Feathers and Fuzz

one woman's cure for the empty-nester blues

Eastern Phoebe

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!!

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.