The House Wrens Are Back

The house wrens are back.  Two house wrens already raised some chicks in the nesting box by the honeysuckle.  The male is now courting a different female.  She is using the nesting box at the north side of the yard.  A different couple has checked out the nesting box with two holes [I think it is supposed to be decorative only] in the wildflower patch that the humming birds hang out in. I've watched the couple fitting sticks into the top hole of the birdhouse.  It is hanging up on a small willow tree.  I guess the female found that to be "just right."

No hummingbirds yet in evidence but the sugar water is hung.  This morning I also prepared several hanging baskets with red and orange flowers that they like.  I put together a new birdbath and filled it.  I also scrubbed the flat flower pot plate that the chickadees seems to prefer and the two water stations [actually meant for chickens] that some of the sparrows like.

The scattered thunderstorms never materialized here today.  This afternoon it got quite sunny and hot.  The dog and I sat on the deck watching the birds and one chipmunk visiting the feeders and ground seeds.  A very large blue jay came by.  He was quite stunning.  A grackle buzzed the dog-- much to her astonishment-- and then continued on his way over the fence and across the street.  The weather people promised a week of storms.  I suspect that I will have to get out the hose if Mother Nature doesn't produce rain soon.  Yesterday was supposed to be sunny.  Instead it was gloomy and a bit overcast with showers which weren't quite soaking but enough to interrupt plans to use the power mower on the lawn of mother-in-law now totally overgrown with dandelions.   

sapphoq looking for a coffee