The bluebirds in my backyard are getting a late start in building a nest in the garden. They usually would have babies by this time of year. The ratbirds (sparrows) have delayed the building. I have spent the last month cleaning out ratbird nests. Three and four times a day I would clean out the nest. Trying to help the bluebirds. I was determined not to give up.
Finally today I noticed the ratbirds have not been around. Apparently the bluebirds have noticed as well. They have been at the house all morning. Just now I caught a photo of both the male and female. If you look closely you can see the female (bird in front) with pine straw in her mouth, which is nesting material for them. A great sign.
So far I have seen no ratbirds, keep your fingers crossed they will not return. These are my bluebirds of happiness.
©CarolDM2019
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Do you have a favorite bird or something in nature you look forward to each year?
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Yes
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No
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I love these beautiful bluebirds of happiness. 🙂
I can only say that this photo is beautiful, and both bluebirds have enchanted my eyes and heart.
Thank you Albert. You know how very special these bluebirds are to me. I was so excited to see the both show up and take an interest in their home I have provided.
You’re welcome, Carol. I know that they are so special to you…
I have a favorite bird which is rarely found now a days
What is your favorite bird?
Cebu flowerpecker…………..If you find somewhere please let me know ,
Wow, those are beautiful. The Cebu Flowerpecker is a critically endangered breeding bird. It was feared to have become extinct early in the 20th century after the clearance of most of the island’s forests, but was rediscovered in 1992 in a small patch of limestone forest in the Central Cebu Protected Landscape and has since been found at three other sites, namely, the Nug-as forest of Alcoy, Mount Lantoy of Argao and the forests of Dalaguete. Other possible sites for this species are in Malabuyoc. The current population is estimated to be between 85 and 105.
Thank you carol for sharing the information about my hot favorite bird.
You are welcome, I hope it helped. And I hope you can see it.
You are close to nature! That’s great!
Yes, this is all in my backyard.
What on earth is a ratbird?
A sparrow. It is in the post in parentheses. If you are a bluebirder, you call them ratbirds because they make nests in the bluebird houses from trash, anything they can find, and they will destroy the bluebird eggs and kill the bluebirds and babies. It has sadly happened many times in my backyard.
I suspect the late start and the cause, is frustrating at best!
My personal favorite bird is the hawk I love watching them fly!!!!
You have no idea Doc. I love these bluebirds and have been so down thinking they would not return. I also love the hawks with their huge wingspan and of course the eagles.
I see the Eagles when I drive down to Virginia. Love them as well!!!
Love watching all of the Cornell bird cams this time of year.
They have the egg watch cam in DC. I am mesmerized
I am hoping to see some cardinals coming in soon.
I have cardinals for the first spring ever. I know it is because I fed them over the winter. They have a nest somewhere in the yard. I hear the male singing every day.
I am sure that the cardinals will be coming to the area soon since there is food for them in the backyard.
Yes I think they have a nest because I hear them singing very loud at the top of the trees.
The songbirds are coming and it feels good.
Congratulations! Sounds like the ratbirds finally took the hint… Hopefully now you can enjoy your well earned bluebird reward
Finally, it seems like I have been emptying the house for months now. So far they are nowhere around. Persistence!
they can’t afford to waste the time and energy making nests that get destroyed, nor can they stop you from doing it. ultimately they have to quit or not mate this year…
That is my goal, for them to quit and disappear.
their offspring will be back next year, and you’ll need to teach them the same lesson…
Beautiful couple. I’m holding the fists to succeed
Yes so far so good on the second day. Thanks!
There are various birds in my garden, and for me they are all the same and are welcome now I will persecute them a bit differently. I ate all the seeds I sow …
Yes I have many birds as well, but none are welcome in the bluebird house except for bluebirds.
I have no conditions to expect arriving birds. I live in a residential blog. But I have visitors – sparrows and pigeons, because I have a pastry on the terrace and lots of residual food from it. She attracts them and they come.
I have to prepare for the bluebirds or they will not nest. And it is so worth it.