muphasta, Thank you so much for doing this!!! I'm spending far too much time watching her - to the detriment of my landscaping chores. Looks like a wet and breezy day, but she's hangin' in there. She's such a good Mom! I can see you have the chimes stabilized with a hook. Can't wait 'til she starts feeding the babies!!

I have a hummingbird nest precariosly balanced but sticking way out of an established ficus pemalia plant that has engulfed my column by my main entrance. I have several feeders and the hummers are always feeding. Recently I watched one buzz me and continuously return to her nest right there. We had a freak cold storm out of Alaska coming with freezing rain and strong winds. I know the nest is too exposed to survive it. I wanted to help protect it a little and I was able to install and umbrella in such a way as to protect the nest without ever having to touch it. Momma hummer was doing her due diligence to ward me off but I was done very quickly and still saw her. She did go back to the nest but when I checked on it later she wasnt there. I was very relieved to be buzzed by her the next morning but I havent seen her sit on the nest and now I havent seen her the rest of the day or evening. I am devestated that in trying to subtly protect the nest that i caused her to abandon it. Especially since she has dealt with my constant in and out of the front door the last two weeks. Will she be back? Did I cause her to leave? Input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks Karen, I believe all is well here so far. But yeah... they'll make us worry some no doubt. Be of good courage. ;) We checked Missy's first 2 eggs the evening after she laid each. It was dark and we did not disturb then. But she's been in the box more than out of it since and we did just confirm yesterday that she's incubating 5 blue eggs now. I like to keep the nesting as stress-free as possible for them, but it's ok to check once laying begins. They get over it quickly and will not abandon the nest for your minor intrusions. Not sure what to advise about the temps... we still face the same delimna here on that score. I'm hoping we don't get another hard freeze and that Missy manages to keep the whole clutch warm and viable. best luck to you and yours, Kenn

Hi deedee, Having your Bluebirds return to nest makes for a very happy Easter indeed. :) Congratulations. We always thoroughly clean our nestbox asap once the last nestling has fledged. Our mama blue (Missy) usually begins building her next nest within a few days. Sialis.org has lots of great info on hosting Bluebirds... a highly recommended source for all birdlovers. best luck to you, Kenn Here is a link that might be useful: Kenn and Temple's Bluebirds