This is our first year to host the bluebirds. I think it is because we've trimmed out the pine trees and there is a bit more open space. I'm also thinking the nesting pair of bluebirds might be very young, and nest sites are at a premium. The morning they arrived looking for a nestbox, I had a fake box hanging on the yew stump (I cut things tall to use not short to get in my way) and they tried very diligently to enter the hole and could not. That's when I called my friend, who has a big property right on the river, and asked for help with any box she might provide. Sure enough, she had two new boxes about to go up, and she brought one over right away. Within an hour or two, I had it up (a little clumsy but up)and they were sitting on top of it. Whew, that was a close call! I moved into this white stucco cottage the spring after Katrina destroyed our new house on the river--only lived there a month--and while this smaller house was not perfect for us, we've grown tired of relocating, and I'm eager to stay put where I can garden to my heart's content, and keep in touch with all the wildlife frequenting the area. Just last week, I got the NWF to certify my property as a BACKYARD HABITAT and the sign for it is on its way here now. Grandma's rock!! Here is a link that might be useful: Backyard Habitat Certification

We live in a suburb of Toronto on a 1/4 acre. This is our first year observing the birds so I can't identify all of them yet, but so far the ones we can identify are cardinals, mourning doves, robins, chickadees, sparrows, woodpeckers, finches, grackles, starlings, plus one tiny owl last Halloween. More exciting for me has been the family of raccoons who nest in our silver maple. The tree is right beside the patio where I sit on warm nights. Last summer, Mama raccoon was so used to me sitting there that she didn't mind my observing her leading her four babies down the tree, one at a time, about five feet away from me! One of her daughters stayed with her this year and they spent some time wintering in my garage (I made a bed for them). Here's a pic of last year's baby... There seems to be a wildlife freeway through our yard. In addition to the raccoons, we get visits from opossum and skunk who walk by the patio on a regular basis. Can't wait to see them again this year!

My bluebirds have been building a nest since early - mid week last week and look about finished, here in N.E. Ohio The latest weather I just saw, after 3 straight 80 degree days, says we are gonna be in the 40's by the end of the weekend! BAD!!! Cherry, Dogwood, and Magnolias have ALL broke out into bloom! Other trees are pushing out leaves. The trees are WEEKS ahead of normal. Really hope my blues don't get a cold spell. Like tobygirl, I also lost a nest of blues to a sudden cold snap. One evening they were very poorly tending to the young. It was around 70 then. The next day, 50! 4-5 nestlings starved to death. I pulled the plug on the attempt after observing them laying in the nest stiffly, with no ability to chirp and couldn't raise their heads. When there were winds and cold rain. ~Tim~

Linda C, You are correct! I was talking about one of the other 50 or so species, see link below. The "Silky Dogwood" gets it's name from the fine, latex like sap in the leaves. Also called "Stringy" Dogwood. It has pale blue to light purple fuit. Quietman NE Ohio Here is a link that might be useful: Dogwood - Cornus amomum