Feathers and Fuzz

one woman's cure for the empty-nester blues

The Menagerie

Eve of Destruction – Pantherophis spiloides

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I all but danced around here Wednesday caught up in the excitement of the door-sitting rural Bluebird nestlings, the flapping House Finch nestlings peering over the edge of their platform, and the bundle of Carolina Wren nestlings spilling out of the cup into the foliage around their nest.

Finch Nestling Checking Out His Wings and the World Below

Finch Nestling Checks Out Wings & World Below

Wren Nestling Pile Speaks With One Voice

Wren Nestling Pile Speaks With One Voice

I set up ANOTHER camera to capture the Wrens emerging from the floral jungle.  I was writing the post in my head and was very excited about the title:  June is Bustin’ Out All Over.  I even had BLUE Bluebird eggs to show you.

Parent Wren Bringing Food to Floral Jungle

Parent Wren Bringing Food to Floral Jungle

BLUE Bluebird Eggs - Garden House

Bluebird Eggs in Color

This morning, the song went from my head.

Pantherophis spiloides (Gray Rat Snake) delivered an Eve of Destruction.  He climbed 30’ to reach the Finch nest 12’ above the second-floor terrace.  From there, he managed to hunt down the Wren nest some 50’ away.  When I awoke around 6 and turned on the cameras – he was still in the Wren nest, but it was too late.  Drake, the Pit Bull, and I went out and chased the snake off the terrace.  I suppose I could have allowed him to finish devouring his kill, but I found it more satisfying to push him off the edge of the terrace.  I knew he’d survive the 14’ drop, but I hoped he would remember the stick-lady and her big-headed dog.

So now – you may ask – exactly how do I plan to turn THIS into an uplifting post?  I’ve been holding out on you.  I have this video I use to lift my spirits when I am downtrodden. It was taken here, at The Retreat – indirectly featuring my “Fuzz Buddy”, Drake.  It has a way of making a bad day go dim in the light of a life filled with many, many blessings.

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