I had some news to share a little while ago but didn't want to share until I was done posting about all the nest sites and totals for the 2020 season. I also wanted to wait until I actually had the surprise to share...
One good thing to come out of this pandemic was some projects being canceled with nature groups and I was given 6 new nest boxes to replace all the boxes at The Forgotten Land.
Some assembly required as you can see. Perhaps some exterior paint and roof shingles to finish them off. I put one together today before going to work.
Come next spring I will be quite anxious to see the birds return.
I had some company during assembly of the first box. One of our local squirrels who I call "Zombie" was my little helper. Sure he was just bumming for peanuts but he made the work here a little more entertaining even though it ended up taking twice as long.
You can see in his eye why I call him Zombie. It's a creamy blue colour and in lay man's terms it is dead. He first appeared with this eye condition back in late January. He looked pretty rough and I called into Toronto Wildlife even though I knew what they were going to say. There is no fixing his eye wound. If I brought him in, they would euthanize him. He seemed to be managing with one eye so I let him be to live out his life, and maybe get a little help from us where possible with a hand out.
He has a huge disadvantage being blind in one eye but is still doing well almost 9 months later. He gets a few peanuts, some sunflower chip, when we see him. He's definitely become an individual in the yard now and not just another squirrel.
Anyway, it's great to get these boxes and I will have them ready for the birds over the next few months. A big shout out to a man by the name of Tyson from the organization for donating the boxes to the area. All he asks in return is updates on what is happening there during nesting season.
Future box assembly will have to be done inside the house. Merry didn't like seeing me out in the yard with some other furry creature doing stuff; Angie said she cried her head off at the window looking out to me. She loves to be a part of whatever I do.
Here she is on me after I came back inside. What a sucky girl!
