It Started Like Any Other I know we bird lovers who provide nest box homes for our back yard birds get so used to the cycle. We know every spring (or even late winter here in Nashville) we're going to see bluebirds, chickadees, titmice, wrens and others checking out our nest boxes. Somebody's going to make a home there. Doing all we can to help them and make sure everything is … [Read more...] about My First Ever Chickadee Nest Box Tragedy
Search Results for: bluebirds
The Tufted Titmouse That Wouldn’t Quit – Part 2
Will I Have a Tufted Titmouse Nest or Not? In my last post, I told you about my jubilation over thinking I was going to finally have a tufted titmouse family in my back yard. I told you about the odd first attempt at a nest that was seemingly abandoned. And how, after over a week of no activity, I decided to clean out the nest so any other bird thinking about nesting … [Read more...] about The Tufted Titmouse That Wouldn’t Quit – Part 2
The Tufted Titmouse That Wouldn’t Quit – Part 1
First Time In Fifteen Years! For the last fifteen years that I've been feeding birds in my back yard I've gotten to enjoy so many different species. Most were the birds that are here year round. Others, like my most recent Rose Breasted Grosbeaks, are just passing through to one place or another. I've had nest boxes up for almost all that time and have had mostly Carolina … [Read more...] about The Tufted Titmouse That Wouldn’t Quit – Part 1
When Survival Seems Unfair
The Intelligence At Work Sometimes, we birders have to witness things that break our hearts. Nestlings getting killed by birds competing for the space. Seeing the odd bird dead on the side of the road while walking our dogs. Seeing squirrels who've been hit in the road. The list goes on. What keeps us going is we know that these things are all part of the beauty we see and … [Read more...] about When Survival Seems Unfair
Spring Nesting Tips For Back Yard Birders
In most parts of the US, old man winter is starting to give way to at least small peeks of Spring. That means your back yard visitors are looking (or will soon be looking) for places to nest and raise their young. You can help them in ways you've maybe not thought of. Here are my spring nesting tips to help make your back yard a preferred spot for nesting birds. In no … [Read more...] about Spring Nesting Tips For Back Yard Birders
Nail Biting Bluebird Fledging
Our first family of bluebirds just left the nest the other day. Or should I say the other night! That's right, night. OK, maybe it was evening but it was the first time I've ever had bluebirds fledge at any time other than morning. Let me recount how it happened. What's That Dark Spot In The Lawn? This first family seemed to be taking their time. It seemed to me that they had … [Read more...] about Nail Biting Bluebird Fledging
Just In Time Chickadee Housing
I have a quick story to share with you which further emphasizes the need to pay attention to your backyard I spoke of in my last post. It's a story about seeing a need and filling it and the feeling you can get doing that. This story involves one of my favorite feeder birds, the Carolina chickadee. A few years ago, before I ever had any Eastern Bluebirds in my backyard, I … [Read more...] about Just In Time Chickadee Housing
The First Junco Of The Season
First Junco Arrives Yesterday afternoon, I was looking out my back window when I saw something that brought a smile to my face. That unmistakable grey and white flitting. Alone for now but I know it's just the beginning. That's right...my first junco. I saw it milling about on the ground near my squirrel corn cob feeder and then actually climbing on it. Finally, they settled … [Read more...] about The First Junco Of The Season