Bluebird Report

I had checked the boxes a couple of days ago...maybe Wednesday? I didn't have my camera with me, but wish I had as the bluebird babies in box number three were quite large and fully feathered out! I finally got around to bringing my camera out with me today, but alas!--they had fledged sometime between Wednesday and today (Friday). They were so beautiful. I guess I will have to make a point of taking the camera out each time.

So now that makes nine fledged so far this season. Four from the first and now five from this one. The eggs in box number 1 are now four count. The tree swallows have not yet hatched, but momma tree swallow will now stay put when I check on them. She hunkers down and stares at me until I dutifully close the door---leaving her in peace to do her motherly duty of keeping the eggs perfectly warm.

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On another note-- some not so happy news to report: Mama Kitty brought me a little gift and dropped it at my feet on the kitchen floor this morning. I picked it up and to my utter dismay, it was a tiny fledgling hummingbird! Oh, it was very dead and mangled. I had to have another talk with Mama Kitty about which species of birds she absolutely must not touch and those which she may hunt and eat (exotic invasives, such as English House sparrows and European starlings). I really don't think it sunk in. She stared at me for a short second, and then promptly turned her back and walked back outside. I don't think she cared for the stern tone in which I berated her...especially after bringing me a 'love offering'.

So far they have brought us a red winged blackbird, a fledgling tree swallow, an American goldfinch, robins, and now the fledgling hummingbird...

All this in addition to the legal House sparrows and rodentia.