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This has been the most lackluster nesting year Ive ever had so far. Its been a cold spring this year. So cold that I delayed wasp proofing the boxes. There was a lot of interest from the tree swallows and blue birds then all of a sudden nothing. Figuring it was because the temps were still chilly I didnt think much about it but after a week with not seeing any activity I went out to check. I found the start of wasp nests in both boxes, a spatula took care of them both and I rubbed soap on the roof and upper walls. I guess it was too late since I have neither species nesting.
For whatever reason I didnt get a Carolina Chickadee nesting this year either. The Prothonotary Warblers did return and built a nest in the Gilbertson box. Of course a House Wren was hot on her tail bothering her. I strongly informed the wren it was not wanted around here. It got the message. Then about a week later a House Wren pair tried to build their nest in the Hex Box. They too were informed that they should seek a nesting site elsewhere. Then a Prothonotary Warbler female built her nest in the Hex Box and layed her first egg yesterday. So I put a Wren Guard on the box (had no problem with acceptence last year) went out about 11:30 this morning and there was still just the one egg from yesterday. So I removed the wren guard and will see what happens tomorrow.
I did have a carolina Wren successfully fledge at least one nestling a few weeks ago. Since it had been so chilly I never really got a good look to see how many eggs had been layed.
So thats my dismal nesting update for the year.
Happy Mother’s Day
When the new wears off the old shines through
When The New Wears Off The Old Shines Through.
I agree Renee. I think this cold Spring has really made it hard for the birds. It almost seems as if some species are putting off nesting to wait for warmer weather. I live in PA and it only was 52 degrees here today in the middle of May and been raining non-stop. Normally temps are in the 70s or 80s this time of year here. Its been colder this Spring then last year at this time.
Hey Ladies,
I was thinking the same – I’m in Ontario Canada and it has gone from May back to March temps several times already.. and wanna talk RAIN?!! all I”ve had going on is a WACK Of HOSPS.. and too cold too get overly motivated – but as I wrote in my post I finally got rocking on it – and we have some TRES interest on this (first in awhile) sunny and 14 degree morning.
Maybe everything will just happen a little later this year?!Sorry the HOWR have been such pests! Hope they find lodging elsewhere. Not really.
You aren’t alone with wren guard issues. Others seem to be having a problem with them this year. I expect to be the next one but I really hope not.
Gin
Atlanta, GA(Update)
Well the second Prothonotary Warbler female never returned to her box. The lone egg is still in there. So I have two completed nests in two seperate boxes with nothing happening. I havent even heard the male singing since just after mother’s day.
The tree swallows returned a few days ago, started building a nest the next day and then disappeared again. I checked the box but no wasp nest. So who knows what’s going on.
When the new wears off the old shines through
When The New Wears Off The Old Shines Through.
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