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Surprise Visit

15 years ago

I know this forum goes dormant for months, but still, I'll have a conversation with myself --

this morning while drinking coffee I looked out the back and was very surprised to see my bluebird pair sitting in their favorite spot on the eave of my garage in the shade. I couldn't believe it, really, at first I thought I was mistaken, but no, they were back. I have not seen them since late July.

Back in July, after 2 successful fledges, when I was cleaning out their house I decided it was letting in too much rain and was just so old and shabby, I replaced it. A week or so later the dad was sitting on the new house for quite awhile. The next day I left for vacation and when I returned about 3 weeks later, they had not nested. So today was the first I'd seen them. Of course I was sad they had rejected the new house.

This morning I waited until they flew up into a tree, and went out and put the ye olde birdhouse up on a post a few feet from the other one, to give them a choice. A while later (weeding, not paying attention) I saw the whole family fly from the vicinity of the new house into a tree across the yard.

So -- they nested elsewhere, raised a successful third family, and came back for a visit. No idea if they'll be back, but surely they will.

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Comments (6)

griffin_MD
15 years ago
As a fellow self-talker, I thought I'd give you a break and respond to your post, Betty! We had a beautiful precursor to fall today in central Maryland, 70's with bright sunshine and a persistent breeze . . . I LOVED IT! One of my bluebird pairs was also at the nestbox this morning, though they resisted having their pictures taken. It reminded me that the blues often mimic spring nesting behavior and in years past I've worried that they were confused by the weather, the length of the days or something. Imagine my surprise when 2 years ago one of the females actually DID build a nest! I checked that nest several times a day, scared to death that she'd lay eggs! I'm sure she was sitting somewhere nearby, laughing her butt off!!! It turns out that she just builds a nest each fall so that she'll be comfortable in the box during the colder months when she and the Mr are roosting. When spring gets here, she revives it a bit, adds fresh grass to the nestcup and is usually the first girl to lay eggs. Got my attention, though!
Kathy
deedee1028
15 years ago
Betty how blessed you were to see them again, mine also left in late July I haven't seen them since....I sit out every morning drinking my coffee watching the hummers that are still here, but I always look for my blues.
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Hey Nana, Rob, Yep, it was a good trip home a little on the long side and weather was great till I got home.. then along came a dark cloud and hasn't let up.. I was so surprised to get a visitor..in fact one of my friends had said, "Put the feeder up..they are here" so I did and next day or so dang it if I didn't get a surprise.. Ofcourse I haven't seen one since..but it's been really chilly and damp..and tonight a thunderstorm... I might have to start building an Ark..then I'm sure to get at least two .. right ???? LOL.. Hear tell sun won't shine till maybe Sunday.. then hopes I'll have some ready willing and able to feed :) Nana, not sure about those plants have to see if they will grow up here in Pa..I'd put some plants out ..but right now I'd probably be better with lily pads :) Question for ya all...Did ya ever hear of hummers getting tipsy on too much fermentation...??? Someone mentioned it and I thought I'd check that out with all of you.. Ok.. it's bed time and I'm cranking up the electric blanket that's how chilly it is..well damp and chilly.. G'night and God Bless BarbZeee
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lisa11310
15 years ago
See your not talking to yourself! LOL "My" Blues are still here. I hear them nearly every day. I see the Male on the bath every now and then but they refuse to come for worms. There is plenty of ideal feeding gorunds around and still lots of good bugs.
bettycbowen
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks all my fellow self-talkers! I have seen my blues a few times since, so I feel like they just didn't like my new house and found a place nearby to raise their third brood. I'm just happy they still feel welcome. Time will tell.
kendra2003
15 years ago
I had a surprise visit this afternoon. Mrs. Blue showed up with young from her third clutch. These young fledged 9/2 and I haven't seen them in weeks. There were more than just the one in the picture that had flown to a nearby tree.
ohsoblue77
15 years ago
Nice pic! My blues are all over the place! I hear them every day and as I drive past the neighbor's, you can see flashes of blue.

I managed two trails this past summer. Both neighborhoods are buzzing with bluebird activity!

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