Feathers and Fuzz

one woman's cure for the empty-nester blues

House Finch Nest

Creative Fledging — House Finch Style

by

The House Finch nestlings met expectations by beginning to fledge on schedule -- April 18.  What wasn't expected was the measure of Creative Fledging this brood of 4 displayed.  As I went back through the recorded footage to capture the fledge highlights for you, I had to chuckle at the vast differences ... and the antics of the fourth of four as s/he clung to the security of the nest.

 

Meanwhile ...

Migration is in full swing.  I promise pictures in the coming days as it is so delightful to see all the colors of spring reappear!

The Bluebirds in the north house fledged (well and strong), watering the flowers uncovered the Carolina Wren's second clutch of 5 eggs in the Boston Fern, both Bluebird pairs have completed building nest #2, and the entire brood of Eastern Phoebe nestlings are being TOTALLY defiant of their parents instructions to FLEDGE ALREADY!  Their stories will follow soon.

Creative Nesting appears to be the key phrase for 2019

by

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!