More Blue Birds

Some time back I wrote about seeing my first Blue Bird. I have been wanting to see one for many years and it was wonderful to finally see one. Last night Joan called to tell us that she had found chicks in one of her many Blue Bird nesting boxes. Joan has studied Blue Birds at Cornell University, placed nesting boxes to encourage them to stay in the area and repopulate. She checks her boxes and keeps the nests clean from other vermin that interfere with the chicks growing to adulthood. She has also banded birds and participated in annual bird counting to see how her species is doing.

After dinner we drove to Joan and Todd's home and she took us out in her back yard to see the new found baby chicks. There were four in the nest. I asked if the adult birds minded if she handled the boxes or nests and she replied that she has even replaced nests with new grass and all was fine. We went back to her deck and could see one of the parents either checking to see that all was well or to bring more food to the chicks. While we sat there we also saw a Chipping Sparrow. This sparrow is generally hard to find and quite shy although if you know their calls you can recognize that you might have one.

We may go back there today to see the Blue Birds feeding their babies. HW2 gave me a pair of binoculars that allow me to also take pictures. If I succeed, then there may be additional pictures on this blog. This part of central New York is a wonderful place in which to see birds. At this time the Gold Finches are very evident and so pretty to watch. We have also seen Hairy and Downey Woodpeckers feeding. What a treat!

If you will put out a bird feeder you can enjoy their antics and contribute to maintaining them. There is much to learn and a great feast for the eyes.