Feathers and Fuzz

one woman's cure for the empty-nester blues

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!