Thank you Moccasinlanding! Yes, my albo is going tob eb HUGE this year! It has been with me 3yrs now! Yes, I am a container growere. For several reasons. Mostly it helps keep slugs out. But also because the ground is so rocky here in MO. And you can move them when and if needed so they don't get too much sun or bad weather. I know a couple of neighbors had thier hostas in the ground somehow and they just don't do well. So mine are container hostas and thriving and beautiful. I am the envy of my neighborhood! All of mine are different and unique. So the Wheeee fit right in. I just adore it. I was so impressed that Lowes had it. In this area, unique hostas are hard to come by in stores like this. I bought my 4 "babies" last year from a private grower. and paid a pretty penny for them, too... Even for seedlings. But I am so glad I did and no regrets.

Thanks all for the nice comments. :) For terrene and all the other Bluebird lovers here, we are very happy to report that all 5 of Missy and Mr.B's first brood did fledge successfully on the morning of April 27th. We've posted a video of the happy event here: Birds Blossoms & Butterflies VOL 4 RE: New Photos from Kenn & Temple Posted by: gymell (My Page) on Fri, Apr 30, 10 at 12:39 Nice captures - song sparrow and tufted titmouse are two I'd definitely like to add to my yard list! Post a Follow-Up Your Name: Your Email Address: Subject of Posting: Message: Optional Link URL: Â Â Â Name of the Link: Return to the Bird Watching Forum

I've been away for a while, and now catching on your replies to my posting. I had no idea that I would inspire a debate, but at least it was educational. Here is what I have observed, at least so far. I have a pair of mocking birds nesting not far from the wren nestboxes, in spite of Rachel's warning that I would have no other birds nesting in the vicinity. It is very well hidden in a densely foliated bush. I haven't actually seen it, because I hestiate to pry into the bush for fear of disturbing the nest. But I hear the babies chirping when the parents visit to feed them. I am amused that when the parents see me looking towards the nest they will wait nearby, and as soon I look away, they dart into the bush. But I am looking out of the corner of my eye, or over the top of my glasses. There are no bluebirds in my area, which was a concern to some. But I have chickadees in the neighborhood, and passing through my yard, as well as the wrens. They must be getting along somehow. Currently, all three wren nestboxes are empty, including the one that I emptied of spruce twigs after the wrens filled it up. I am thinking of enlarging the hole of one of the nestboxes to accommodate chickadees, but haven't done so yet. Does any one know how chickadee nesting preferences differ from wren preferences?

Bummer that you have to put the protectors on. My guess would be a Downy. They like to gain access. Since there's some straw in the bottom of the box, my feeling is that they are planning on using it to roost in for the winter. They've pecked at mine, but I have the wooden blocks attached to the front of the hole, so they haven't had much luck actually getting in, or destroying the original hole.