens!

As with all construction, there are challenges.  One particular piece of pine straw (apparently the perfect piece for the nest) was giving Mr. Wren a tough time.  Enjoy the video footage -- shown at double-speed.