Wow, I just love these birds! I just put out a window feeder near a boxwood and they have found it & visit frequently. I've got other feeders out back, but this is the only one out front and the only window feeder. Now I can get my close up views! I like your photo and I think I'll be sharing my own photos soon!

itrom.......Last year when chickadees took over our fave BB box after so many year of having only BBs in the box there were reclaim fights but the BBs did not win and we never saw any all summer and that was sad. That particular box is the one we can see easily and we love to watch them and take photos. There are two other boxes nearby so I kept asking myself why can't the cute chickadees just use those...lol. BBs have moved into the fave box and I hope there is peace! Good luck and enjoy whatever nests ...or...put up another box and if you do make sure you follow instructions as to how far from the fist one.

Lisa, I thought that I read on this forum that some birds are more sensitive to disturbances than others. All I know about nest-box monitoring I learn from this forum. I respect and appreciate the efforts (and results!) of bluebird landlords, who reestablished EABBs in the eastern US. I do question, personally, the monitoring of other songbirds whose populations are not in trouble; my concern, also, is that some people, way less knowledgeable than the pros here, will think that they can and should monitor all nests, including cup nests. On the BWF, someone took a picture of almost fledged 'dees. I worry about flushing out chicks that age. Not that anyone knowledgeable on this forum would do it, but you all know your stuff. Many people glean information from forums instead of researching, and cannot keep their hands out of nests. Not that I am "scolding" anyone; it's just what I think of, as a visitor, when I come here. Not everyone knows there stuff. But I guess we can't help that. My instincts and background urge me to leave nests alone (except EABBs), because unknowingly, we create more trouble than help with birds that are doing well already, and need the experience of nesting failures to get them right in other tries. Although Janie's save is impossible to argue with!! But Janie, your gut (sorry for the metaphor) is greater than most other's : ) Which nest boxes then are you supposed to not check? Which species was I thinking of? Thanks!

Hey, I like that caption! Maybe I will do it just because you suggested it. They usually want them out of the camera, and I shoot RAW now (.CR2). Won't worry about it tonight and will read their latest rules. Ho, my planter. I didn't want to drag out the extension cord and my drill, so I tried to drill the holes with hand screw starter. Promptly lost one of the screws to the brackets and couldn't find it. Came in the house and found a longer set that would work, but my screwdriver is getting stripped. Then I decided the holes weren't deep enough, so I came in the house to find a drill bit and electric drill, and ran my 2 cords out the window. Together they weren't long enough. So I went to the hardware store for the third time this week and got a THIRD section to extend my extension cord, some new phillips screwdrivers, a set of screws (for ONE screw) I lost trying to clean my light fixture glass whatever they are to replace the lost one. I went higher on the ladder than I usually do. Loosened all the thumb screws and couldn't get the shades, that's what they are, or whatever off. I have no clue why, even took out the light bulb. Looked and looked for the screw on my hands and knees and cannot find it. When I vacuum, I will. I'm exhausted. I think I am majored screwed up today. I don't know why I had such a run of bad luck. I also stumbled and spilled out all the plants I got half price I was going to put in the window box, had to gather them up and put them back in their pots and trays. I finally got them in the planter, but they look sloppy and I like to do them right. Maybe they will fill out. If I wait for some guy to come and help me, it will never get done. I am NOT handy with tools. Sorry to dump on you. I haven't been able to take many photos lately which is less stressful. This summer I have to have a lot of repairs made and will not be able to get them all. It is really making me a nervous wreck trying to keep so many things going.