Feathers and Fuzz

one woman's cure for the empty-nester blues

Feathers

Eastern Phoebe Nestling Playground

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The Phoebes claimed a corner under the house eves years ago -- mudding their nest to the brick wall and the wood trim.  More than once, I found myself climbing an extension ladder and placing "overboard" nestlings back in the nest cup.  I decided to install a platform.  I did not envision this platform as an Eastern Phoebe Nestling Playground -- but the nestlings do!

 

Phoebe 2013

Phoebes - Before (2013)

Phoebe Place - 2018

Phoebe Place - 2018

The June 2018 nestlings took the playground concept to a new level.  While one of the three nestlings fledged before 11:00 AM, the other two spent the entire afternoon hopping, flapping, test piloting, and vying for king of the branch.  When they finally did fledge (just after 5:00 PM), Momma Phoebe was back at 5:15 preparing the nest for Brood #3.

 

Carolina Wren Nest Update

The Jungle Wrens hatched today.  You can see them, just hours old, with beaks agape.  In the second image, Momma Wren raises up in the nest -- eying her newly hatched offspring.

Wrens - Hours Old

Carolina Wrens - Hours Old

Momma Wren and Newhatch

Mom and Baby

Happening at the Feathers and Fuzz Zoo

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I have to chuckle when I reflect on what's been Happening at the Feathers and Fuzz Zoo these last few days.

A raccoon showed up at the peanut feeder in broad daylight -- undaunted by my presence some 50' away.  Fortunately, the Pit Bull was out by the pool sunbathing so he didn't see her.  (I assume it's a her -- probably a pregnant female making sure she gets first dibs on the peanuts and marshmallows.)

Raccoon at Feeder in Daylight

Momma Finch

Proving once again I am NOT in control of nature -- Momma Finch drew the battle lines as she rearranged the eggs in her nest.  Finch eggs were lined up on one side -- Cowbird egg to the side.  The real victory, however, is this:  After all of my hand-wringing and gut-wrenching, the Cowbird egg failed to hatch.  Two of the 3 Finch eggs have hatched -- and both hatchlings are thriving.  This is a joy I had not expected and for which I am very grateful!

Finch Battle Lines are Drawn
Cowbird Egg Fails to Hatch

The Eastern Bluebirds

The Bluebird eggs in the East house have hatched.  The Bluebird nestlings in the North house are bouncing off the walls.  As I watch these nestlings mature, side-by-side, on my viewing software -- I just never stop being amazed by His creation.  The photos share this view with you -- a mere 10 days difference in age between the two nests.

BB N at 13 Days
BB E at 3 Days

Eastern Phoebes

Not to be left out of the zoo, the Eastern Phoebe nestlings were busy exploring their platform today.  I love it when they "branch" -- hopping out of the nest onto a nearby branch -- then back to the nest.  This is a common practice among Bald Eagle nestlings, but with birds in birdhouses (and the typical Phoebe nest mudded to the wall of a structure) songbird nestlings don't often have the luxury of practicing their flying skills before taking that maiden flight.  Because I have attached artificial foliage to the platform (originally intended for winter roosting use), several broods of Phoebe nestlings have practiced their flying skills before fledging.  I love thinking they will fare better in the world.

I was hopeful I could show you their antics ... topped off with their fledging ... but last time I saw them, two of the three were content to simply view the world from their lofty perch.  You will see them branching in one photo (being fed by Mom or Dad), and peering over the edge in the other photo.  Note the unhatched egg in the background -- another reminder of what a difference a couple weeks makes!

Parent Feeds Branching Phoebe Nestlings
Spent the Day Thinking About Fledging

When the Zoo Comes to You

And, finally, we have the scene that put the word "zoo" into my head.  In broad daylight, a Red Fox trotted down the sidewalk in front of the house like he owns the place.  Okay -- so probably he does -- I'm just the zookeeper.

Fox Trotting Down Sidewalk