NEST BOXES

The nest boxes (originally for bluebirds) that we put up March of 2009 are finally getting some action!  Several weeks ago, I watched as a pair of Tree Swallows flew, circled, hovered and landed on each of them several different times, sticking their iridescent green heads in but never going fully inside.  I decided that maybe the openings weren't big enough, so my very patient husband "gerry-rigged" a way to drill them a bit bigger.  

Last week, I noticed the middle (smiley-face) one had grass hanging out and when I opened it...a mossy nest...and eggs!  But several days later it was not a Tree Swallow, but a Carolina Chickadee, coming and going from the box.  That's ok...I'll take it!

Today, the Tree Swallows were back checking out the sunflower box and the one with the quilt design.  Since they were doing the same head-in-but-not-body move as before, I opened both of them and knocked down the wasp nests inside, in case that was a factor in them choosing one of my boxes over a tree cavity somewhere that I can't see.  Time will tell.

The Eastern Bluebirds have successfully raised their first of probably two broods in the box on the phone pole in the backyard.  I hear their little, high-pitched tweets every time one of the parents brings in a mouthful of caterpillar or grasshopper.  Mmmmm...YUM! 

Updates to follow...

Cindy

THE BLUEBIRDS ARE BACK

So far, 3 out of the 4 years we've owned Prairie Pond Woods, a pair of eastern bluebirds have nested on our property.  The last two years they raised their brood in the old, weathered box on the telephone pole out back, and the other year in the old, weathered box on the telephone pole out front.  Both boxes were already there when we bought the place.

Evidently they don't prefer the fancy- shmancy boxes we and some friends of Prairie Pond Woods decorated so they could have very fashionable living spaces.  Oh well, I'm just grateful they are back and visitors can enjoy watching them build their nest, as well as CONTINUALLY feed their offspring. 

We truly do owe a debt of gratitude to the many songbirds that migrate up to the US to spend the spring and summers here.  Last year, I watched both male and female bluebirds spend from 7 am until about 7 pm doing nothing but feeding their babies caterpillars, spiders and any other bug they could capture.  

I'm talking one parent about every 3-5 minutes bringing back bugs that would otherwise have made it into your house, garden or outdoor table setting!  We would live surrounded by a sea of bugs (also known as a pestilence) if not for the Divinely appointed diligence of our feathered friends each season.  

WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS SPRING EQUINOX

At the end of February, we finally got the bluebird boxes up that several "friends of Prairie Pond Woods" helped decorate. Their artwork will forever be on display. Last weekend, Craig said he saw a male and female bluebird near the two new boxes adorning the garden fence. After getting the binoculars, he concluded that it was the male flying back and forth between them, whille the female sat on a wire and looked on.

For several weeks now, the woodcocks have been flying overhead at dusk, moving from one field to another and calling their nasaly "peent" to attract a mate. Only once have I seen them in the daylight, after I practically stepped on one; its well-blended plumage hiding it in the dry, tan grass and brown leaf litter.

While taking a walk, Craig and I scared up a pair of Wood Ducks, no doubt the ones we saw on our pond last year. They flew through the woods, maneuvering around tree trunks and branches, and were out of sight within seconds. This is so strange to witness because it is more common to see ducks flying straight across open skies for long distances. But Wood Ducks not only possess uncommon beauty, they are uncommon in their nesting behavior, choosing to raise broods in tree cavities near water.

As of this writing the daffodils are up and many are blooming. The lilac bushes are leafing out. The birds are ramping up the volumes and frequency of their songs. It is a great time of anticipation!