Bird Nesting 2016

At this hour, the wild ducks returned : the baby is a tad bigger.

The Mallards family, both the drake and hen with the lone baby. I was pleasantly surprised that they appeared to be quite tamed. They did not seem to be afraid of me? The proud papa bird even hopped up to the pier for a breather before he returned to the water and escorts his family to a safe place to rest for the evening. That was my last time seeing the ducks for I was busy and away from the garden today.

Update: Life happens and I was busy with spring activity. Spring is almost done & Summer is fast approaching.
The birds however continue their journey at nest-building and family nurturing.
I didn't get the pleasure to witness the fledglings of the Mockingbirds nor the Chickadees. But they did fledge, I was delighted. The Eastern Blue Birds decided our garden was too busy, so they nested next door. :) Brown Thrashers fledglings were seen often, but I didn't know where their nest this year. Carolina wrens and House Wrens fledglings were seen, as well as the "Dee's" my sweet little Chickadee's fledglings being fed by its parents. The nest-box intended for Woodpeckers remains empty-nested for the European Starlings rejected the cozy birdhouse that was there for the taken...

As far a the ducklings? It appeared that the first brood were unfortunately fell preys for unknown predators. Just couple of days ago, I saw a pair of Mallards hanging close to my next door's neighbor. No little one was seen with the adult Wild ducks.

On a lighter node; the domesticated white ducks returned to our area. Only this season there were only 3 of them. My grandson really enjoys feeding these ducks when he comes to visit Grandma and Pappy at the lake. I'm grateful that I am given the opportunity to enjoy nature with this precious little boy....

Oh, best of all, my Phoebes are back -- and wouldn't you believe it? This morning I saw one of the Phoebes up on top of the Flood flights (where they once built the very first nest -- which appeared to have changed my life -- years ago, so to speak. Chuckle with joy). The Phoebe must be building their 2nd brood this spring? For I've seen them up there in early spring but they then left... But, now they've returned!

I'll close out this thread, on our Memorial Day this year 2016, with this quote from a wise man with whom I've never met.
" In The JOURNEY OF LIFE, we pass pleasure & pain. There will be sunshine and rain; There will be loss and gain. But we must learn to SMILE AGAIN AND AGAIN."





Happy birding to all my DG's family and friends. 'Til we meet again.
Kim a gardener from Alabama.

Kim, I'm so sorry the Mallards lost their babies. I know birds and animals have to go on with their lives, but it tears me up inside to lose even one life. With so many predators it's amazing any survive.

Glad to hear the rest of your birds seem to be doing well and raising their families. Especially happy for your Chickadees after having such a hard time finding their own nest box.

It's kind of funny that the Bluebirds moved next door, but it's probably just as well. That way you still get to see them and the Chickadees are happy, too.

It's great that some of the Pekin Ducks came back. How old is your Grandson?
Congrats on the Phoebes returning. Maybe they'll nest in the same place as their first nest. Wouldn't that be fun?

I almost forgot to mention...those are beautiful pics! I didn't realize your lake was so big.

Love that quote, Kim! That really was a very wise man who wrote it. Thanks for sharing it.

It has been busy around here. The young BB have fledged, a new nest is in place and we have 3 eggs as of yesterday. Mama and Papa bird have brought their young back to the shepherd's hook also. Here are a few photos

Congrats David on the BB success. How wonderful, I'm happy for you. Thank you for sharing those fledglings pix. How sweet! How is the new nest coming along with new eggs since your last post?

NAN, it's a pleasure always to receive your comments. Thanks. My grandchild is nearly 5 and he's absolutely adorable! I never knew how such a little person can bring so much joy. :)

Back to birds nesting, hah, I found out where the Brown Thrashers' nest is. It's hidden in a Holly shrub. And, a new nesting was being built atop the high branches by Northern Cardinal. :)

Pix are those of a surprise visit by A type of heron. The lake is indeed quite big.

I know, I know this isn't the right forum, but while I was watching my birds nesting for the season. Today I discovered this critter which has taken ownership of my Blue Bird's house. I'm not certain what it's? Please help confirm its identity? Happy birding to all my gardening friends.

edit for typo.




This message was edited Jun 29, 2016 6:53 AM

My first take was perhaps the critter was this culprit? But, the coloring isn't right. A mouse? (in the nest box above).

Kim, on first glance it looks like a grey field mouse - but it doesn't have that "pointy nose of the mouse. My second guess was a small weasle - except that the eyes appear to be too big for a weasel.

Any other thoughts?

Take a look here. Possibly a flying squirrel?

https://photographicdictionary.com/animals/fly

David

This message was edited Jun 30, 2016 6:00 PM

Thank you David for taking the time out to reply. DH and I have been busy with family and health issues so I couldn't respond promptly. I'm planning on setting up the bird cam to watch the little critter for a definite identification.


NAN, here is our precious little grandchild. He's a fast astute learner. And he's going to be a new brother by November this year!

Understand taking care of grandchildren. My wife and I have been doing that for about 7 years now.
Congratulations on the new one. Keep us posted on his arrival.

Happy 4th

David