I checked my nestboxes yesterday (except the bluebirds as they are ready to
fledge). My 5 chickadee babes have fledged, and the cute little male house
wren must have found a girl, because the stick-filled box was lined with
fluffy soft stuff and there were 4 eggs. I haven't seen both the male and
female at the same time..but does anyone know if the female house wren
sings? Maybe that will help me know who I'm looking at.
Also, last spring I put up a nest box high in a tree intended for flickers,
as they were always in my yard calling. The starling tried to claim it, but
I put some extra wood around the hole that prevents them from flying in,
since they can't cling like woodpeckers. The only activity I've ever seen
near the box was the bluebirds in late winter, checking it out, but they
obviously preferred the box on a pole nearer the ground. Recently I noticed
some chew marks around the hole on this box and wondered if something had
moved in. I'd have to get the ladder out to check, so I haven't, but the
day before yesterday something was peeking it's head out.a flying squirrel.
I wonder if they have young inside.
http://flickr.com/photos/rlechols/2496355603/
Also, the house finches that nested in my hanging basket on the front porch
last year are back. They have built a new nest and have at least one egg.
Rachel Echols
Chester, VA
