Hi Lisa, good to see YOU, too. You're right, it was Phoenix, tough little bird. I didn't have HW problems last year because Daddly Blue (new last year, back now) was vigalent..he was amazing! He & Mama had 3 broods & I was expecting a 4th but I think that the female died after the 3rd. The home front is quite different than last season. My Mom's had Alz. for a number of years & she and Dad lived in PA for 60+ years in the house I grew up in. In August, Dad got a diagnosis of lung cancer that had spread & he was dead the next week. Mom then had to go to the hospital, then to a nursing home in PA. Because it's only my brother & me, we decided to move her to GA where she's in a nursing home close to me. She came here on Oct 1st & she was still talking & cheerful. She's declined to the point where she doesn't talk much, sometimes doesn't know me. Basically, she is in the last stage. I visit her most days, maybe a little less than at first. There's not much I can do for her but she's in a great facility & they are taking care of her. I NEED bluebird therapy this year, that's for sure. I've lost both parents in less than a year and it's hard. Thanks for asking & it IS good to see you & some of the others. Blessings, Linda.

That's fascinating! Not easy when you don't have hands. Can you see if she rotates them using her bill? Claire

I have a small basket hanging on a hook on my covered porch. Usually, Carolina wrens nest in it. But the other day I saw a chickadee fly out of it. I want to take it down and look into it and see if there are eggs. Will that scare her away? It's kinda neat to see a different bird nesting there for a change! I have several old, small baskets and didn't know what to use them for......so I've hung them around for birds.

5 eggs in bluebird box & momma is sitting! Momma tree swallow sitting now too. must have been one more than I saw in the chickadee nest....there are now SIX little mouths when I check the box. All moms have been staying in boxes past day or so. We have had lots of rain and thunderstorms with winds so I guess moms are trying real hard to keep little ones snug and dry. I think these three boxes and watching other birds obviously nesting in the spruces has helped lift from a depression. The wonder of newness of life! I am truely blessed to be in an area where I can observe these wonders. Excited to watch it all unfold!