Birds Nesting 2013

Mrs. Ed, behind us is a small residential area. In front of us at the forefront of the field is a large body of water several hundred yards wide that is called 'Clear Creek' a branch off of Logan Martin lake. Maybe you can google earth the exact location. The junction where most birders gather to watch these awesome birds is Moreland lane that intersects with Renfroe Road.

ah, so the water is past the cows. I was just wondering if Eagles nested away from water at all, as I had never seen that happen.

Precisely, there is water behind where the cows are. The pasture is absolutely beautiful. I'm so envious of people that live near the area. ^_^

First day of Feb. Hurry up Spring! There are a pair of White-breasted Nuthatch that have been calling this (nest box) theirs, and quite capable of defending it last several years.

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The above caption: Mamma Blue tells Pappa Blue "I tell you, this house is taken".

Moma Blue took off, left Pappa wondering ...

Ummm.

These Northern friends, decided to stay behind and start a family this season, I think.

Mrs. Ed. I'm with you on the 300mm lenses. It will not "reach" the birds from a distance. This is from my new camera; DH and I went back to the local Bald Eagle Nest, I took many practice shots, and was very disappointed with many of them. On the other hand, we learned from talking with experienced birders at the site, is that even though we didn't get to see the Eagles last year. She did and knew that two fledglings successfully fledged around mid June last year.

This maybe the Moma Eagle.

*nodding* I feel your pain. Even with the 100-400, it is not enough and I have to ind a way to get closer.

Oh wait, wait. There is this birder that has a Canon 6D EOS with a 400 lense. She has a website with her Eagles photos that are out of this world. I'll dmail you her local picasa web to see her fabulous images that she has made.

At the mean time, wouldn't you believe it. I've seen Mallards and Mourning Doves are showing their mating bahaviors. I am looking forward to finding some Doves nesting this year.

Hi everyone, here is an update of the Eagle nest. Last time I posted the photos of the Eagles, I learned a few things (that are new to me) about Eagles; that most often it's the female that goes out of the nest and hunts for food. That left the male at or near the nest most often time.

Last Sunday while we were there, we saw one Eagle on the nest. Not knowing that was the male or female. A little while later, the bird flew off the nest and perched nearby. Then I heard a loud bird call. Unsure it was from the one that pirched on the tree or the approaching one. As it turned out the second approaching Eagle was clutching a large fish with its tallons. I asked the experienced birder; "So is that the male bringing food home?" The lady told me it's likely the female that brought the fish and it was the male that we first saw. Hah! So we've a Stays at-home Dad in the birds worlds!

Today we returned to the nesting site. The day is over cast, we saw only one (bird) sitting on the nest. This must be the male and I assumed his mate is out hunting.

Hubby and I established a day to watch the Eagles together on Sundays. We returned to the nest today and right off we spotted one sitting on the nest as previous, then after we scanned the area we saw its mate sitting on a bare branch of a deciduous tree nearby. shortly after, the one sitting outside flew off. So I have a hunt that Papa is sitting on eggs? While Mama is out 'fishing' as usual.

Today probably is the coldest day of the year by far. Temp. drops to mid 20F. during the night, the bird bath iced solid, various Sparrows are looking into nest boxes in which I'm not sure if they were looking for roosting shelters, or nesting places? Others pairing up like these Mourning Doves. The Blue birds staying close to their own reserved nest boxes and defended for their territory.

Here come the Mallards, I hope this is the very same drake that lost his mate last year, returning with a new mate for the nesting season this year.

Here goes! Today is the first time I see White Breasted Nuthatch is actively building their nest. Saw this one bringing a big 'ole tree bark into the nest box this morning.

Saw the male WBNH brings his mate tree bark and straw to the nest box today. The female (WBNH) was busy inside 'decorateing' the nursery. The Mockingbird was bullying the Blue Birds all around the backyard, but for some reason, it didn't pay the Nuthatches any notice.

Woo hoo! Bluebirds are back and the mockingbird is leaving them alone. Hope to have them nesting this year....

Hi JulieQ, I'm glad to hear that the Mockingbird is leaving the BBs alone. How are the Nesting hopefuls doing currently? My Mockingbird pair are the dominants birds in the garden at present. I've tried to move some of the feeders closer to their nest where I saw their nestling last year, toward the front yard. Hopefully they'll eventually leave my Eastern Blue Birds alone.

Yesterday DH and I went by to see the Eagles nest. We saw one sat on the nest. Hope it's incubating time? I wished, I wished.

1. Papa Blue bird stands guard of the house.
2. Nesting material is present inside; however, there is no egg yet.
3. Another bird house with nesting materials.
4. This new birdhouse was 'designed' for Wrens. I've seen nesting materials inside, but not sure which species has claimed the nest box.
5. Blue Birds apparently have won out; they hung tough in the designated area, and waited for the mockingbirds to get tired of chasing them. Now they reclaimed their territory and apparently have claimed new nest boxes around the garden. I've noticed mockingbirds have retrieved back to the front of the garden, which is a bit further away from the blue birds' nests.

To Lily... I was wondering if it was safe to check out the boxes without scaring them away. Maybe I'll go take a peek.

JulieQ, although this is my 3rd year hosting BBs. I've learned from other experienced hosts (right here at Dave's) that BBs are quite tolerance of us briefly visiting their "homes". That said, this is my 1st year of "visiting" their nests at such close proximity. For previous years, the old nest boxes that I used didn't have easy access to the doors, thus I've not been able to see them in this intimate setting. My main goal is to be able to peek at the eggs and hatchlings this year without disturbing them very much.

Just an update. The 2nd nestbox posted above on #3. Indeed is being taking by BBs. I thought Carolina Chickadees pair have claimed the box, apparently another pair of BBs have taken an interest in the box. So, I went and put out more meallies for them this evening.

Spring is suddenly appearing in our corner of the woods. ^_^

You sure have a lot going on Lily and I love seeing your pics of spring! Can't wait for ours to arrive and some dry warm weather. We put our Purple Martin gourds up yesterday and I hope to see some very soon. Good luck on your nests this year and happy spring to those in the south.

Rose, thanks. I wish you too will enjoy the beauty of Spring real soon. Many 'snow birds' such as Juncos and American Coots are still down here that implies winter is still further North. When Spring finally there, I will miss these snow birds down here, I think.

I do not know for sure if Brown Headed-Nuthatch will nest down South? I've a pair of the BHNH routinely coming to my suet and seeds feeder. It would be so neat if they do.

Happy Easter everyone.

1. Another bird house is chosen; not sure which specie though. Nesting material can bee seen from the opening.
2. Spring is really here.
3. This is the 2nd year these gourd houses are up. So are the second year Tree Swallows show interests in them, but no active nest building activity here.
4. & 5 Carolina Chickadees pair are once again reclaiming this 'hot peppers' house as their own.

Also today I discovered the Cardinal female has begun her nest building among the bamboo grove. No pic. yet. Also the Mallards have made a failed attempt of nesting by the backyard. More on that later. Have a good night folks.

Nice photos, Kim. Springs really has arrived at your place.

That fishing basket is such a cute little house! So nice to see those tulips and green stuff at your house.

Good grief Kim...you sure look like spring and I love all your cute bird houses!

The Purple Martins have show up and I got a few shots which I will try and post later. So far it looks like there are 5 of them.

Also our first two Barn Swallows showed today and have been spotted flying through the hay barn.

Yippee...looks like spring is here!

Hi Margaret and Marna and Rose, sorry I've been so very busy and couldn't hop on here to post. Just have enough time to say hi briefly. My gourd houses so far attracted many on-lookers. But no actual tenants as of yet. LOL. Rose congrats on your spring arrival along with the Purple Martins and Barn Swallows.

I guess things are "heating up" here in the nesting category. The Cardinal pair has already made a nest in the sweet autumn clematis vine on the fence. Pity I didn't get it trimmed back first, but I guess then it would not have been attractive to them. This is the second cardinal nest I will have had there. Chickadees have claimed their usual box. And a nuthatch pair have been collecting materials. I don't know where they are nesting yet, as they few off before I could follow the direction. I just know it is NOT in the nestbox i have for them. ha.

Congrats on the two cardinal nests Marna. I've one that built her nest once again in the bamboo grove in the front yard. By far, I haven't much success with my nesting this year. My Nuthatches apparently gave up on the the house that they used to nest the last few years because the Blue birds kept chasing them off. Now, Tree Swallows are taking an interest in that nest box. Another dominant pair have frequented the gourd houses, and dominated over the BBs even. BBs usually perche on the gourd houses to beg for meallie, but the tree swallows really didn't like that. It doesn't look like I'll see nuthatch'es or BBs' babies this year. Though, they come to the feeders regular in which I'm glad.
I think my Titmice are nesting up high on an oak tree in the back where woodpecker has created a hole back there. Oh, one dreaded news, my chickadee's nest was destroyed so I found yesterday. Not sure what got hold of the bird, the eggs too were vanished. I am so sad. That isn't all. My Mallard nesting failed too this season. A new mama Mallard came in early March, laid 4 eggs in an open plant's container. Needless to say, Crows found the eggs, and that was the end of it.

Rose, spring came in like a Lion. Infact, we appeared to have skipped spring, we went from Winter directly into summer--it was nearly 80' yesterday. Trees are all greening up-- seems as if over night. I'll post more nesting activity in the garden as I get time to do so. Happy birding everyone.

Sorry about your first nest failures Kim, but it's a long season. Looks like everyone is building, as I've seen lots of birds collecting nesting materials.

Boy that's some beautiful spring you have there! Can't wait until it looks like that here. I do have some little color, thanks to Donna, who gave me some early blooming daffodils and glory of the snow bulbs. :)

Rose and Marna, is Spring officially there yet for you? Down South it came in like a Lion., though, we've experienced some unusual, late cool spells. Temp. dipped down to the 30'ish in mid-April. Currently, I've half a dozen BBs eggs, I'm so happy about that. Another bird house with Chickadees actively going in and out, so I'm hoping they're rebuilding their nest--though it could be a different pair. No news on my precious Mallards. Today, I just found out there is a dominant pair of Tree Swallows finally decided to build their own nest. It appears to me, these birds aren't communal nesters? They (as I've observed) have been chasing any other birds coming near--including their own species. And this morning, the male was sitting guard and calling to his mate, then just a little while ago. The female begun to build her nest, the 3rd gourd from the left of the 6 gourd houses in the backyard. As of now, my pc is giving me trouble uploading pix. So when I get it up and running again, I'll share some pics.
Also, Moma cardinal is often seen sitting on her nest, I'll need to return to the Eagle nest to find out their activity this coming weekend. Happy birding everyone.

Hey Kim, we're still having below average temps here, so seems like we are running behind. And that's funny because last year we were nearly a month ahead. Weird.

From what I understand the tree swallows are pretty much like the bluebirds, chickadees and nuthatch with their cavity nesting. Indeed not communal. I'd love to have those around, good bug eaters! And cute as a button.

Anyway, good news/bad news I guess with my cardinals. They must have seen me poking around in the clematis because they dismantled the nest and moved. LOL. So I took the opportunity to trim the dead off the vine and get it on a proper trellis. Now if they want to build there, they will have more support. I was just too nervous about how they had it built this time. I haven't checked the Dee box yet, but I've seen activity there.

No new pix to share as of now, yesterday DH and I stopped by the Eagle Nest and found one of the Parent eagle stood guard nearby the nest, and we were able to spot an Eaglet from the distance. Took some pics. but I still can't down load pics. :((
Marna, I don't seem to have much lucks this year with nesting birds. The Swallows were enthusiastic one day; busy bringing nesting materials. Then, the following day the weather turned windy, and since, I haven't seen them coming back? On the positive note, the BBs haven't skipped a beat; it appears that the pair promptly showed up at the mealies feeder every time I'm out with their favorite meals. Yesterday while out and about, I saw Mallard babies, and Geese goslings in the park. Also, I have seen many a Brown-headed Nuthaches in the back yard; I often wondered if they nest around here. Yesterday, I found out the answer; while at the park, I heard a racket of noises (bird chirping) overhead on top of a large pine tree. I looked up and saw 3 presumably young Brown-headed Nuthatches. They appeared to forage among the young pine's catkins and what-not. After a little while, a pair of fledglings were "wrestling" each other and felf fell down onto the ground. It took me by suprise, so I came near and investigate what was going on with the birds. One bird promptly flew off, the other wasn't able to fly away immediately but hop-hop away from danger(me). I stood there in awe, the younguns were just "stretching" their wings, so to speak, lol. I'm one lucky individual to have seen nature unfolding right before my eyes. Hope all are well where you're. Spring is here for us, and April rain will bring May's flowers. It sure has been one wet one!

This message was edited Apr 28, 2013 1:14 PM

Wooohooo! I once again have Mallard's eggs!!! All 3 of them. Will post pics. to share ASAP. Oh, it appears this year, our Eagle has but one eaglet, We saw the chick last weekend, and will return there this weekend to check on the nest. But otherwise, the chick is doing well. Back at home, I've 5 Blue Birds' eggs. I am hoping to find the Blue birds hatchlings any day. Keeping my fingers crossed.

That's great news, Kim. Have they nested in the plant pots again? (the mallards, not the eagles)

Hi Margaret, lol It's the mallards indeed. Nature is wonderfully amazing; as one may recall. In the height of summer here last year. The mother Mallard went missing just a day or two before the eggs hatched. But the majority of the nearly dozen eggs hatched within 24-48 hours after the mother went missing. To make the long story short-- the majority of ducklings were safely adopted and raised by my neighbor's young family, who love nature as much as I do. Came this early spring, a new female Mallard was seen in the vicinity. Approximately March, she laid 3-4 eggs, but due to her inexperience ; the duck has chosen another flower pot which didn't have tall plants to help conceal her eggs, I noticed too, unlike the previous female mallard, the young mom didn't know how to "cover" her eggs when she leaves the nest/flower container. As a result, crows and Herons apparently promptly discovered the ducks eggs and destroyed her initial attempt. I thought; oh my, that was the end of my hope to see the sweet mallard family for this year. Well, I was wrong. For the last week, I've seen the male Mallard staying close, despite a minor flood that we've experienced in the area lake which lasted nearly a week...
Yesterday, the water finally returned to its normal level, while I was surveying the damage around the backyard (caused by the flood), I was delightfully surprised by finding the duck eggs! And wouldn't you know it. The young mother-to-be mallard, has learned to cover her eggs this time! How wonderfully amazing mother nature is!

I've captured a picture of the new Mallard momma sitting on the nest this morning. Will share picture when I can. Happy Mother Day to everyone. Happy birding as well. ^_^

Due to technical difficulty, I haven't been able to upload new pics. into the pc for the last month.... I've been busy, and didn't have the problem resolved. But here are a couple pics from April.

1. Mallards in the area before the flood.
2. The new Mallard nesting pot is to the very left; where I've moved a semi-weeping myrtle tree (in the white container) to partially hide the duck nest. (Oh needless to say, my beloved Jelly Bean--the gardener helper is beeing kept in the house with a close supervision while outside at present).

I look forward to updates. You've described the situation very well, Kim.