Feathers and Fuzz

one woman's cure for the empty-nester blues

Eastern Phoebe

One Second Fledge: Five Phoebes … One Second

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The Eastern Phoebe nestlings set a new record ... the One Second Fledge ... all five in just over one second.

The poor parent Phoebes had been trying to coax the nestlings out of the nest for days.  It was clear the youngsters were more than mature enough to leave, but they held on ... for days.  Then, on the morning of April 26, they were off -- all five, almost simultaneously.

This wasn't the usual fledge ... one at a time ... fluttering to the nearest shrub.  Oh, no ... these guys flew around the alcove where their nest was located before skillfully exiting stage left.

In the next post, I will reveal my newest "invention" -- a THEORETICALLY snake-proof nesting platform.  It's now in place and has been adopted by the Phoebe parents.  Snake test to follow -- about 100% likely.

Because I installed a new platform, I removed all of my prior platforms/snake detergents ... including the camera on which the Phoebes built the nest from which the five nestlings launched in April.  This provided an opportunity for detailed pictures (shown below) of the nest.

Funny how birds incorporate an assortment of materials into the construction.

Phoebe Nest: 5 Inches Across

Phoebe Nest Cup: Only 1/2 Inch Deep

Phoebe Nest: Mud, Moss & More Mud

Phoebe Nest: A Few of my Favorite Things

Creative Nesting appears to be the key phrase for 2019

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Creative Nesting:  Eastern Phoebe

The 2019 nesting season kicked off with the Phoebe's creative nesting site atop the camera intended to film her nesting activities.  As I mentioned in my last post, I don't know if this choice was based on the 2018 snake encounter.  Perhaps the multi-week turf battle with the Carolina Wrens contributed.

Creative Nesting:  House Finch

A second House Finch pair decided to move in this year.  They chose to nest atop a column on the third floor -- some 40' above ground.  I confirmed the presence of eggs, and took a still photo, but have decided not to place a camera nearby.  There is no scientific evidence to support that the heat from my cameras draws a rat snake to a nest site.  Nonetheless, I don't want to take any chances of increasing the risk in locations where no cameras were previously installed.

Spring Nesting 2019
Creative Nesting: Finch

Creative Nesting:  Carolina Chickadee

A Carolina Chickadee pair picked up on the creative nesting theme after one of the male Bluebirds apparently decided NONE of the other bird houses within his view would be occupied.  A small, adobe bird house has hung on the wall outside my breakfast area for years.  The only residents, until now, have been hornets.  While I observed Momma Chickadee occasionally moving in and out of this house, it is only today I can confirm she is indeed nesting there as she was seen leaving at first light this morning.  Affectionately, I have named her "Adobe Chick".

Creative Nesting: Chickadee
Adobe Chick

Coming Up ...

I'll bring you pictures in the next post confirming 7 Bluebird nestlings and 4 Finch nestlings.  Soon, we will have migration photos as this guy heralds spring really is here!