Feathers and Fuzz

one woman's cure for the empty-nester blues

Fuzz

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

Bluebird Nest Predator – Extra Large

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I learned some new things this week.  First, not all “first sightings” are delightful.  Second, when tragedy strikes — it can be touched by a miracle — and it is the miracle I will treasure.

On the morning of May 3, I turned on the bird cameras’ viewing software just after dawn.  Something was off in the bluebird nest box — it looked like a strange feathered creature was in the house.  I finally turned on the camera showing the exterior of the box.  There was no birdhouse in view. I got my visual bearings.  The feathered creature was a disarray of bluebird nestlings.

Okay — so I promised to only send uplifting things to your inbox — but this is a rare suburban nesting story I just have to share.  I hope you will find, as I do, that it is — in the end — uplifting.  In fact, the nest box had been attacked.  The miracle is that 3 nestlings survived — unharmed.  From the interior camera, it would appear the 4th intentionally escaped the house — fate unknown.  These nestlings were old enough to fly.

When you watch the video, the miracle will be clear!

 

Attack Aftermath

Turns out, this ~300 black bear spent the night demolishing things — the trash can storing the bird seed, a feeding station, and the bluebird nest box.  He (I think it was a “he”) was actually here two nights — from 9:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.  As you can imagine, I have become quite reluctant to go out after dark.

The day of the attack, a house guest took me shopping.  I now own, and have fired, a shotgun.  My guest promised I didn’t have to actually shoot anything — just the sound would be a deterrent.  I assure you, it deters me!

For the next two nights, I went out at dusk — disconnecting both occupied nest boxes from the poles (Bluebird and Chickadee) after stuffing a rag in the door.  Both nest boxes spent the night in the safety of my basement.  The next morning, at dawn, I rehung the boxes and removed the rags.  As I expected — it appears neither the parents, nor nestlings, minded the temporary relocation.  I slept in peace.

On the second day, I was getting close to pushing the Bluebird nestlings out of the box myself.  They were two days past normal fledging age and showed no signs of heeding their parents’ calls.  The point is:  the attack clearly traumatized us all!  Finally, the Bluebirds did fledge — flying strong.  I treasure the miracle!

Bluebird 2 Fledge May 5 2018
Miracle Baby Takes Wing: May 5 2018