With only one active nest remaining in our six nest boxes, I feel confident in saying that there will be no further nest starts this season. The four bluebirds that are currently occupying the nest box at the Amphimeadow in Catch the Wind will most certainly be gone by next week’s inspection of the nest boxes. Although I am hopeful, and have little doubt, that the birds in the nest box in the Amphimeadow will successfully fledge within the nextRead more
Posts tagged: #House Wren
Bluebird Update 7.2.13
I was anxious to check the nest boxes this morning. With all the torrential downpours we’ve had lately I worried for the nestlings in the two remaining active nests. As it happens, it wasn’t the rain I needed to be concerned about. The birds in the Cow Pasture nest next to the Train Tunnel seemed content as I opened their nest box. It’s difficult to see but it appears all five birds are still present. They will surely fledge beforeRead more
Bluebird Update 5.7.13
The heavy rain and chilly nights of the past several days seems to have had little effect on the chickadees and bluebirds that are nesting on our Bluebird Trail here at the Museum. All occupants of our nest boxes seem to be doing well, even flourishing. The bluebird nestlings in the “Cow Pasture” nest seem about ready to fledge. It’s difficult to see exactly how many nestlings are crowded into that nest but it appears as though there are four.Read more
Bluebird Update May 31, 2012
There is some good news and there is some bad news. First, the nest at the Train Tunnel still contains four bluebird eggs, the nest is quite dry, and although I didn’t see an adult nearby I’m hopeful that they are still incubating and that the eggs will hatch soon. I first observed eggs in this nest on May 16 which still gives us time when you consider that the incubation period for these birds is about 18 days. That’sRead more
Bluebird Update April 19, 2012
On April 17, Karyn Traphagen traveled with me on the Museum Bluebird Trail to check on the occupants of our six nest boxes. You may have already seen Karyn’s Tweets and photos on the subject as she took photos of all the boxes that were occupied. There have been a few changes, as you might expect, the incubation period and growth in nestlings is not a drawn out affair with songbirds, things progress quickly. Last week there were five eggs in theRead more
Family of Bluebirds
Ever since bluebird nest boxes were installed earlier this year in Catch the Wind, I’ve seen Carolina Chickadees, House Wrens, Brown-headed Nuthatches, and yes, the intended species, bluebirds, using the boxes. All of those species were observed building nests in the boxes, most laid eggs, and some were seen carrying food into the boxes and/or carrying out fecal sacs, a sure sign that there is young within. I may have missed some nest box activity. Birds don’t wait for meRead more
Birdbox Update 5
I’d been hearing House Wrens since April 20, but hadn’t seen one. On April 28, I heard one singing from the area behind the Sailboat where a bluebird nest box has been installed. This box was inspected on April 10 and although bluebirds had constructed a nest inside, it didn’t contain eggs. I hadn’t seen any activity around the nest for several weeks and had written it off. A House Wren is now putting the box to use. Male House Wrens arriveRead more
Avian Arrivals and Some Flowers.
Returning this week (4/17-4/24) from points south were Chimney Swift, Gray Catbird, Wood Thrush, House Wren and White-eyed Vireo, all locally nesting birds. The female Belted Kingfisher has once again made herself scarce, presumably sitting on eggs. I briefly saw the male on Friday, 23 April. Black Locust is in bloom as is Old Man’s Beard (not the guy on the left, but the tree, Fringetree). The former can be seen on the opposite side of the water from the WetlandsRead more
Bluebird Update
Immediately after posting “Bluebird Boxes” I went out to Catch the Wind and this is what I saw! Both the male and female had several peeks inside the boxes. It’s still uncertain, however, whether or not they will choose to use this particular box. But, two of the other boxes are being very carefully inspected by chickadees, it may be too late for the bluebirds to move into those. Wait till the House Wrens arrive! As before, I will keep youRead more