Feathers and Fuzz

one woman's cure for the empty-nester blues

Carolina Wren

Nesting Site Battle: Phoebe versus Wren

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As I noted in my 2018 Kickoff post, the Phoebes claimed the platform I call “Phoebe Place”.  The Carolina Wrens are generally the first to begin nest-building — and have taken over Phoebe Place in the past.  Again this year, Mr. Wren arrived early to throw down pine straw to mark the platform.  The Phoebes made a feeble attempt to clean up the mess and claim it for themselves, but they are no match for the wren’s construction speed.   When a Nesting Site Battle ensued, the Wren was undaunted.  I decided to assist the Phoebes in their claim by removing the material the Wrens scattered on the platform.

The Neatness Factor

My reason for assisting the Phoebes was entirely selfish — the Phoebes are MESSY.  In addition to slinging mud everywhere, the Phoebes are not particular about pooping in the area of their nest.  Phoebe Place overhangs a part of the property I don’t frequent — so I don’t care about their mess.  Besides, their Plan B is often above my front door and I’m committed to stopping future construction in that location!  The Wrens, by contrast, are very neat — just grasses and leaves and NO poop left behind.  They have my permission to nest anywhere (except Phoebe Place) on this property — which is good, because they do!  In fact, in my next post, I’ll share the story of the home the Wrens moved on to.

Nesting Site Battle Unfolds

I am captivated by the battles between the various bird species.  As we’ve seen with the White-breasted Nuthatch (aka Napoleon) and the Ruby-crowned Kinglet (aka Chihuahua), the little guys are tenacious.  The Carolina Wrens are no exception and you’ll see Mr. Wren stand his ground in the video.  Well, okay, he crouches — but he doesn’t run away.

Georgia Nesting Season 2018 Kickoff

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The 2018 Nesting Season Kicks Off:  Keep Those Garage Doors Closed!

Our cold temps slowed down nesting season this year, but now the birds are busy constructing.  Three nests are underway.  The season began with the annual territory battle between the Wrens and the Phoebes.  With a tad of human intervention, the Phoebes claimed "Phoebe Place".

The Wrens merrily hopped on ... now actively-furnishing a bamboo box perfectly suited for these creative homeowners.

Nesting Season 2018: Phoebe vs Wren
Nesting Season 2018: Wren in the Box

The Bluebirds have been in and out of all 5 Bluebird boxes on the property.  They are not only investigating potential nest sites, but also monitoring for the presence of other Bluebirds in the territory.  It appears they have settled on "Bluebird North" -- their home for the past several years.  I was hoping they'd opt for the newest house (Garden Bluebird) -- with its afternoon shade, but not this round.  Off I go to construct a more efficient birdhouse sun screen.

Male Bluebird Checks out Birdhouse
Male Bluebird Checks out the Garden Bluebird House

Another Sign of Spring

The first shipment of live mealworms has arrived.  The Bluebirds caught sight of them immediately.  I hope the Hermit Thrush stays long enough to savor a bit of southern hospitality before returning home to Vermont with only trashy things to chirp about Georgia winters.

And Then There's This ...

I remember, in years gone by, telling a senior manager that I am not a fan of Boston (traffic terror!).  His response stays with me these decades later:  "That is a flaw in your otherwise impeccable personality."  (Note to self:  Learn about regional accents!)  The point of this story is ... I've since added a number of flaws to my personality.  I include among these additions, the obsession with protecting the nests on the property.  When nesting begins, I used to toss and turn at night -- checking the cameras at each toss.

One simple change fixed that -- I promised myself not to check the cameras at night.  It's not that hard to keep the promise -- it turns out this "mother's" love has limits.  I conjured up an image of a snake in a birdhouse and attached that image to the knowledge I would feel compelled to head out in the dark to do battle.  All cured!!