tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60147352896778169602024-02-19T08:32:25.215-08:00Toronto Nest BlogRobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13394415371484679221noreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014735289677816960.post-52392861220105052462022-07-19T07:43:00.001-07:002022-07-19T07:43:14.945-07:00Lambton & The Forgotten Land Tallys<p>Man, here we are past mid-July already! It's been a pleasant summer so far but go figure that now it's time for me to start going through all the nest boxes that the heat is on with the humidity making it feel up around 40 Celcius. Ugh!</p><p>My last blog had zero reads. I guess since this isn't a regular blog, it's lost interest by some. And no that wasn't a pity plea for some hits. Alright, let's get going here...</p><p>First up, Lambton. I had the successful black-capped chickadee nest which I strongly believe produced eight young birds; even if it was seven, that's still a great nest with all fledging. I had two tree swallow nests on the go but unfortunately one pair of birds abandoned the one nest box after only laying down an inch of grassy material inside. The second nest had five eggs and all that was left with my last check was one unhatched egg. So it is safe to say that four birds successfully fledged. Four birds is better than none but I am a little bit disappointed.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLrp2XJMoZCD-DjEvkJJ1q28aHH2Pq9M-K_wdO2NAxPxqJX_72DU1NkNx9AmEo1OYxZBnIZECYeQa_YLORtqXxJYzordkFgv9WGHAoGEA7ooS6EDzNJzhNvAP4OtXvz6w4b-7Tsl6w9dnfcMwBf6JAhcgRmYWeULWpInCRmu1Nckogb1fShj-uVAfH/s2048/nestblog3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLrp2XJMoZCD-DjEvkJJ1q28aHH2Pq9M-K_wdO2NAxPxqJX_72DU1NkNx9AmEo1OYxZBnIZECYeQa_YLORtqXxJYzordkFgv9WGHAoGEA7ooS6EDzNJzhNvAP4OtXvz6w4b-7Tsl6w9dnfcMwBf6JAhcgRmYWeULWpInCRmu1Nckogb1fShj-uVAfH/s320/nestblog3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Moving on to the Forgotten Land, things were better with more nests, but not as good as past years here. I had four nests for the 2022 season with twenty-one eggs. Throughout my checks, I found a small bird skeleton in two of the boxes and one egg that did not hatch. So eighteen fledged. Still that is better than the first year I discovered this area.</p><p>Oh look, the birds used part of someone's mask in this nest. Aside from the whole covid virus, how these masks are littered all over the planet is really freakin' bothersome.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcNT_ahobdoQ_-ZpGphvTlP5df9xzboAPw7EqPxYO3mkGndDsifkoVeidFA40i_8y2j_3pMvkn6_1o-UfPzvLv3MevjyuO1wgaMw088JRmujTU0rQkT2p8UUrb16VYlrcnDw0sRo_rFIwZEOviCXBXKdQ8tXcJej0b2GRvzHstRK_7plVmlkOKtJc/s2048/nestblog1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcNT_ahobdoQ_-ZpGphvTlP5df9xzboAPw7EqPxYO3mkGndDsifkoVeidFA40i_8y2j_3pMvkn6_1o-UfPzvLv3MevjyuO1wgaMw088JRmujTU0rQkT2p8UUrb16VYlrcnDw0sRo_rFIwZEOviCXBXKdQ8tXcJej0b2GRvzHstRK_7plVmlkOKtJc/s320/nestblog1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Wild parsnip grows well in the Forgotten Land now; something that wasn't here when I first started monitoring boxes here. I dressed accordingly with long pants on that were tucked into my socks. I still avoided the plants but I wasn't taking any chances as we cannot forget about the possibility of ticks and other biting and stinging insects that could be in the field.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXLOg9jeK6ZfS3FLe77HnKOIhOnplEfS6mzXnLs22gx073q_c_bqgs6F9vh767JuN89mUjvfRMbLbr4NyHxxR_I7NMDu2ug_JQgbcfFALvfOnlgFEOsX7pZSeRv7M-zjVm2utwDpLPLRb9jQMQAFXVEl0JrPujm79Mvun4Na-MCowmUbhrCpODU90k/s2048/nestblog0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXLOg9jeK6ZfS3FLe77HnKOIhOnplEfS6mzXnLs22gx073q_c_bqgs6F9vh767JuN89mUjvfRMbLbr4NyHxxR_I7NMDu2ug_JQgbcfFALvfOnlgFEOsX7pZSeRv7M-zjVm2utwDpLPLRb9jQMQAFXVEl0JrPujm79Mvun4Na-MCowmUbhrCpODU90k/s320/nestblog0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Last nest here about to be emptied out for the 2022 season. I carry a stick with me to scrape these nests out and I pull my shirt over my nose to avoid breathing in any dust (I should have brought a mask as last year I always had one on me).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZX11rfp_9WSvy9Ly_jH00BnUmAEr8L2PMIc0wDahAmuEt46dYm06MROyAjoxcBGiVvSC__TppcA1aWvaIpAiY_2fctUMkDKP2PCWPJvIzOs6rR2ZBvzNllU9JZjFOPZtq2pshXYwomNleaoNq3u-EWaz8MTdNvbLH796RX9osKq66yjkdI6LlR_1/s2048/nestblog2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZX11rfp_9WSvy9Ly_jH00BnUmAEr8L2PMIc0wDahAmuEt46dYm06MROyAjoxcBGiVvSC__TppcA1aWvaIpAiY_2fctUMkDKP2PCWPJvIzOs6rR2ZBvzNllU9JZjFOPZtq2pshXYwomNleaoNq3u-EWaz8MTdNvbLH796RX9osKq66yjkdI6LlR_1/s320/nestblog2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Overall between the two areas, five tree swallow nests and twenty-two fledged. I'm not trying to be negative but if you break that down, it is below average. Tree swallows normally have five or six eggs, (and I have had seven a couple times). Also I was one less nest at both areas compared to the last couple years.</p><p>I guess every year cannot be the same, and while I wish each year to be better than the previous, I know that's just silly. This season went by ridiculously fast. *MIND BLOWN*</p><p>Okay, I hope to be back early next week with another tally for one or both of the two remaining areas to inspect.</p><p>Keep cool, eh.</p><p><br /></p>Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13394415371484679221noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014735289677816960.post-68622244690825285462022-05-27T20:17:00.002-07:002022-05-27T20:17:48.158-07:00Lambton - A Hatch<p>Another check at my Lambton location, and I am happy to report that the chickadees' eggs have all hatched. My last view of the nest a few weeks ago had me see six eggs. As I look at this nest shot I took with my mobile, there appears to be more than six hatches. I see seven for sure but actually think there may be eight. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYvazCCkNlB3M4u05kf8kazdXuJ4Kezw_4-ixpY3tqIyePO2hUtFJerP-yvDrcK2MbOQS5RAkjNfzCza1Y-kbpidwF00ROsgTcPURgVPszHGHQ0fAMnAEHUSAYn1mDuy_96xi8MEloAMnNY7ZPAGafRV-sSCxgUDDvTx9_mbhe7ermvTA6_nHgwpny/s2048/chickadees-2022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2023" data-original-width="2048" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYvazCCkNlB3M4u05kf8kazdXuJ4Kezw_4-ixpY3tqIyePO2hUtFJerP-yvDrcK2MbOQS5RAkjNfzCza1Y-kbpidwF00ROsgTcPURgVPszHGHQ0fAMnAEHUSAYn1mDuy_96xi8MEloAMnNY7ZPAGafRV-sSCxgUDDvTx9_mbhe7ermvTA6_nHgwpny/s320/chickadees-2022.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Here I have them pointed out.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWwFND2LO7OPlVj3gF12aqeIV4NyaTB_UugmWbJmoVvFuCszgvpiUG8ou8V-qwvi6K7AUm5ImpLtXOU14HgrTrnbp2Mo5znwqlOhHroDVVfboFyfjXs9DzPMU5m_66HFk4yJ1BLi1wiqmK7C0P1NHdeRRhSsQ5dsE2MdmIBPQZRSUw91cYyMksk7FY/s2015/chickadees-2022-count.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2015" data-original-width="1511" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWwFND2LO7OPlVj3gF12aqeIV4NyaTB_UugmWbJmoVvFuCszgvpiUG8ou8V-qwvi6K7AUm5ImpLtXOU14HgrTrnbp2Mo5znwqlOhHroDVVfboFyfjXs9DzPMU5m_66HFk4yJ1BLi1wiqmK7C0P1NHdeRRhSsQ5dsE2MdmIBPQZRSUw91cYyMksk7FY/s320/chickadees-2022-count.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>If you are reading this blog, please take a moment to look closely at the first image and comment on how many you see. I posted this to Facebook and have gotten six, seven and eight from various people. Eight is in the lead with those taking the time out to look.</p><p>Be it six birds, seven, or eight; the parents have their work cut out for them to feed them all. I was watching them come and go quite steadily with insects for their young.</p><p>This is one of the parents. They do look a tad worn out.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NgP-frbf8gLhpFUSQmNVVK8w0wutF1vzdzBroUjLafrYJ6prVwLXZSBbqMsWz0ME3u-bVk4I3IG89FH5EP-8KgqbHOoPgBFGjqrAlI1T-it_spXFQ8--3h_2K2KNb6cr2KApsOqSxq1caDog8-AINaVQv_FyDuDppTqMKuD77hnTQi3ooi_hIXTY/s4148/chickadeeparent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="4148" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NgP-frbf8gLhpFUSQmNVVK8w0wutF1vzdzBroUjLafrYJ6prVwLXZSBbqMsWz0ME3u-bVk4I3IG89FH5EP-8KgqbHOoPgBFGjqrAlI1T-it_spXFQ8--3h_2K2KNb6cr2KApsOqSxq1caDog8-AINaVQv_FyDuDppTqMKuD77hnTQi3ooi_hIXTY/s320/chickadeeparent.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Here's hoping all goes well and every one of the young birds fledges in a few weeks.</p>Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13394415371484679221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014735289677816960.post-65163083476664111762022-05-24T21:00:00.000-07:002022-05-24T21:00:36.941-07:00The Creek - Disappointment (People Suck)<p>Angie and I went for a late afternoon walk on Sunday since it was the May long weekend; normally by Sunday afternoon we are home for the day, enjoying the last of the weekend before the work week. We decided to go to one of our favourite quiet places which happens to be The Creek area. It's been a lovely nature oasis for us for a few years now. We couldn't help but notice others discovering it the last couple years due to covid lockdowns. Now if you paid attention to the title of this blog, you probably sense where I am going with that last bit about other people finding this spot.</p><p>Earlier in the spring I did a check of the boxes, making sure they were empty and ready for the birds when they returned. I cannot remember if I blogged about when I checked the boxes in this area and how I found nickels in a couple of the nest boxes. How odd. I have asked myself a few times why someone would do this? The boxes are well off the path so there's some effort to get to them. I laughed it off although it left me feeling unsettled. I didn't like that someone was intentionally going up to these boxes. It was through the winter when they did this but would they return in the spring, during nesting season? I always hope people have enough courtesy and common sense to leave things be but sure enough, some people disappoint.</p><p>Our walk started off nice, seeing a few pairs of tree swallows at a couple of the boxes.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTd713XccpmbQa_rJOFHeyAzfa9CGBUQCKyYNH4tOitNm4cMo3ZjyVdz9IOM2DYAwb-itlDWGtoxf2bbPCM9_3n0mXziIf0ulEpL3b22-ac_9cBU6c_hxIOff1nd67YGOJOYh4eSUjVvSLOjEaBhun4igvNs4_UoMgGQqLIAFZVTchuI3-hNWw_m3/s3318/creek-swallow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2212" data-original-width="3318" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTd713XccpmbQa_rJOFHeyAzfa9CGBUQCKyYNH4tOitNm4cMo3ZjyVdz9IOM2DYAwb-itlDWGtoxf2bbPCM9_3n0mXziIf0ulEpL3b22-ac_9cBU6c_hxIOff1nd67YGOJOYh4eSUjVvSLOjEaBhun4igvNs4_UoMgGQqLIAFZVTchuI3-hNWw_m3/s320/creek-swallow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrr85fSUs0vLQx_77he-YLjPxRnw7Uv8ksLLDVTOHaBu3XUnBgWuviEd6NxB87NDyzZI50AFTL6jhR0HnLR8EusxXrYn1ZODGb0kyj5i0PJrT5WKQzlcem3HcI4kvQQ5dTqBM73fElEBDEgg3n03S3EuyI5BniTIxDPdjHwIFBrdHLQtDPLfEVrMHy/s3318/creek-swallow-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2212" data-original-width="3318" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrr85fSUs0vLQx_77he-YLjPxRnw7Uv8ksLLDVTOHaBu3XUnBgWuviEd6NxB87NDyzZI50AFTL6jhR0HnLR8EusxXrYn1ZODGb0kyj5i0PJrT5WKQzlcem3HcI4kvQQ5dTqBM73fElEBDEgg3n03S3EuyI5BniTIxDPdjHwIFBrdHLQtDPLfEVrMHy/s320/creek-swallow-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I did not bring a screwdriver with me so I made mental notes of the birds we saw and what boxes appeared to be occupied. Along the last stretch of the creek I set up four nest boxes, probably four years ago now. As we walked the trail and looked up to the boxes that are set up on a hill in a field, Angie pointed out that one box was missing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOMv-p9zVzfusm1shMbk9-LhLZsvVavSUeKWMPG1ivGk1rNhILUVdtnze5xptBaJDnpHEJDN10aX8Cb6rrVxLH2lIfXc2VHzy4B2Hpj1HkKtMfpggnVpG_DsGcaKRzI-2ek4Z6uj74hnd-YmPi16pqH-qY9pzKIjk8kJ1Dpn4AZNbEl68fwwktiH9t/s5184/_MG_3707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOMv-p9zVzfusm1shMbk9-LhLZsvVavSUeKWMPG1ivGk1rNhILUVdtnze5xptBaJDnpHEJDN10aX8Cb6rrVxLH2lIfXc2VHzy4B2Hpj1HkKtMfpggnVpG_DsGcaKRzI-2ek4Z6uj74hnd-YmPi16pqH-qY9pzKIjk8kJ1Dpn4AZNbEl68fwwktiH9t/s320/_MG_3707.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>A few emotions quickly went through me. Shock. Anger. Then sadness. I did not expect to see a box missing. I was only here about a month ago checking them and all were on posts and looking almost as good as new thanks to a couple coats of paint and some roof shingles. Then the anger, I was mad that someone came along with a screwdriver and took one of the boxes. It is obvious that they saw the boxes at some point and returned with the proper tool to take one. Then the sadness as I worried that maybe it happened more recently and swallows had already set up nest inside, maybe there were even eggs? I don't know for certain but it could very well be. I've been a little worried ever since that they might come along again and take another. It's not about the cost and time put in by me at these boxes. It's about messing with the birds especially if they are nesting.</p><p>I wanted to get right on taking down the remaining three boxes and moving them (I already know where) but swallows are already in two of them; so I can't disrupt them. Unfortunately that doesn't mean someone else won't.</p><p>I know it's a risk setting up nest boxes in areas that are accessible to all people. Anything can happen. Like look at last May when idiots with fireworks destroyed two nest box trails. One up in Stayner and the other in an Etobicoke lake front park. I had kids scribble on one of my boxes in the Forgotten Land two years ago. Someone has put graffiti on one in Lambton this year. Now with someone stealing one over at the creek; my trust in the general public has taken a hit.</p><p>From this point, we now had to turn around and walk all the way back to the car. I had to push this crappy discovery to the back burner and just get back into enjoying our nature walk. There was two other nest boxes further down the creek that we debated on going by since it was getting late. But thanks to a good sized colony of cliff swallows nesting at the bridge near where we parked, it was the incentive needed to have us stay a little longer. Angie enjoyed watching the cliff swallows while I checked out the last two boxes.</p><p>Some of the cliff swallows. I can't even estimate how many there are under the bridge this year. LOTS!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihlTo9nhgAspxZMZ4I6iEzOzUFDB3VC92nHUy0tkqGk-nPb-qU8GppXMmsLCbvw_0qA-oD59gKE3vzlfSDufQJMXP0qLnA4HkhdGgsdvel7-E5L_YwHFonxdfT61um1Lkrz2Rw8LmwVRHsdDVKcdJnq01TcgM567lev6E78YaFCm81fle9SemMcmeu/s3318/cliff-swallows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2212" data-original-width="3318" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihlTo9nhgAspxZMZ4I6iEzOzUFDB3VC92nHUy0tkqGk-nPb-qU8GppXMmsLCbvw_0qA-oD59gKE3vzlfSDufQJMXP0qLnA4HkhdGgsdvel7-E5L_YwHFonxdfT61um1Lkrz2Rw8LmwVRHsdDVKcdJnq01TcgM567lev6E78YaFCm81fle9SemMcmeu/s320/cliff-swallows.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I had someone watching me go to the last box. He was a nice distraction although I don't think he cared much for seeing me out in the field. I gave him a little apology and kept on going.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6FO7GELAXK390hrYOANdQXymf3fwHnOGeePYywczW87RK5UCPDwkFw1F7FKrokt5ghUFOD9tB7aCrUq2jsVpsFnL4MaxVmG34H6ov42Cs5PNwGqghMcnTAdCEGdRl2efyjcyr-RzprOYkMwaOy8qIDYEyzHtNrg9V3xBc9DHolytOSfS3AeTk3kAp/s2654/nestboxcoyote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1769" data-original-width="2654" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6FO7GELAXK390hrYOANdQXymf3fwHnOGeePYywczW87RK5UCPDwkFw1F7FKrokt5ghUFOD9tB7aCrUq2jsVpsFnL4MaxVmG34H6ov42Cs5PNwGqghMcnTAdCEGdRl2efyjcyr-RzprOYkMwaOy8qIDYEyzHtNrg9V3xBc9DHolytOSfS3AeTk3kAp/s320/nestboxcoyote.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I will be returning to The Creek sooner than I had in mind now. I hope no other box is missing. I hate that I will be walking through there now with that bad vibe because of one person's actions. I told Angie that as soon as the birds are done with the boxes and all the young are out, I will be taking them down. I will probably wait until later in the fall to set them up in a more secluded spot; hoping that being out of sight will keep them out of mind from then on.</p><p>I wanted to post a sign that perhaps the thief might see, you know, "thanking" him for disrupting a federally protected migratory bird species. That could lead to more deviant behaviour by this person or bring unwanted attention to the remaining nests.</p><p>All I know is I would love to one day have a piece of property where I can set up boxes and not worry about this kind of shit. I bought a Lotto Max ticket for tonight's $70,000,000 draw. Fingers crossed.</p>Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13394415371484679221noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014735289677816960.post-57068404613330066072022-05-23T19:05:00.001-07:002022-05-23T19:05:42.103-07:00Area One - WOW!<p>Okay, after my last entry, I ventured up to Area One for a look about the grounds. I hadn't seen a lot of swallows so far and was expecting not much here either, being a bit pessimistic. Well, the "Bird Gods" made me eat my words about things being slow with all the tree swallow activity here. Currently there are 16 active tree swallow nests.</p><p>Some were in the early stages, having only one or two eggs. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsK-d3W8h5rpDP4TNtq5pnwUDScbyV4kLpp3wJU0AFnATGh3tqVPBFS9FhA0bFMiV5KHs0jkEC6Mma3p2nFpxt7Cm7g6IGkq6T9mnnJIS2cS3JZoUgwnFpHU1FRhXz2PNyDhmwZ4JEYXS4CGk47uFxW1SEqTP8xY1PrZfzN-zAfOlZT0D4xAzHHzz6/s2048/arb9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsK-d3W8h5rpDP4TNtq5pnwUDScbyV4kLpp3wJU0AFnATGh3tqVPBFS9FhA0bFMiV5KHs0jkEC6Mma3p2nFpxt7Cm7g6IGkq6T9mnnJIS2cS3JZoUgwnFpHU1FRhXz2PNyDhmwZ4JEYXS4CGk47uFxW1SEqTP8xY1PrZfzN-zAfOlZT0D4xAzHHzz6/s320/arb9.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>I found more having four eggs, which should soon have five or six.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3gQp4mLRbkfSKGB9U4JWCVNByDsGi4_PUQaeqC0XiHWvE0mDsQsQdLmBtrjWC1whyi-ST-yDzjfM-TXXIiEJG73gy6hXlMPuCjxNHzZGrRuepLR4X-eRGoemq4gThrm5qY79jA_Q9VfEXX5wd9X1M5M5Pqxlrr0q0q8q2A5mESwmcB623aWbxOEt/s2048/arb5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3gQp4mLRbkfSKGB9U4JWCVNByDsGi4_PUQaeqC0XiHWvE0mDsQsQdLmBtrjWC1whyi-ST-yDzjfM-TXXIiEJG73gy6hXlMPuCjxNHzZGrRuepLR4X-eRGoemq4gThrm5qY79jA_Q9VfEXX5wd9X1M5M5Pqxlrr0q0q8q2A5mESwmcB623aWbxOEt/s320/arb5.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpg7DybCtaTZ_chXZo7Cgfo6JxAjYfbcwcWgOCMca6iYXQR31SL1EFIQg2Wuihc-stH_08VwzMWGmmNexqcN9N3nJcVSNFrpMIUWCVaTyVP9ym1cTTlZ1lPO5mcF96W4kVVico7UsT23J0xOzQNqLLsBHdoaUdgiRnWya0PeVjU2BRGBdy1yt7L5Bk/s2048/arb6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpg7DybCtaTZ_chXZo7Cgfo6JxAjYfbcwcWgOCMca6iYXQR31SL1EFIQg2Wuihc-stH_08VwzMWGmmNexqcN9N3nJcVSNFrpMIUWCVaTyVP9ym1cTTlZ1lPO5mcF96W4kVVico7UsT23J0xOzQNqLLsBHdoaUdgiRnWya0PeVjU2BRGBdy1yt7L5Bk/s320/arb6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>And I also found some with five or six eggs. The swallows sure don't waste time getting nests on the go not long after they have returned, do they?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7EElGKnu5jSK0nSuBxUKYf2yphIBUS0UWd_I6JDH2Ooe1OUFvBQgkwYLZfaGEXi_exCxC-g8fFTZNt6vEDxlDU5741rFJO1C4lE2ospP-fxs94DIT_wJUSjAIcTn4Cn2UPfVFDHXKAG-BkLKIdqByDxHEAPv96dLKMLje_eA77mFXoQzk2wY3C70/s960/arb4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7EElGKnu5jSK0nSuBxUKYf2yphIBUS0UWd_I6JDH2Ooe1OUFvBQgkwYLZfaGEXi_exCxC-g8fFTZNt6vEDxlDU5741rFJO1C4lE2ospP-fxs94DIT_wJUSjAIcTn4Cn2UPfVFDHXKAG-BkLKIdqByDxHEAPv96dLKMLje_eA77mFXoQzk2wY3C70/s320/arb4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5s1k2tFzB5A3t3LsSuH4AqyDSpCc_gOvoOafZuLSVcYW1_l5T2yl6l-h0GahxbSzqe2Wc7S9BHjrFeRHyMXkAUcjZFA569qItSej82vP7GGb8tisDtS2CdkAZuM9El-c0r01s3hqXgHKPUQoPCJQA6Ka8RPj1rXH3xZ8SP2WOf_gZ7GsaiLDOr6oc/s2048/arb7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5s1k2tFzB5A3t3LsSuH4AqyDSpCc_gOvoOafZuLSVcYW1_l5T2yl6l-h0GahxbSzqe2Wc7S9BHjrFeRHyMXkAUcjZFA569qItSej82vP7GGb8tisDtS2CdkAZuM9El-c0r01s3hqXgHKPUQoPCJQA6Ka8RPj1rXH3xZ8SP2WOf_gZ7GsaiLDOr6oc/s320/arb7.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRV7v1hD_ZDdpmXdtEekYJkQ9xOT2tVnyPMpmORRl-wWSgGIP6ftsZ9mgij73O6KEMteC7Vd2V3V-GQ1Tmt-W1mDWLATZXpmSBnjNJvzRJGG7SHPLQXnoh7R5a-nP_jRLSx4Vau3oMGKnPYKIvD7pikwyYBwsQ5ib10okT7l06PpOe_g4h6EWjiPS/s2048/arb8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRV7v1hD_ZDdpmXdtEekYJkQ9xOT2tVnyPMpmORRl-wWSgGIP6ftsZ9mgij73O6KEMteC7Vd2V3V-GQ1Tmt-W1mDWLATZXpmSBnjNJvzRJGG7SHPLQXnoh7R5a-nP_jRLSx4Vau3oMGKnPYKIvD7pikwyYBwsQ5ib10okT7l06PpOe_g4h6EWjiPS/s320/arb8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Almost all of the nest boxes were relocated before the birds returned this spring. It made things a lot easier for me to walk around and check them all, and in record time. Twenty three boxes inspected in under an hour. The mosquitoes were a nuisance but I was happy to not have to step more than a couple feet off any of the trails to access the boxes.</p><p>I taped all the posts that have active nests with blue electric tape this year. I should have removed the old tape from past years since the boxes were all moved but we'll start fresh next year. The plan this fall is to put a numbering system on the boxes which will make things easier for notes and communication between me and the guys who work at Area One.</p><p>I forget the name of this style of nest box but I like that I don't have to open the door to inspect during the season. My mobile slides in the slot with ease and I just snap a couple pictures.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGKHUv7kYdN31Z7dLE9G7UmBZNxLmTN_0Ppgtdc_QGO4JCib2auqfCrqvtuLLNgiorMkd-B5itR5zzN4u1JF3D4r4pFuYIISmFPPPBtVHaq_-95AHPWWSYNRXpT-0gHjGbU93R8116IP5o5hud48i77Pwh6YrtdY8yxG-IYOQ2bNnN8GADoA4pDwR/s2048/arb1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGKHUv7kYdN31Z7dLE9G7UmBZNxLmTN_0Ppgtdc_QGO4JCib2auqfCrqvtuLLNgiorMkd-B5itR5zzN4u1JF3D4r4pFuYIISmFPPPBtVHaq_-95AHPWWSYNRXpT-0gHjGbU93R8116IP5o5hud48i77Pwh6YrtdY8yxG-IYOQ2bNnN8GADoA4pDwR/s320/arb1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Here is Wood Duck Alfie's box once again hosting a tree swallow family.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdemV6XGoPwJ0d5ufJmmeVLBxImj_WZwhzp8gLE014r3cCclZB8Knxe_uf7bzZW13Xm7SraLYXM50tkg-jKnzHHJ9kpUHHcGwjx9vuSWY8BXfpZ7BAqZ5-k2EE2zUA0ntPPC3Bq82tsMAYHs7I9g1YcRczO4LWUJbaD7pnSPl2JzOx2dszpWrmfDS/s960/arb2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdemV6XGoPwJ0d5ufJmmeVLBxImj_WZwhzp8gLE014r3cCclZB8Knxe_uf7bzZW13Xm7SraLYXM50tkg-jKnzHHJ9kpUHHcGwjx9vuSWY8BXfpZ7BAqZ5-k2EE2zUA0ntPPC3Bq82tsMAYHs7I9g1YcRczO4LWUJbaD7pnSPl2JzOx2dszpWrmfDS/s320/arb2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>I had a lot of observers throughout my check of the boxes. The tree swallow tenants were curious and concerned about my "monkeying around" at their homes. Two birds were watching me here (crappy cell phone photo).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6prJoGIXsLzmkDZooaGuaNZC3f45p6sBaqgc1Jlvt-j2khYimbhJorcYu1P6MrxrIpj-Zn1vNxyj3FRVMOav3-TvpAFM8KgfufCzS8PwJ-JYNh15Bz7EphfESm2avARizP34Uo5cDIJLRxMlieXL1mjUtKrR12fFg5gTjZGGoC4TY1_eQZ9ofyWX9/s960/arb3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6prJoGIXsLzmkDZooaGuaNZC3f45p6sBaqgc1Jlvt-j2khYimbhJorcYu1P6MrxrIpj-Zn1vNxyj3FRVMOav3-TvpAFM8KgfufCzS8PwJ-JYNh15Bz7EphfESm2avARizP34Uo5cDIJLRxMlieXL1mjUtKrR12fFg5gTjZGGoC4TY1_eQZ9ofyWX9/s320/arb3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Some were more than concerned, actually getting aggressive and swooping at my head while I ventured much too close to their nest. You may enjoy this very <a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/4Ysj-Q5aqeA" target="_blank">short video</a> I took, sound on.</p><p>Sixteen nests is a record for Area One. I hope they all do very well. The odd thing was I did not see or hear a single house wren in the area. There's still some vacant nest boxes that they are welcome to take but if any do show up to nest, I don't expect them to just play nice and be kind neighbours; that's not a wren's style.</p><p>We've come a long way in the last five years since starting the monitoring program here. It was seven nests that first year. Look at it now. I keep hoping for a bluebird family but swallows are cool too.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLFpi5H-MwOm1bW_Uvnv0pY1hs8ABD15CVNpxZ-49QkHPSAyRycOq8F5Hle2ZUnsHYCQbgCjnstnBLi-nm8847xYsn5UWRvZPcFh2hT_bG8XyqXX5MLkSlaRv_FPL_w-98N7ZNnOgHQhHnwXOYykEEOfltmSpQSKBaa6gEZJTvVppRS65N0cIJ_N2K/s720/treeswallows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLFpi5H-MwOm1bW_Uvnv0pY1hs8ABD15CVNpxZ-49QkHPSAyRycOq8F5Hle2ZUnsHYCQbgCjnstnBLi-nm8847xYsn5UWRvZPcFh2hT_bG8XyqXX5MLkSlaRv_FPL_w-98N7ZNnOgHQhHnwXOYykEEOfltmSpQSKBaa6gEZJTvVppRS65N0cIJ_N2K/s320/treeswallows.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13394415371484679221noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014735289677816960.post-53696227278102393572022-05-19T20:32:00.000-07:002022-05-19T20:32:11.761-07:00Slow Start<p>So far this week I have gone through the Forgotten Land and Lambton, having a peek at the boxes. These two areas are closest to home so it would be terrible if I didn't get to them by now.</p><p>Four pairs of tree swallows are setting up in the Forgotten Land. Actually two have 6 eggs each and the other two nests are in development. My most reliable box has swallows in it again. I'd like to believe it is the same pair. Do I say this every year?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLr80JiyJaMevOGNEYIX87Ztb83MFbmc1XtkZKnx4hEkPEVaBwzpkTCfsSou5ZRStt1Sllu7V3JLfzaQZOwWOjq5OcJCZB4mBNaYsB33W5zFUFfinTiWNAF519youAkdRfZLbd8jn0KYk61nmSKfJpqsagAmbu0K3plXGDBjginpoa7od0aq3VijDh/s3318/oldreliable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2212" data-original-width="3318" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLr80JiyJaMevOGNEYIX87Ztb83MFbmc1XtkZKnx4hEkPEVaBwzpkTCfsSou5ZRStt1Sllu7V3JLfzaQZOwWOjq5OcJCZB4mBNaYsB33W5zFUFfinTiWNAF519youAkdRfZLbd8jn0KYk61nmSKfJpqsagAmbu0K3plXGDBjginpoa7od0aq3VijDh/s320/oldreliable.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Don't they just build the prettiest nests?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UR6prxbLjTSPLQMaQlEkeb8yW24Owr_R9WcO8a4l4-a-r2AeXNB7JWgCnKglI9G6vDPVMll-zwItGnWFEGVOodFocJJ-RxMM0t_UEK_-f-Wbqp22G_E9f60WmaWe3w46LBJy4GD7mN93C38rRL0Ag9q4YtXUJlGwtRDoEX7DGoN_btrkoUsy66fo/s2048/nb1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UR6prxbLjTSPLQMaQlEkeb8yW24Owr_R9WcO8a4l4-a-r2AeXNB7JWgCnKglI9G6vDPVMll-zwItGnWFEGVOodFocJJ-RxMM0t_UEK_-f-Wbqp22G_E9f60WmaWe3w46LBJy4GD7mN93C38rRL0Ag9q4YtXUJlGwtRDoEX7DGoN_btrkoUsy66fo/s320/nb1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Over in Lambton, I've got two pairs of swallows working on nests. This is par with past years (I keep hoping to break this record). I'm not thrilled that the city did a big clearing in part of the area and exposed one of the boxes that is being used by birds. Some jackass decided to vandalize it with his/her art work. How is this even cool?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bSX5qfb1wua7AUqAAspc-OQjhfxmKbqXuK5EXbgY3XqNNoGyssWhuqOVNp8Shv51yh2ec_ux_eF3D5pDdm012fL1WdKJSsqlOB7mNz9WQM-cgP1Tp6v_BNu_OSWam-rdpg9jA9C4O5A5cL_OPRVqG7VOFLTjVWrKk77VY7a4oJNMhJFl8ie8JPy0/s2048/nb3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bSX5qfb1wua7AUqAAspc-OQjhfxmKbqXuK5EXbgY3XqNNoGyssWhuqOVNp8Shv51yh2ec_ux_eF3D5pDdm012fL1WdKJSsqlOB7mNz9WQM-cgP1Tp6v_BNu_OSWam-rdpg9jA9C4O5A5cL_OPRVqG7VOFLTjVWrKk77VY7a4oJNMhJFl8ie8JPy0/s320/nb3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>I will have to hope that whoever got their kicks and won't bother the box again. Since the birds are already setting up shop, I will leave the box be and move it in the fall.</p><p>A plus note is that a pair of black-capped chickadees claimed one of the other boxes and has 6 eggs within as of last week. Hoping they have a safe and successful nest.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPvfEUI2ruTQ_Y1ro2zII_M-9yeQlfXYHzNvj9QQO8TKLAhb919AyyfG__p-Bh5xSu8y36ku8DoHWKiUCEiahsH1kZXvcs_YYzHS9Z_s99sAvgIldlMi0kLUthu1wmseJycj0hjfzaqwyzrgihktQioiFkukgHzDyPaFUst_KEIq54-7DeL_AELo4/s960/nb2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="839" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPvfEUI2ruTQ_Y1ro2zII_M-9yeQlfXYHzNvj9QQO8TKLAhb919AyyfG__p-Bh5xSu8y36ku8DoHWKiUCEiahsH1kZXvcs_YYzHS9Z_s99sAvgIldlMi0kLUthu1wmseJycj0hjfzaqwyzrgihktQioiFkukgHzDyPaFUst_KEIq54-7DeL_AELo4/s320/nb2.jpg" width="280" /></a></div><p>I will revisit both these sites in a couple weeks just to confirm egg counts and make sure all is still well.</p><p>Angie and I aim to visit the creek this coming long weekend. Then for me, Area One, sometime next week.</p><p>Is anyone out there reading this? Just curious.</p>Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13394415371484679221noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014735289677816960.post-81478402332048011442022-05-06T20:29:00.005-07:002022-05-06T20:29:37.730-07:00A New Season<p>Hey there! Is anyone out there? I just logged into this blog... finally. It's been a cold spring for the most part and the birds are behind in my opinion. I am just starting to see tree swallows at my nest box areas. I noted two pairs at the Forgotten Land and one pair at Lambton this past week. Angie and I recently saw two pairs at the Creek. I've yet to make my way up to Area One.</p><p>Tree Swallows at the Forgotten Land.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-dDDpKBgtikRH8sc-joXneppXYSULxRuPVjwlicTAgU2iWQ52grzJjbevHLt-Vr3uSJW9L0IafU70l4qwKx78Sl9ZlK14dGdupiwTkpc8jsYBwexLxyZK65Z5R2Ce8cUK7Drf2gPh0j82-aKgLSpV3SzE9ckVb9dKe61Q_DwU5zJVXPBaDvmVw-14/s4148/FL-TRSW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="4148" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-dDDpKBgtikRH8sc-joXneppXYSULxRuPVjwlicTAgU2iWQ52grzJjbevHLt-Vr3uSJW9L0IafU70l4qwKx78Sl9ZlK14dGdupiwTkpc8jsYBwexLxyZK65Z5R2Ce8cUK7Drf2gPh0j82-aKgLSpV3SzE9ckVb9dKe61Q_DwU5zJVXPBaDvmVw-14/s320/FL-TRSW.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I've got a pair of black-capped chickadees who have been at a box in Lambton for over a week. I've been to spot check a couple times and there's been a pair excavating the wood shavings and chips I had filled up inside. I also added a size reducing metal ring over the entry hole so larger birds cannot try to take over; too bad it won't work against the house wrens. I just hope if wrens come back that they go back to the nest box that they've used past years which is well away from this box.</p><p>Here is one of the chickadees taking a piece of wood shaving away on April 18th.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgwtFos17T4fkRZoubK9FGd17lTKqWUzYnPPZraB8wABt2xOgtj04t9t7aW4DrWiZcCvZoeFx14G8N2tUUM6zjnSCj7BIKgFAOLsg-FG_AnOc_2afqvYCXBlwUl62djQhGMHLw7t-SYdRumBjL6LphF-OlI-6Z329lx2R2Rdz0CGF_5lRcsCVXuUA/s2654/excavating1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1769" data-original-width="2654" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgwtFos17T4fkRZoubK9FGd17lTKqWUzYnPPZraB8wABt2xOgtj04t9t7aW4DrWiZcCvZoeFx14G8N2tUUM6zjnSCj7BIKgFAOLsg-FG_AnOc_2afqvYCXBlwUl62djQhGMHLw7t-SYdRumBjL6LphF-OlI-6Z329lx2R2Rdz0CGF_5lRcsCVXuUA/s320/excavating1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Here is one of them again leaving the box on April 25th.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghB8VQOYw4l1W5taM08I-4HhkMc9eQYckcwibdIWLXMlirvkBeeaKYeb4FqYxRXYgQ5l_YyQeHmnyPocPKDIlA7IMfAJgOqzhbVix-mFaagMao4jP09lNPjdmy2ZdSn1x7z8FMt_xtfe2yLhV6qqftZaJMGEIzs3uO7obCVwZ_iDb_gi4gV6tHQAxF/s3318/chickadeenest1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2212" data-original-width="3318" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghB8VQOYw4l1W5taM08I-4HhkMc9eQYckcwibdIWLXMlirvkBeeaKYeb4FqYxRXYgQ5l_YyQeHmnyPocPKDIlA7IMfAJgOqzhbVix-mFaagMao4jP09lNPjdmy2ZdSn1x7z8FMt_xtfe2yLhV6qqftZaJMGEIzs3uO7obCVwZ_iDb_gi4gV6tHQAxF/s320/chickadeenest1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I'm overdue for another look. Shame on me as this box is within walking distance of our home.</p><p>We had a pair checking out our nest boxes at home. They were monkeying around one box for two days in a row; but then that was it. I haven't seen them since. I opened the box to see what was going on inside and it was empty, no wood chips or shavings. Damn! I really thought there was some inside. I filled it up in case they come back; but so far they have not returned.</p><p>Anyway, this is my ice breaker blog. Hoping to be a little bit more regular with updates over the next couple months.</p><p>Thanks for coming back, eh!</p>Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13394415371484679221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014735289677816960.post-60243934682919700432021-08-05T10:42:00.003-07:002021-08-05T10:42:34.819-07:00A Few More Done... One to Go<p>I managed to get over to the Creek and clean out the last of the boxes as well as make my way over to the Forgotten Land and get that last box done as well.</p><p>I was disappointed to find 5 eggs not hatched at the Creek and well as one decayed teeny tree swallow baby in another box.</p><p>One egg in a box, which actually I thought was not being used. Angie named this box Griffindor House.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippBs1q8D0uhxgayusKVbtajGZM090BkRiXoR-ffAEnWPfD_OsNj9T-dGTynSxY84ovXa8qQbN8zqGby30lgXmDc0vbLShNI-UmRSUi658YvThJQp3E0X-KKV2hAvHQdDwQCDS4Q1ePqk/s960/creek1-2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippBs1q8D0uhxgayusKVbtajGZM090BkRiXoR-ffAEnWPfD_OsNj9T-dGTynSxY84ovXa8qQbN8zqGby30lgXmDc0vbLShNI-UmRSUi658YvThJQp3E0X-KKV2hAvHQdDwQCDS4Q1ePqk/s320/creek1-2021.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Four eggs left in another box, which I believe Angie called Slytherin House.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8t6A8g6UjSSY9AfOZ3dKjBuGOJ6ics0yMCE4t1G-I_XEJ2oPyWLZ38QWHNrTYWscE9Gcgj4loBMvoG_NUl8pc7VRkFdjpXKE_ncmHOVTksRenV2Jmuck5J01GYBKInv6VNEM9YLwzNIw/s2048/_MG_5058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8t6A8g6UjSSY9AfOZ3dKjBuGOJ6ics0yMCE4t1G-I_XEJ2oPyWLZ38QWHNrTYWscE9Gcgj4loBMvoG_NUl8pc7VRkFdjpXKE_ncmHOVTksRenV2Jmuck5J01GYBKInv6VNEM9YLwzNIw/s320/_MG_5058.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Then over at the Forgotten Land, I found two unhatched eggs in that box. Who knows why these things happen? I'm just happy that everyone else made it out.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiseuMAZskf6FlCthMQTkAYS6JG6OtvfXSP1vkVgsGQE31_o7xM8uXo-Rawkf6-FZl9Z0qA-oIB5-GX-L58bYUv25zZfHnkGz7w3I_WoyGl68p38-e-DaiOzADo_O9cULxQ-5HQ6D3ryHA/s960/fland2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiseuMAZskf6FlCthMQTkAYS6JG6OtvfXSP1vkVgsGQE31_o7xM8uXo-Rawkf6-FZl9Z0qA-oIB5-GX-L58bYUv25zZfHnkGz7w3I_WoyGl68p38-e-DaiOzADo_O9cULxQ-5HQ6D3ryHA/s320/fland2021.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>So, let's see where we are at now... 23 fledged from 5 nests in the Forgotten Land. As for the Creek, confirming a 7th nest and up to 37 eggs, minus 6 eggs that did not hatch and 2 dead young, we've got 29 fledged. Lambton was 10 fledged from the 2 nests.</p><p>14 nests and 62 fledged so far.</p><p>I have to try and tackle Area One at some point. It's becoming an increasingly difficult thing to do up there because the meadow is not maintained at all, the growth is overwhelming and hard to walk through, then add in some wild parsnip and the probability of ticks. I've brought up again about bringing the boxes closer to the walking trails. I hope this gets done before the 2022 season or I may abandon Area One for my own safety. I mean, I would be willing to ensure the boxes are good to go come the spring but as for egg counting and so on, I won't worry about any longer.</p><p>Lastly, Angie informed me that Blogger apparently cut out the option to have the latest blogs emailed to people. Why would they do that? Not that I have many followers but anyone relying upon the email notifications, it is gone now.</p><p>I will be back sooner or later with an Area One tally. I need to finish it for this season, my mind won't let me rest otherwise. </p>Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13394415371484679221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014735289677816960.post-76688855640696720482021-07-11T09:57:00.000-07:002021-07-11T09:57:02.009-07:00The Creek - Part One<p>I visited the creek on Friday. It was a cooler morning, a tad rainy early on, and I was dressed head to toe in rain pants and jacket, figuring this material would be a great way to keep any ticks off me since the material is slick. I had boots on, long socks with my pants tucked in. Yep, I was all prepared to go check these boxes.</p><p>I hit the one stretch, which is four boxes lined up, that Angie has nicknamed after the houses in Harry Potter. Cute to some. Silly to others. But it's helped as easily as numbering them. I should add that I have only once seen the Harry Potter movies; but Angie is a HUGE fan. Anyway, to my surprise (and slight disappointment) all the nest boxes (3 of the 4) were still very active. Damn! I felt like I just hit a wall on my quest to tackle the boxes.</p><p>I drove over to the other end and the boxes were quiet. I checked the three in this area and all were done.</p><p>The first box is along the main road. I parked in the right lane, put my 4 ways on and ran up to the box for a look inside. All gone. No eggs. No bodies. Total success. No time for a photo because of where I was parked.</p><p>Now off to the other two boxes and there is a place to park, safely off the road. It's a work day so I am trying to cut time where I can, hence not doing as much walking. </p><p>First box...</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRau33dBV7SvdPjSZl4hixaTznQMJqnV8-AKhiybVFSizq052-IJbfwWhC2wY7UoN_S1zPTIjjWoAYPAoTLrij_xR-4NJQrG4xxUM4d-aqSVrM5qygkwOWR7C65cGXNSanhHohx7-I9Io/s960/creek1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRau33dBV7SvdPjSZl4hixaTznQMJqnV8-AKhiybVFSizq052-IJbfwWhC2wY7UoN_S1zPTIjjWoAYPAoTLrij_xR-4NJQrG4xxUM4d-aqSVrM5qygkwOWR7C65cGXNSanhHohx7-I9Io/s320/creek1.jpg" /></a></div><br /> I wonder what is inside? <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9rnpI0hxdk7mmyWgMY4FfdazsMg7NZ8EfBdLez-ZVFWaCwxaAATVWcnMmgcBJOk8GTePmnaJ-vtuxVnMqq4RpMqZN0RpgiTv6UhHZgnAJPisHAjlh74k_qGQrVV0AKNoYt7XNDrCQFAM/s960/creek2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9rnpI0hxdk7mmyWgMY4FfdazsMg7NZ8EfBdLez-ZVFWaCwxaAATVWcnMmgcBJOk8GTePmnaJ-vtuxVnMqq4RpMqZN0RpgiTv6UhHZgnAJPisHAjlh74k_qGQrVV0AKNoYt7XNDrCQFAM/s320/creek2.jpg" /></a></div><p>Out comes the nest. Hmmm?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7kbv6EXBxxMopBpz1vWfXyQXHsQfve7rlXhIiYI3sbFLviyUEWFei9v_UXRRQaSB3gCsiHD7-8UM7U0-j2eoCPK4Gnenwr2q8BerzDO-Y8x1-EZy17vOuzEMTm_VsCjfi1yHYlE-97BU/s960/creek3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7kbv6EXBxxMopBpz1vWfXyQXHsQfve7rlXhIiYI3sbFLviyUEWFei9v_UXRRQaSB3gCsiHD7-8UM7U0-j2eoCPK4Gnenwr2q8BerzDO-Y8x1-EZy17vOuzEMTm_VsCjfi1yHYlE-97BU/s320/creek3.jpg" /></a></div><p>One egg that did not hatch.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYzaGIPlPvpqtLzjLZZSuh4-wKZMz0Ref4hkNn5cxKZe2AlfcnB07sJGWb7YaJaJtjxK3bg0vL-PCi7nAwZ6PHr_ygdkR1n7GtER3KG_yD_YfEdPCaiwn4BDRsgNudiglC9sck-YDqktI/s960/creek4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYzaGIPlPvpqtLzjLZZSuh4-wKZMz0Ref4hkNn5cxKZe2AlfcnB07sJGWb7YaJaJtjxK3bg0vL-PCi7nAwZ6PHr_ygdkR1n7GtER3KG_yD_YfEdPCaiwn4BDRsgNudiglC9sck-YDqktI/s320/creek4.jpg" /></a></div><p>A short walk to the next box and I see something in there...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLB_8JZWdyW79i_gn2SKX5_uxN7iu_FfRgQ8noDMddfO-iQtJlRyO1btk9C4F_jSiGjPYGO_kRMIbVGt4PCu92Tyh8tANu9SeFU0hG4VnKFytZRthtuHvz-N2BBqSx8WGC17FjNKiBAE8/s960/creekA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLB_8JZWdyW79i_gn2SKX5_uxN7iu_FfRgQ8noDMddfO-iQtJlRyO1btk9C4F_jSiGjPYGO_kRMIbVGt4PCu92Tyh8tANu9SeFU0hG4VnKFytZRthtuHvz-N2BBqSx8WGC17FjNKiBAE8/s320/creekA.jpg" /></a></div><p>Aw man, one who did not make it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOH2_Y4ufbxIXBcjmlxGAAwJ0r_XfeRP5QDqAdvOSVopsp8zAObmB_afji25WZiW3xMRGoGxw24VuX6tbhMkDN00w2WNbU1jRWVqTbjoS2I6b3N4YuoqWuiDrT-VIoK5Czbv2sO9VE08/s960/creekB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOH2_Y4ufbxIXBcjmlxGAAwJ0r_XfeRP5QDqAdvOSVopsp8zAObmB_afji25WZiW3xMRGoGxw24VuX6tbhMkDN00w2WNbU1jRWVqTbjoS2I6b3N4YuoqWuiDrT-VIoK5Czbv2sO9VE08/s320/creekB.jpg" /></a></div><p>I hate the subtraction at the end of the season. I wish they all would make it but that is nature, right?</p><p>Tree swallows flew about the field as I left. No doubt the families from these two boxes. "Good luck little ones" was my silent wish as I made my way back to the car.</p>Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13394415371484679221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014735289677816960.post-18458911103879171602021-07-07T20:42:00.002-07:002021-07-08T05:18:26.864-07:00There Go (some of) the Birds<p>So I checked out Lambton and the Forgotten Land this week. As expected, the birds are pretty much done for another year.</p><p>I first hit Lambton on Tuesday despite the near 40 C humidex early on in the day. With only 2 active nests, I could manage. I just realized that I never updated about Lambton when I discovered the second tree swallow nest.</p><p>I'm happy to report that all the eggs hatched and all the young successfully fledged. That's 10!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfphSVxKuisxAvOriMnfd1XE0l0IO3A700ljAs-dojHIIkZ6mbdeIYaA_ZdMXy8MC7nJ3euBiLzfnLO43idUaKMyyefX7o9ZIX2Oy7qGlUCSP56CdQ5H3X622wzSWC-Nnom8zCTr6cpH8/s960/LAM1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfphSVxKuisxAvOriMnfd1XE0l0IO3A700ljAs-dojHIIkZ6mbdeIYaA_ZdMXy8MC7nJ3euBiLzfnLO43idUaKMyyefX7o9ZIX2Oy7qGlUCSP56CdQ5H3X622wzSWC-Nnom8zCTr6cpH8/s320/LAM1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8LBtJO6g6k57_kHTnXboT2Hsv2_waDwyffQKemC1Y7tHDVmfTrm_APOQdjsn5bd6144yLkWxcszbgX_G_S-kscezdh2rEPuNCqm4Uj1aedYs0Xnkd35J-h72piUY89hZnSCvSQEuX64A/s960/LAM2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8LBtJO6g6k57_kHTnXboT2Hsv2_waDwyffQKemC1Y7tHDVmfTrm_APOQdjsn5bd6144yLkWxcszbgX_G_S-kscezdh2rEPuNCqm4Uj1aedYs0Xnkd35J-h72piUY89hZnSCvSQEuX64A/s320/LAM2.jpg" /></a></div><p>I did notice a couple tree swallows flying about the area so I guess the birds are still hanging around. None of the other boxes have any nest activity other than wrens taking over that chickadee nest tube.</p><p>Then on Wednesday I went through the Forgotten Land. A tad cooler weather made it a pleasant outing going through the nest boxes. Unfortunately I did not have the absolute success like Lambton.</p><p>The first box I checked had two very much decomposed young swallow bodies inside.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjev37dIBn6r_8F0jV3qQ2pgv_GgXc_Gik4Rf7cZigOegmxCVzDAzeehWjdUOVEKy_jnSN5nQ1SeZLv0HGr1aQWfPAN-9Jv8uJ5UySuZEpgd893VVbeFWHuEp-Yj6sv-ug8tGeiD5pzPao/s960/FL0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjev37dIBn6r_8F0jV3qQ2pgv_GgXc_Gik4Rf7cZigOegmxCVzDAzeehWjdUOVEKy_jnSN5nQ1SeZLv0HGr1aQWfPAN-9Jv8uJ5UySuZEpgd893VVbeFWHuEp-Yj6sv-ug8tGeiD5pzPao/s320/FL0.jpg" /></a></div><p>I used a stick to sift through this nest, counting the bodies, ensuring there wasn't any others underneath. We can only guess what happened to them. Perhaps those brutally humid days we've had?</p><p>Another nest, another little decomposed body found.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT52-Fc_oEROsP7JTC0fDRs6sIUB9hwl3fb-JUAqv9XkZXsDwPzUAftoYRKcyBFHuORNUP7KkEhmXbXDotXRset9_R464_cPLGp8uUFaIAuCua-fBj0x_Wqfigsm5dZQda4_GMYtHEGE0/s960/FL1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT52-Fc_oEROsP7JTC0fDRs6sIUB9hwl3fb-JUAqv9XkZXsDwPzUAftoYRKcyBFHuORNUP7KkEhmXbXDotXRset9_R464_cPLGp8uUFaIAuCua-fBj0x_Wqfigsm5dZQda4_GMYtHEGE0/s320/FL1.jpg" /></a></div><p>I'm sparing you another bony sight but seeing the pile of dark feathers upon first look at the nest told me someone did not make it.</p><p>Another nest had one egg still inside.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTCVqWxLuQ36_keTwHX0jIJUQ8qGOZy9DaNaGN-GsakOuCukbKa5ivgSFUrQaRcwQEoS6CLC7ctehL9dNydbtcRWfhWXnxrDSGaJc_bHtES_HRWRbOSPogi4lYI55OWC_Wof45rcvM8r0/s960/FL4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTCVqWxLuQ36_keTwHX0jIJUQ8qGOZy9DaNaGN-GsakOuCukbKa5ivgSFUrQaRcwQEoS6CLC7ctehL9dNydbtcRWfhWXnxrDSGaJc_bHtES_HRWRbOSPogi4lYI55OWC_Wof45rcvM8r0/s320/FL4.jpg" /></a></div><p>The box I called "old reliable" which was replaced this year once again had 100% success.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4q0HCHN_bxHx-8cooZK-Uh7Uby3B3KCUrE-_gv0mNzd8f7cSCQFQqSPygSmVJENSl19_OBA0NSa_3gVhFmQbeybDdH7qYcZENDDnvPhxOPu7A3c4UUI5d1c-ZnBm9K9cGbLoz4rqATmc/s960/FL2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4q0HCHN_bxHx-8cooZK-Uh7Uby3B3KCUrE-_gv0mNzd8f7cSCQFQqSPygSmVJENSl19_OBA0NSa_3gVhFmQbeybDdH7qYcZENDDnvPhxOPu7A3c4UUI5d1c-ZnBm9K9cGbLoz4rqATmc/s320/FL2.jpg" /></a></div><p>All the nest boxes are emptied out as I go through them. I left the doors open to deter wasps from setting up inside. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBCHxOJmC_kxPg2bUd8UHqs0MEWOMVQWegvTQpPArYIqTw7eT8B7wjCD6wyswUeVgT0JI4FhGBjOEvPMB_0Ca7ejy15lDqwYLiHTpA06vagg5n4lpovG3bsvJKJufdNHLv7EStEWsd72o/s960/FL3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBCHxOJmC_kxPg2bUd8UHqs0MEWOMVQWegvTQpPArYIqTw7eT8B7wjCD6wyswUeVgT0JI4FhGBjOEvPMB_0Ca7ejy15lDqwYLiHTpA06vagg5n4lpovG3bsvJKJufdNHLv7EStEWsd72o/s320/FL3.jpg" /></a></div><p>I removed a wasp nest from one empty box here. Fun stuff as the little buggers came out in full force, showing their disapproval to what I was doing to their home.</p><p>Something I found rather shocking in the Forgotten Land was the amount of <a href="https://www.ontarioinvasiveplants.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/OIPC_BMP_WildParsnip_Feb182014_FINAL2.pdf" target="_blank">wild parsnip</a> suddenly growing throughout the area. It's scattered about and the plants range in size from 12 inches to almost 6 feet in height!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9u_EbAN7QBhZ_pqY0RvGmpy5_d1dzoKHO8hbMoVMo80-xplmAs92Ayy5aZL3XQZN7TC5PouKqcT8PugIhS9Yv_1O3QMHPdgwqcIcumLkbqQEiG7TUjaNatlSGK5-3FMHzNB9r_jYrdg/s960/FL5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9u_EbAN7QBhZ_pqY0RvGmpy5_d1dzoKHO8hbMoVMo80-xplmAs92Ayy5aZL3XQZN7TC5PouKqcT8PugIhS9Yv_1O3QMHPdgwqcIcumLkbqQEiG7TUjaNatlSGK5-3FMHzNB9r_jYrdg/s320/FL5.jpg" /></a></div><p>Wild parsnip is a hazardous plant to a person if you happen to break the plant, it's oils get on your skin and the sunlight shines down upon it. That's the jist of how it works. It's also an invasive species of plant.</p><p>Fortunately I can make my way around the parsnip plants this year but who knows how this will all look in another year or two? I've reported the plant appearing here to the Toronto Regional Conservation Authority. Am I supposed to report it to them? I don't know but I figure it's worth trying.</p><p>I made my over to the last couple boxes. I know one was empty last check, and it is still empty. As for the other one, I heard noises coming from within as I approached. The young birds weren't at the entry hole and I couldn't see them at all. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4DWm2uL0YFS4fn2zNn5mRwnFgTMvDq1MpH03w9en_NU2eVrFW1LPZysMchIE1KOZUlljh8B_k3h02uocPoA_pTADaGRB6fgLX4wSYPy8WX_OtEK6L7VqzgjCgLBT9Y8Rj9iRC-vtnhww/s960/FL6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4DWm2uL0YFS4fn2zNn5mRwnFgTMvDq1MpH03w9en_NU2eVrFW1LPZysMchIE1KOZUlljh8B_k3h02uocPoA_pTADaGRB6fgLX4wSYPy8WX_OtEK6L7VqzgjCgLBT9Y8Rj9iRC-vtnhww/s320/FL6.jpg" /></a></div><p>So curiosity got the best of me to try and get a better look, trying to gauge how far along they are from fledge time. I slowly opened the access door with one hand while the other I set over the entry hole to prevent any early fledges IF they were near that stage. </p><p>As I slowly opened the access door, watching for any movement from the birds, which did not occur. I held my phone over the nest to take a photo and see what was going on.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizwS8tgAHl6RE44K0frH59eEM_C9B20xoiyx0JwhJrzGS-hcYLJHspIWRhrdPFQnjxRCgRHvmAhu8qtUEC8zRCZyqH4AHHcWQUZVUPT8F1kDJNgSrAT0K6tgJbc4MfTbroH8ufhVRy94I/s960/FL7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizwS8tgAHl6RE44K0frH59eEM_C9B20xoiyx0JwhJrzGS-hcYLJHspIWRhrdPFQnjxRCgRHvmAhu8qtUEC8zRCZyqH4AHHcWQUZVUPT8F1kDJNgSrAT0K6tgJbc4MfTbroH8ufhVRy94I/s320/FL7.jpg" /></a></div><p>The young remained quiet. I'm not an expert on these things but can say they are probably 10 days or so from fledge time. I've got it marked in my brain to come back in the third week of July for another look. Hopefully I can say 25 fledged the Forgotten Land when I do revisit. For now it is 20.</p><p>I have it in my head to go through the Creek on Thursday or Friday, weather pending. It's going to be cooler but just have to see where there's some dry spells to check those boxes out. </p><p>I haven't been "pimping" out these blogs this year. So I thank the couple of you who are still following along here even without my social media posts about the latest blog published for a read.</p><p><br /></p>Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13394415371484679221noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014735289677816960.post-48819443799016532532021-07-05T05:04:00.006-07:002021-07-05T05:04:57.471-07:00Area One - Revisit<p>A couple weeks back I revisited Area One, checking those other couple "later" nests. I am happy to report that both are housing nesting tree swallows.</p><p>Mom didn't want to leave the one box so I let her be. For now, I can easily assume there is 5 eggs/young inside. I'm sure I have mentioned before that 5 is the average for a swallow nest although 6 happens quite often as well.</p><p>You can see how agitated mom is here and can understand why I chose to just back off.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61_yIkhwO6IRavurzfYrSu4Vz-g4Zj9REXOwpT8yNKa7uWEbLpRJj4fSB_9UfZnMVQe76ldCVVPlTyE6zxwUFnhcpRFhKCC2O7gZEeuwr4Adf0Mre_9ajXjBNO8aKNQ-hiTfka3P93pw/s2015/julynestblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2015" data-original-width="1504" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61_yIkhwO6IRavurzfYrSu4Vz-g4Zj9REXOwpT8yNKa7uWEbLpRJj4fSB_9UfZnMVQe76ldCVVPlTyE6zxwUFnhcpRFhKCC2O7gZEeuwr4Adf0Mre_9ajXjBNO8aKNQ-hiTfka3P93pw/s320/julynestblog.jpg" /></a></div><p>And there was hatches in the other box. I definitely could make out 5 young.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyaFuLjuYT3WPy_v-PazuA71TD3sm6rOlzKTXmj4kBHxfr0PXQt-WHm6c3mqJXfjQBQMzQJuiQ3t-EcAYaPSl1kjO4sBaq2hsasQ78XpdBiyjvL912Hk2kdyYUnPHbVj0hqzPKgV-lQ2c/s2015/julynestblog1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2015" data-original-width="1504" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyaFuLjuYT3WPy_v-PazuA71TD3sm6rOlzKTXmj4kBHxfr0PXQt-WHm6c3mqJXfjQBQMzQJuiQ3t-EcAYaPSl1kjO4sBaq2hsasQ78XpdBiyjvL912Hk2kdyYUnPHbVj0hqzPKgV-lQ2c/s320/julynestblog1.jpg" /></a></div><p>That now brings us up to 13 nests and 70 eggs/young for Area One this year.</p><p>I can't believe I am already getting my head around the fact that I will be checking the boxes again soon, cleaning them out.</p><p>Time sure flies!</p>Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13394415371484679221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014735289677816960.post-83548523856846970052021-06-23T07:17:00.002-07:002021-06-23T07:17:48.246-07:00Area One - Finally an Update<p> A few weeks back I visited Area One. We had a few brutally hot and humid days prior and finally a cooler but wet morning presented itself so off I went. Big mistake. The mosquitoes were absolutely horrific! I borrowed this image from Google but it was this bad. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1I1cMQMFcsCwgrSUv7SPJgrIGP9lrJk_VozXCqK0eWLOqOk2gTwlo4jBhyNf67svtEqs9aUjV1Jo3fRfrLb1-saJw9jtib5bRL3Swapn4QiCRfluJmUs1U5Gcc23Uchn8sDzNyyNKV9E/s2048/multiple-mosquitoes-getting-blood-meal-Central-Mass-MA-Massachusetts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1I1cMQMFcsCwgrSUv7SPJgrIGP9lrJk_VozXCqK0eWLOqOk2gTwlo4jBhyNf67svtEqs9aUjV1Jo3fRfrLb1-saJw9jtib5bRL3Swapn4QiCRfluJmUs1U5Gcc23Uchn8sDzNyyNKV9E/s320/multiple-mosquitoes-getting-blood-meal-Central-Mass-MA-Massachusetts.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>They were everywhere, in the woods that I cut through from one area to another (I expected that); but the open meadows were just full of them too. Thankfully I was covered head to toe except my hands and my face but eventually I put a mask on to give me some more cover. I swear I have never experienced so many mosquitoes like that in my travels anywhere, in all of my life. I guess the good thing is that this is a healthy food supply for the birds nesting here.</p><p>I almost gave up checking the boxes but trudged on.</p><p>I left my camera at home so I only took a few photos of some nests. I regretted not bringing the camera as I chanced upon 2 coyotes, together, about 20 feet from me. A large gray one and a slightly smaller auburn one. Figures, eh. I also pretty much walked right into the back end of a white-tailed deer.</p><p>So, here is what I ended up with from my nest box checks...</p><p>11 tree swallow nests well on the way, either full of eggs or hatching birds that morning and a few had young varying from days old to a couple weeks. Crazy how that seems to have just happened. It felt like this long lull of no birds and then BOOM! There was 2 potential nests on the go, lots of grass and a few feathers within but without confirmed eggs, we sit at 11. I aim to go back and check them very soon. The peregrine falcon fledge watches have delayed me visiting again.</p><p>I apologize for this kinda rushed, scattered blog, but hey at least I have good reason, right?</p><p>If I am to share at least one photo from the box checks in Area One, it would have to be what was happening in Wood Duck Alfie's box. Momma tree swallow there with young hatching that morning.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqVR9PO2PdVNCN8b7NuIa1c07IBJlV1Fy_G_d_hEwp2MpZcgIfNaB53aK9aNRnfF03oWxJxniLG8DZefzMM9ckayRaEhvll1zpRCS9xrOM0ECTYsdKwgJW0cZSomZ29-SVTq45S01vyk8/s2015/areaone2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2015" data-original-width="1787" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqVR9PO2PdVNCN8b7NuIa1c07IBJlV1Fy_G_d_hEwp2MpZcgIfNaB53aK9aNRnfF03oWxJxniLG8DZefzMM9ckayRaEhvll1zpRCS9xrOM0ECTYsdKwgJW0cZSomZ29-SVTq45S01vyk8/s320/areaone2021.jpg" /></a></div><p>In total through the 11 nests, there was 60 eggs and young. </p><p>I should add that I found 6 house wren nests and can confirm 3 were active. I suspect the other 3 were just dummy nests.</p><p>Again, I apologize for the lack of blogging here. For one, I know I don't need to check the nests as often as I did the first couple years. Taking less photos doesn't help me create a very exciting blog either. I know the few who actually follow this are okay with this, just knowing how things are going, and what the results are at the end of the season is all that matters.</p><p>Lastly, I visited Lambton again the same week as I hit Area One. I confirmed the second nest and 6 eggs within. </p><p>As of now, that's 25 tree swallow nests and 132 eggs. If I have a couple more to add, we've got a record breaking year.</p><p>Stay tuned...</p><p><br /></p>Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13394415371484679221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014735289677816960.post-68918078913251689362021-05-27T05:46:00.003-07:002021-05-27T05:46:13.409-07:00Here Come the Eggs - 2021<p> I've gone through 3 of the 4 nest box areas in the last week. Angie accompanied me on one of them which was nice; she's my bird spotter while I am distracted at the boxes. We had a couple nice sightings which I will show at the end of this little blog.</p><p>It's been an odd spring. I feel like we missed a lot of birds this year during migration. Not as many warblers, not as many of the warblers we did see, and a number of species we just didn't get that normally we do. But I guess this really has nothing to do with a nest blog but in a way it does. It felt like forever waiting for the swallows to return. Week after week, nothing, then one or two, and suddenly here we are... swallows every where!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvd8E-h0hHqMeVX0hoF6k7gKMxSS-LnA8qqkez13SKoLo18PVp-t7ytFsSjPxndu4hauSwzvUAtx8YXoGkqtYpuJeD9PbuTv9wwf1cHVDxtm20xqxlWjndOWVM47kyHoNPnLmeoJeIGQ/s2048/swall2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvd8E-h0hHqMeVX0hoF6k7gKMxSS-LnA8qqkez13SKoLo18PVp-t7ytFsSjPxndu4hauSwzvUAtx8YXoGkqtYpuJeD9PbuTv9wwf1cHVDxtm20xqxlWjndOWVM47kyHoNPnLmeoJeIGQ/s320/swall2021.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Swallows on nests.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihjXEUd7f3m7D1O9tlEgywkV_LQxFdxXauu99g7adbWchbIosOFg-h8CVDa3YvpcDvYG_WxwTI4j6ncgSawd98pV3L2Dc9AgEGjgYL6Dyorx0wG-dNU-ZIVohsMEFRhyphenhyphenjKRzTZULY1yA/s2048/_MG_3408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihjXEUd7f3m7D1O9tlEgywkV_LQxFdxXauu99g7adbWchbIosOFg-h8CVDa3YvpcDvYG_WxwTI4j6ncgSawd98pV3L2Dc9AgEGjgYL6Dyorx0wG-dNU-ZIVohsMEFRhyphenhyphenjKRzTZULY1yA/s320/_MG_3408.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>With eggs! Tree swallows don't make nests, they make art.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTsxilZ45fNozsCmg_8qdmJAHQUKPNmr_72KU81L3zlGCQvFkiagnGOHyS62CW4irnimvK_vfa7HrENX_JNU4yV-aGpLXmCgFwqA4gOv67Rf_y3xuFAD4swiAfUEx06gOJjmfvZ3y_bM8/s2015/nest2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2015" data-original-width="1399" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTsxilZ45fNozsCmg_8qdmJAHQUKPNmr_72KU81L3zlGCQvFkiagnGOHyS62CW4irnimvK_vfa7HrENX_JNU4yV-aGpLXmCgFwqA4gOv67Rf_y3xuFAD4swiAfUEx06gOJjmfvZ3y_bM8/s320/nest2021.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVOIRMlKMEDEt3laju61XihI1Wwci9EAyYWyw1yndiNBdRARadqvwndnoTNO9uhexdOdEWe5_-3eCRaek2smxRTAm92QC7qLveCZ-M4B1tNHZQKHV5grkfMHSO-LDMSYknVZV6Sugqg7w/s2015/nest2021-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2015" data-original-width="1822" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVOIRMlKMEDEt3laju61XihI1Wwci9EAyYWyw1yndiNBdRARadqvwndnoTNO9uhexdOdEWe5_-3eCRaek2smxRTAm92QC7qLveCZ-M4B1tNHZQKHV5grkfMHSO-LDMSYknVZV6Sugqg7w/s320/nest2021-1.jpg" /></a></div><p>Currently I have 13 tree swallow nests and 66 eggs. There are 2 more nests in development which I hope gives me at least another 10. I still have to check Area One which should easily double what I have right now.</p><p>The breakdown is this...</p><p>The Creek - 6 nests and 32 eggs with another nest that is hopefully still being worked on.</p><p>Lambton - 1 nest with 5 eggs, and another nest being worked on at another box.</p><p>The Forgotten Land - 5 nests and 29 eggs.</p><p>I hope to get through Area One in the next few days. This is the location I hope to get help with, to train someone to help me and perhaps one day take over. It's the furthest from home location with the most boxes. The landscape is getting more and more difficult to go through as it is getting so over grown. Time will tell I suppose.</p><p>Unfortunately after one of my nest box rounds, despite really shaking myself down after getting back onto pavement, I managed to bring home an unwanted guest. A dog tick! Ewwwww! I will have to be more careful, taking extra steps like I have before, such as bringing extra clothes and changing before getting into the car. I would put my trail clothes in a plastic bag, trying it up... after shaking them all down.</p><p>Angie found this tick in the laundry room by my trail pants.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrcmM7Hq-C2vbh0LzNRqdMer7wkOxFOMvZXDrx4PMzKpxqgQOcRMBlKJuJGjmDd8sRbfeJIV9MlkOR7kuclf6h-FEodhKMsFtycxQpi5wbJAQ2jhPpzotYb-k7b1u7LAm2Mcb6PRcU3I/s1367/dogtick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1343" data-original-width="1367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrcmM7Hq-C2vbh0LzNRqdMer7wkOxFOMvZXDrx4PMzKpxqgQOcRMBlKJuJGjmDd8sRbfeJIV9MlkOR7kuclf6h-FEodhKMsFtycxQpi5wbJAQ2jhPpzotYb-k7b1u7LAm2Mcb6PRcU3I/s320/dogtick.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>On our walk through the creek, we had a couple other cool bird sightings.</p><p>Savannah sparrow. He was singing loud and proud on one of my boxes.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-xfLOfGNQUzriECz-_z1NLCGmEB3dTJXgxaaMOnZFWvnZT1ShZ0nNHuz1VHzM5dvg1sk6yhnmwLquuI5PIcNubRGdRrKySv-sSWHBO1Ybo0Xda8MbJVpkEwror5HNXNLMfPFBdGUxQkA/s2048/savanspa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-xfLOfGNQUzriECz-_z1NLCGmEB3dTJXgxaaMOnZFWvnZT1ShZ0nNHuz1VHzM5dvg1sk6yhnmwLquuI5PIcNubRGdRrKySv-sSWHBO1Ybo0Xda8MbJVpkEwror5HNXNLMfPFBdGUxQkA/s320/savanspa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Green heron! This was a new species to add to the species list for the area. It's been years for both Angie and I since we last saw a green heron. I wished I had brought my 500 mm lens after seeing this bird. I knew I had work to do so I lightened my load and put on the 250 mm lens. Darn! Oh well, hopefully we will see this bird again since we walk the creek almost weekly.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGWmLywawel8lDcL6fdq-kwBtOZ_2tIGpH00mCZFgwB2bGQY557Q8CvPmOR__eNvU61dxmYAzpxtlf8hlk2QtQsaucBGQHbjDL9z_YJptMZz2PilX_0bWyM_6oSNrlCpQhTRspt8GZ2FM/s2048/craprecordgreen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGWmLywawel8lDcL6fdq-kwBtOZ_2tIGpH00mCZFgwB2bGQY557Q8CvPmOR__eNvU61dxmYAzpxtlf8hlk2QtQsaucBGQHbjDL9z_YJptMZz2PilX_0bWyM_6oSNrlCpQhTRspt8GZ2FM/s320/craprecordgreen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>A few visits in the last while at the creek also had us see these creatures...</p><p>The resident coyote.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSkoMhnQMQr2Mfj-i2KNmZWeOAxxPtvr-l82RjaPvwFlTakQEVWHt5JoWLtX4vBsSRbNHj59_IR2E-bJDMvuFZYyuIpxmA5ANF4CZgdhITZq2g3lvng-x50ri2K7r9Znw8vn3zkKsqBc4/s2048/hidingwiley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSkoMhnQMQr2Mfj-i2KNmZWeOAxxPtvr-l82RjaPvwFlTakQEVWHt5JoWLtX4vBsSRbNHj59_IR2E-bJDMvuFZYyuIpxmA5ANF4CZgdhITZq2g3lvng-x50ri2K7r9Znw8vn3zkKsqBc4/s320/hidingwiley.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>White-tailed deer. I just realized that I posted about them in my last blog. Ooops.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_15dpBVHuC3aT2YPa8JiDu8r60JhRkIYIpWOqgTKdirNMHURGG4e21DukfYlzEbuNeQVly9tLT93mbfEk7hSCE4j2-RlLJ4DNsSpS1IVuOA6wn_JKwgTnayzHXX4foAsrmuKfgrpEOw/s2048/deergroup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_15dpBVHuC3aT2YPa8JiDu8r60JhRkIYIpWOqgTKdirNMHURGG4e21DukfYlzEbuNeQVly9tLT93mbfEk7hSCE4j2-RlLJ4DNsSpS1IVuOA6wn_JKwgTnayzHXX4foAsrmuKfgrpEOw/s320/deergroup.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>A mink.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDd9ta3pgsmgoaRphUj056EEhk6PJJvGKKoZVM336cDlqU39C4RO7MhWjgQYAueTQfcv4ZxZuJjoXN4j-zZAhxWypj40klW5dwCI2lwtn93WsrwmprcpLO3gNIennxaacl7mN7_8m1r4/s2048/mink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDd9ta3pgsmgoaRphUj056EEhk6PJJvGKKoZVM336cDlqU39C4RO7MhWjgQYAueTQfcv4ZxZuJjoXN4j-zZAhxWypj40klW5dwCI2lwtn93WsrwmprcpLO3gNIennxaacl7mN7_8m1r4/s320/mink.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Turkey vulture sunning in the early morning.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiag6R0sAhdwo0qBpCfpp5OyheKBPR49uIqAsNY9omzmXXTzzdum85ghLzvnyMNLMWLmcp2tMkR1NktacoH91C15V1qgF68476w3RBuap5YVIH7VebYfxIsmp96MGYH72CaOsu18HaIJow/s1700/tuvulture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1133" data-original-width="1700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiag6R0sAhdwo0qBpCfpp5OyheKBPR49uIqAsNY9omzmXXTzzdum85ghLzvnyMNLMWLmcp2tMkR1NktacoH91C15V1qgF68476w3RBuap5YVIH7VebYfxIsmp96MGYH72CaOsu18HaIJow/s320/tuvulture.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>There are perks to monitoring nest boxes aside from helping nesting birds... you get some exercise and you see some wildlife.</p><p>I will be back soon to share my latest report on Area One.</p><p>Cheers!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13394415371484679221noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014735289677816960.post-46602942720277152622021-04-12T07:11:00.004-07:002021-04-12T07:11:51.483-07:00Ready & Waiting<p>Well, here we are, spring 2021. I've visited all the sites over the last couple weeks and the boxes are ready for the birds. Since I had cleaned the boxes at the end of last season, it wasn't too much work. Overall inspections and emptied out a couple mouse winter homes (nobody within and no babies).</p><p>I replaced one box that had seen it's last nest, last year. A bit of a frustrating task because whoever installed the box many years ago did not use screws, instead they used 3" spiral nails. I wasn't prepared for that. Initially I tried to pry it off with my screwdriver and had little movement. Then I thought about giving up for now, returning another day with a hammer. But I didn't want to cart around this new nest box while I checked others in the area. No, this was going to be today. I took the box apart by removing the screws. Then when it was nothing but the back ball on the t-bar, I just went all primitive like and beat the hell out of it with the handle of my screwdriver. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPm6lK-IBvv_ZuiJXD1j69GdOvosIzhWQbdHBkpWgeDQqBQRv5z3G_tqWwGztWp7q2ROUkmzCSsF-4tlJdtPByq6POa7VotCpd3ma9yFQjU1oodCCZ3kBfDEZ0Zh7ExpD3bEAP0rs-Cw/s2015/nestblog3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2015" data-original-width="1504" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPm6lK-IBvv_ZuiJXD1j69GdOvosIzhWQbdHBkpWgeDQqBQRv5z3G_tqWwGztWp7q2ROUkmzCSsF-4tlJdtPByq6POa7VotCpd3ma9yFQjU1oodCCZ3kBfDEZ0Zh7ExpD3bEAP0rs-Cw/s320/nestblog3.jpg" /></a></div><p>The wall broke apart, the nails lost their grip and many minutes later, it was off. I cursed whoever nailed it to the post. That was a first for me. I didn't dwell on the setback and just got the new box up, and moved on.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgSb7t9IjzXPxX_mqW-RLsiCwlsemiW20xpwgg4vEq09DDTPgWeM6v_h3hityQmSpXPspEputnv0v4uPCVEUj3TAm7Uc6DHOjKVNcb5MjSLRNMz4XzbxxZpzXLv7cFZGaJGthekusrCs/s960/nestblog2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgSb7t9IjzXPxX_mqW-RLsiCwlsemiW20xpwgg4vEq09DDTPgWeM6v_h3hityQmSpXPspEputnv0v4uPCVEUj3TAm7Uc6DHOjKVNcb5MjSLRNMz4XzbxxZpzXLv7cFZGaJGthekusrCs/s320/nestblog2.jpg" /></a></div><p>I had some help in Area One this spring. Myself and another tackled the boxes on separate days, making sure all are empty and closing up the access doors. We just kept in touch with each other on what we did. The help was appreciated. I just don't seem to have enough time this spring to do everything as quickly like past years. </p><p>Tree swallows were in good numbers here at Area One when I visited on April 8th.</p><p>Angie has joined me through the Creek area over the last couple Sundays. A leisurely walk, looking for early migrants and whatever else may be around. We enjoyed the sights of 6 white-tailed deer nearby the one morning. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HWVRXyhm8qiCa_-YPz5AI5NuF1K_NeXT79tlxguBx5r0ZvJeN7gfyJtCrdXeNKt2lFSb24uwTt3CJLGScnNBHifsb5GbauqQd3jjgzMVV2NYzr-NUbinrjIrgdbZxNCvNorm1KMCsTA/s2048/wtdeer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HWVRXyhm8qiCa_-YPz5AI5NuF1K_NeXT79tlxguBx5r0ZvJeN7gfyJtCrdXeNKt2lFSb24uwTt3CJLGScnNBHifsb5GbauqQd3jjgzMVV2NYzr-NUbinrjIrgdbZxNCvNorm1KMCsTA/s320/wtdeer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The deer kept an eye on us but didn't stray too far.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXuoO_JJ9o8um799jV8bhmdgir3x6nrhRVAh0KdxsgxsH2v79kaqXkQETHa5yLc2cbnbx71HNiyezs4mTpHurV57VzH5BF8K-eJgfT1GB4888ykL1m9sk9X6A8DCtw3Y6yhRhPfg7_rzw/s2048/deergroup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXuoO_JJ9o8um799jV8bhmdgir3x6nrhRVAh0KdxsgxsH2v79kaqXkQETHa5yLc2cbnbx71HNiyezs4mTpHurV57VzH5BF8K-eJgfT1GB4888ykL1m9sk9X6A8DCtw3Y6yhRhPfg7_rzw/s320/deergroup.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>We saw one tree swallow near where we parked last Sunday. I'm sure many more are on their way.</p><p>Over at the Forgotten Land, I added another box. A neighbour made it and gave it to me. It's a beautiful box made from leftover materials from a major renovation. Unfortunately the entry hole is just a little too big for my liking so I attached this odd looking piece to the front to reduce the hole size and it also adds some protection from say, a raccoon trying to reach inside and grab eggs or a young bird, IF one managed to get on top of the box. I have people saying the box is silly looking and no bird will used it. All I can say is "we shall see". No sense in just having it sit at home and not set up out there somewhere.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDTtcSl0jXNwUK9RAMZSIv6xqn_GQAOJM1jww7N4eEQgLj2venTaSgbkKqn8Y5lwfcbSJHE_3LRettXLfn4kudsRJIfX2WVje-z1mxdNOJLbLNTNoocEymPWEBTh9GBP-YY1L0LH5Yn0/s2015/nestblog4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2015" data-original-width="1504" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDTtcSl0jXNwUK9RAMZSIv6xqn_GQAOJM1jww7N4eEQgLj2venTaSgbkKqn8Y5lwfcbSJHE_3LRettXLfn4kudsRJIfX2WVje-z1mxdNOJLbLNTNoocEymPWEBTh9GBP-YY1L0LH5Yn0/s320/nestblog4.jpg" /></a></div><p>One lone tree swallow has been at the Forgotten Land since last week. He's already picked out his box for the season.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIl6FwT8R3sG5_yaDB-QykdAS6UX-p8TmX1wcxVVIydw7D4zXDs4OHVqckvJMaDxGCWDDKa7fsP_VWZRnfpBnpoQSFL53tdYAJgxs3wQK8jZtwtynrWS-GOauP9czAv9DtJwlznA5kHlU/s2048/swallowreturn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIl6FwT8R3sG5_yaDB-QykdAS6UX-p8TmX1wcxVVIydw7D4zXDs4OHVqckvJMaDxGCWDDKa7fsP_VWZRnfpBnpoQSFL53tdYAJgxs3wQK8jZtwtynrWS-GOauP9czAv9DtJwlznA5kHlU/s320/swallowreturn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Lastly, over at Lambton, approximately 2 weeks ago, I set up the chickadee nest tube again. I filled it full of wood shavings.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_mYnxILUWEn5UmtPDkzpdQIdyVN8J9DsJ5QKlKaEha-htr7b-KJY30Gmy2TPse5jVVtvm8SkBhkNzKeW1-Q0e5_hROLum28elW-EvWAH8KarXRemoIRsjcd-_iXOhKjsC5-3f2Xzo7g/s1080/thumbnail+%25286%2529+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="608" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_mYnxILUWEn5UmtPDkzpdQIdyVN8J9DsJ5QKlKaEha-htr7b-KJY30Gmy2TPse5jVVtvm8SkBhkNzKeW1-Q0e5_hROLum28elW-EvWAH8KarXRemoIRsjcd-_iXOhKjsC5-3f2Xzo7g/s320/thumbnail+%25286%2529+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div><p>I checked it out yesterday to see if anything has happened in the last week. The shavings have been excavated and the tube is filling with black oil sunflower seed. What the?!?! I'm unsure if someone is putting seed in the tube or are the birds using this as a seed cache? I know of a feeder a few hundred feet away from here but whoever is filling it uses the cheapest of bird seed and you might see 20 or so actual black oil sunflower seeds within all the corn and millet. I have found bread, rice and seed in other nest boxes throughout all the trails, quite randomly, this year. A new thing for me. I know there's a lot more people outside, just walking around because of the pandemic and so much is closed. But seriously, how dumb can some be? It's a drawback to having boxes in public spaces. I really hope this doesn't continue through the nesting season. It's like during the winter, where I have access doors open at boxes, and some people come around and keep closing them up again. I know they mean well, and have no idea why the doors are open. Open doors really deter the mice but if someone comes by and closes them, the mice will find the boxes and use them.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWcTB-vYK0TXbU8CmqIVyi7oRJ9bTUJQiwoGY9VVdydolW8UuZO1QuYOIyXp-pcVrH2rYXpLn0hxx7wGJBCzyEGZrxrl7esz7nW-m-EcIUn05h3d7FbSvWorMHv-wXYw625pawgsJNPlI/s960/nestblog1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWcTB-vYK0TXbU8CmqIVyi7oRJ9bTUJQiwoGY9VVdydolW8UuZO1QuYOIyXp-pcVrH2rYXpLn0hxx7wGJBCzyEGZrxrl7esz7nW-m-EcIUn05h3d7FbSvWorMHv-wXYw625pawgsJNPlI/s320/nestblog1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>It's a cool rainy week ahead so I don't expect too much action in the coming days, like more birds returning, but I will be observing from afar, counting the swallows and looking for others who may have an interest in a nest box. I keep hoping for bluebirds.</p><p>Thanks in advance to those who will follow me through the 2021 season. </p>Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13394415371484679221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014735289677816960.post-29222267038945808362021-03-02T06:41:00.000-08:002021-03-02T06:41:04.282-08:00A Good Start<p>You may recall from my last blog a few months back that I was given new nest boxes to replace all the ones in the Forgotten Land. Through a couple mild days late in 2020 I assembled the boxes. I also went out another morning and took down the remains of the old boxes. Then through February I painted them and just days ago I applied roof shingles that a buddy of mine gave to me. It's always nice when items are donated.</p><p>Then yesterday, March 1st, I went out to the area and set the boxes up. It wasn't the nicest of mornings with the wind chill, and gusts between 50 to 70 km/hr but they are up and ready for the birds.</p><p>The box here in the photo is on the post where I had "old reliable". I hope they like it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvg4bJm1HZzv9FlVHxt82slWDCJF54ocyS0rBASV23CQCRAwofi9E218Z76cXG3OoW8AUSnOua5hGHBLcdMQG7mE5tgqJXkXQMZiBWeVYp6pnbSw_MKbfOZ58snZLoMLVlNfKQCIR-hc8/s2015/new-oldreliable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2015" data-original-width="1511" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvg4bJm1HZzv9FlVHxt82slWDCJF54ocyS0rBASV23CQCRAwofi9E218Z76cXG3OoW8AUSnOua5hGHBLcdMQG7mE5tgqJXkXQMZiBWeVYp6pnbSw_MKbfOZ58snZLoMLVlNfKQCIR-hc8/s320/new-oldreliable.jpg" /></a></div><p>I'd say this is a good start to the 2021 nesting season.</p>Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13394415371484679221noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014735289677816960.post-1659321657509458422020-11-01T11:45:00.000-08:002020-11-01T11:45:55.968-08:00Donation!<p>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...</p><p>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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikaXwc71j0ZvJQxUYdbI6pWQVYhGTXbEtKJsr25934OSHWnaBgLwjPTXGBBsD-4fzOgTG9t_Dw6JD2Mc_rTFeG0MKq0wepUp4eS-GavfG4rKQHfmzBX8Zs44gt4nQ-_pn4T84cDVYK4vA/s960/nest1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikaXwc71j0ZvJQxUYdbI6pWQVYhGTXbEtKJsr25934OSHWnaBgLwjPTXGBBsD-4fzOgTG9t_Dw6JD2Mc_rTFeG0MKq0wepUp4eS-GavfG4rKQHfmzBX8Zs44gt4nQ-_pn4T84cDVYK4vA/s320/nest1.jpg" /></a></div><p>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.</p><p>Come next spring I will be quite anxious to see the birds return.</p><p>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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxTGmZ3eCH7zH2BwtboKuR397frAj7SPMLddal2LNy2X3LQwMNFatFF3lSAmpZiQdDtV_etCU3i9G1QnyQpWzMQHf4POC1e21DLkPm6e-zJfKmcm-Qud7RPpHumDDoAi8ILKeTd3z7qbo/s960/nest2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxTGmZ3eCH7zH2BwtboKuR397frAj7SPMLddal2LNy2X3LQwMNFatFF3lSAmpZiQdDtV_etCU3i9G1QnyQpWzMQHf4POC1e21DLkPm6e-zJfKmcm-Qud7RPpHumDDoAi8ILKeTd3z7qbo/s320/nest2.jpg" /></a></div><p>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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqG7RKY_gMeEhIn9qvpuZJUk37wpd7KHoC89MEUPRcG6CZME4ED7l9tZItBmfdYZKrhGFzNvLr2WJ4HkKyv_kdtEXsYEbno38YR_cyOon-euNoHseQz8-VWGmGz94Cz4DDH4QQgDmH8w/s960/nest3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqG7RKY_gMeEhIn9qvpuZJUk37wpd7KHoC89MEUPRcG6CZME4ED7l9tZItBmfdYZKrhGFzNvLr2WJ4HkKyv_kdtEXsYEbno38YR_cyOon-euNoHseQz8-VWGmGz94Cz4DDH4QQgDmH8w/s320/nest3.jpg" /></a></div><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>Here she is on me after I came back inside. What a sucky girl!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UZOLQY_c60R_8LEUKFtEHcOmHhxqWPppHGtb5fSY1QvnjmGrBgMY25w5qRpR41PtN5xihRbxv1ZiF4IWjIa6zrVqRU6QzExam8RtXOYsYWD2eINkdbhA1fKbdMzCi5KUBC4qO3A-tVY/s1440/nest4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UZOLQY_c60R_8LEUKFtEHcOmHhxqWPppHGtb5fSY1QvnjmGrBgMY25w5qRpR41PtN5xihRbxv1ZiF4IWjIa6zrVqRU6QzExam8RtXOYsYWD2eINkdbhA1fKbdMzCi5KUBC4qO3A-tVY/s320/nest4.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I know I have at least one more blog to key out soon which deals with another area I discovered that is not being monitored. I hope to have that published soon.<div><br /></div><div>Thanks for stopping in. Cheers!<br /><p><br /></p></div>Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13394415371484679221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014735289677816960.post-3590399682428451442020-10-01T05:48:00.002-07:002020-10-01T05:50:10.462-07:00Area One and Final Tally<p> A long overdue blog about Area One and the final number(s). Blame the blazing hot summer. Blame some health issues on my end NOT covid-19 related. Blame covid which has my wife working from home and tying up the computer much of the day. Excuses excuses excuses. But here we are finally...</p><p>I estimated that we had <b>70 eggs in total </b>up at Area One.</p><p>In my cleaning of the boxes, I found overall <b>3 deceased young</b> Tree Swallows that did not make it. I also found <b>2 eggs not hatched</b>. So that makes for <b>65 fledged birds</b>. It was a very good year.</p><p>Coming to clean the boxes weeks after the birds are done, finding deceased young wasn't like finding a whole body as insects already devoured the birds. There would be a bed of feathers and in those feathers I would find the skeletal remains.</p><p>Here's a nest I am about to clean out.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnsP9ExxfskxPUcWndApc9ed40sXnMJGUQIvFd2EuqkOb4ifvwiUfmqIcGnViPuunBzJKzFh85mH-409hEPB1tdInhVlIYehnIGWL_Syc4RG8bAa9E_BWymdsurPiKn9N75D2JZ0bCONc/s960/2020-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnsP9ExxfskxPUcWndApc9ed40sXnMJGUQIvFd2EuqkOb4ifvwiUfmqIcGnViPuunBzJKzFh85mH-409hEPB1tdInhVlIYehnIGWL_Syc4RG8bAa9E_BWymdsurPiKn9N75D2JZ0bCONc/s320/2020-1.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Here is what I found inside. You can see some bones. I would use a stick to pick these nests apart, doing head counts from the skulls that I found. For some reason I cannot find a photo of a bird skull from this outing. You get the picture though.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6yqFSgIqtQ71VKeXBT97187pfxIliCKcjtquHA4S_AbzGl3HypydrnTk0RqgFVWk8cA_dsyPII_TcbjRX06sAkbwPE_i99ZeiVloK07rqSlk-6YSY2LyUXAq31GIv8yBrCFU_QFY8KNA/s960/2020-8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6yqFSgIqtQ71VKeXBT97187pfxIliCKcjtquHA4S_AbzGl3HypydrnTk0RqgFVWk8cA_dsyPII_TcbjRX06sAkbwPE_i99ZeiVloK07rqSlk-6YSY2LyUXAq31GIv8yBrCFU_QFY8KNA/s320/2020-8.jpg" /></a></div><p>We are facing challenges in Area One now as the meadow is becoming quite over grown. The pandemic is one part to blame, having less staff and volunteers to try and tackle this issue. Currently it would seem this part of the land is not of such importance, taking a back seat to large maintenance projects elsewhere about the property. It is becoming a haven for House Wrens. I found 4 active nests and numerous dummy nests. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAHxAcQTJH6isdKPiyw7CFJ2tWcmXBXgRDF2EnVR3ehwUTH5D6XRTfEDKvXuquYogWYCZPty6QWPS27Ab-BVwrlpyKyTV2xGK1rdVYtRxSVQnX-3I2gw2E2AFFmTFMCPEtniEbauJ1Bbs/s960/2020-4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAHxAcQTJH6isdKPiyw7CFJ2tWcmXBXgRDF2EnVR3ehwUTH5D6XRTfEDKvXuquYogWYCZPty6QWPS27Ab-BVwrlpyKyTV2xGK1rdVYtRxSVQnX-3I2gw2E2AFFmTFMCPEtniEbauJ1Bbs/s320/2020-4.jpg" /></a></div><p>I found 1 Wren egg not hatched so they too had a great nesting year. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAozEOFK8ea731JBIZRNzX8d_13mUpDLtwBOA1O2M6yjD8OwaLrggMfwlRy0zazXZ30DjM7RhAmso3eXwOH_qoHLDHnsHgVC4hkvG-6TQQX-Y0ovXLm6n19E2OcuvQsWvc7sIjSzO8o3g/s960/2020-5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAozEOFK8ea731JBIZRNzX8d_13mUpDLtwBOA1O2M6yjD8OwaLrggMfwlRy0zazXZ30DjM7RhAmso3eXwOH_qoHLDHnsHgVC4hkvG-6TQQX-Y0ovXLm6n19E2OcuvQsWvc7sIjSzO8o3g/s320/2020-5.jpg" /></a></div><p>This can mean that in 2021 they will be back even stronger especially as the habitat becomes more favourable to this bird species.</p><p>I had a difficult time locating a few of the nest boxes in the tall growth which was well over 5 ft tall. From this view point, normally I would be able to see 4 nest boxes.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVUWl3bj_LE3sOeKH0CSpAkY011lMwcqm1nqGvOaM1H9UcpgzM1T6ouZ1C1uIjlUwR72GtxQSKaJYxmblGyxu3SpZV1L4vemrrDsOTlZnVtrBXkn9q7v1WlkQewfy19gEbm1cd7gSnNbE/s960/2020-7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVUWl3bj_LE3sOeKH0CSpAkY011lMwcqm1nqGvOaM1H9UcpgzM1T6ouZ1C1uIjlUwR72GtxQSKaJYxmblGyxu3SpZV1L4vemrrDsOTlZnVtrBXkn9q7v1WlkQewfy19gEbm1cd7gSnNbE/s320/2020-7.jpg" /></a></div><p>It was a cooler morning when I did the box inspections and cleaning but after some time, I was getting overheated as I was dressed head to toe, protecting myself from insects and random toxic plants (<a href="https://www.invasivespeciescentre.ca/invasive-species/meet-the-species/invasive-plants/wild-parsnip/?gclid=CjwKCAjw_NX7BRA1EiwA2dpg0nYw2NFvSjOPxzJIoNalOhu4rSfjKQmiCaObSdynuwVtXsvLEuhF6hoC6rEQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">wild parsnip</a>). The face mask is to protect me from breathing in the dust, fecal matter and anything else that can come out of one of these nest boxes during cleaning.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD8AKN9iwKwSYg0JB6OzHuNBZra6WgUqXMifVubC5FfVe6mD4TQkdu0Oi4sYUDRWwwqkaWkE6-ITvPflFAewjl92wo6-nLCfIyu9Cyh1JO4VJA02mb5JNB6L1jA8aP9gkoRDxI0wmI57A/s960/2020-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD8AKN9iwKwSYg0JB6OzHuNBZra6WgUqXMifVubC5FfVe6mD4TQkdu0Oi4sYUDRWwwqkaWkE6-ITvPflFAewjl92wo6-nLCfIyu9Cyh1JO4VJA02mb5JNB6L1jA8aP9gkoRDxI0wmI57A/s320/2020-3.jpg" /></a></div><p>I did evict one mouse from his house he set up in a box. Their urine and feces can be harmful to the box and future nests. He made a brave attempt at scaring the hell out of me when he took a flying leap right out and at me. Ha ha, good times. I did apologize to him as he scurried away.</p><p>Mouse nesting material.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqT-t7We5W_z2JCNfYdGiHpm2-7Yfrcb-a_9-nUipOopA8AQs2Y7u7XNeZIMidj4oJBqOyGtiBmui6Jgm25c_koskxe7Elr27zCsNd6hSdJxRdK1S8AwC44U99AquP6gcRtwVBrnD94g/s960/2020-6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqT-t7We5W_z2JCNfYdGiHpm2-7Yfrcb-a_9-nUipOopA8AQs2Y7u7XNeZIMidj4oJBqOyGtiBmui6Jgm25c_koskxe7Elr27zCsNd6hSdJxRdK1S8AwC44U99AquP6gcRtwVBrnD94g/s320/2020-6.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I left the nest boxes open to deter the mice from setting up house. Unfortunately over the cold months, some do gooder(s) will chance upon these boxes and close them up again. I can't get upset; it is better than someone coming along and smashing them like some other people have experienced on their nest box trails.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now for the final tally of my 2020 season...</div><div><br /></div><div><b>131 successfully fledged Tree Swallows.</b> There was <b>28 nests</b> and <b>147 eggs</b>.</div><div><span face="Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #1d2228;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #1d2228;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">How's that for a banner year? I really hoped to break 100 this year and certainly did. Still no Bluebirds despite every location seeing them over the years. Maybe 2021?</span></span></div><div><span face="Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #1d2228;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #1d2228;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">I will be blogging here again well before the next nesting season. I do have one nice surprise to tell about soon.</span></span></div><div><span face="Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #1d2228;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #1d2228;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">I would like to give a shout out to Jennifer for following me again this season and commenting throughout. I haven't pushed out these nest blogs like I do my <a href="https://robandtheanimals.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">regular animal blog</a> and it's nice to know they have not gone ignored. There is a visit counter to each blog and most of the 2020 nest blogs show 1 to 3 hits total. Of course I don't do this for the attention or recognition but it is nice to know of others who care and have interest in nest box trails, having their own boxes to take care of, or just follow me along on mine.</span></span></div><div><span face="Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #1d2228;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #1d2228;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">Stay tuned for some great news soon. Oh, and stay safe!<br /></span></span><p><br /></p></div>Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13394415371484679221noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014735289677816960.post-52800809758530665522020-08-16T14:48:00.000-07:002020-08-16T14:48:03.763-07:00The Creek - Lone Swallow<p> We made it back over to the Creek recently and I checked the box that had that lone Swallow chick. Great news. He fledged!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipB9InePC5hA41OJ1wMLwGT8StMGZlT__8F9ux0tqi3IWOeRAzP3e_PT6pM6pcebwgtjMwKX_B-2Mqiy8B0fElav6T6Wr8BLfOh_5PZJyc7fQtlgLlYnoiun_A5alyuvp_rjOdw8I16KU/s960/loneswallow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipB9InePC5hA41OJ1wMLwGT8StMGZlT__8F9ux0tqi3IWOeRAzP3e_PT6pM6pcebwgtjMwKX_B-2Mqiy8B0fElav6T6Wr8BLfOh_5PZJyc7fQtlgLlYnoiun_A5alyuvp_rjOdw8I16KU/s640/loneswallow.jpg" /></a></div><p>As you can see, I cleaned out the nest box, scrapping the fecal sacs off the inside walls, etc.</p><p>So I am up to<b> 66 fledged</b> with Area One still to be inspected.</p>Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13394415371484679221noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014735289677816960.post-76423332099918064242020-07-26T17:46:00.000-07:002020-07-26T17:46:47.777-07:00The Creek TallyA couple weeks ago I did a sweep of the Creek nest boxes. <b>Nine nest boxes</b> and <b>seven had Tree Swallows</b>. At the time there was <b>39 eggs</b>. I figured a couple more could come of there but I never did bother looking again. I was happy with the activity and left it at that.<br />
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Through the box checks, I unfortunately found <b>2 dead young</b> birds in separate boxes. I also found <b>2 eggs not hatched</b> in other boxes. Overall though, a very good year in the Creek with <b>35 fledged</b> Tree Swallows. <br />
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But it's not over yet. A week earlier when Angie and I went for our Sunday morning walk there, I noticed Tree Swallows going to a previously unclaimed box. I was going to check the empty boxes anyway come cleaning time and this new nest was a bit of excitement to inspect the following week.<br />
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Here is what I found when I checked this new nest, one healthy very young Tree Swallow. There were no other eggs.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimMk_tI1Q7qMS0ck75TAsc6NelHaq73dDrznRb0NHUFWeG3NX9ZpdImRjGR5hIEPCyyZHgi4wAdjlp-a5Rm_B6Km7FRKeF5WCExT9SjNnfUccoXmaFAIQnpikZwdHAelhVaDZGlTd_45k/s1600/latebabyswallow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimMk_tI1Q7qMS0ck75TAsc6NelHaq73dDrznRb0NHUFWeG3NX9ZpdImRjGR5hIEPCyyZHgi4wAdjlp-a5Rm_B6Km7FRKeF5WCExT9SjNnfUccoXmaFAIQnpikZwdHAelhVaDZGlTd_45k/s320/latebabyswallow.jpg" width="240" height="320" data-original-width="720" data-original-height="960" /></a></div><br />
We had just endured a brutally humid week and I am happy he survived it. I cannot imagine how hot it must get inside those boxes during the heat and full sun.<br />
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I will check on this nest again in a couple weeks. Stay tuned.<br />
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So with <b>9 fledged Swallows in Lambton</b>, plus the <b>21 over at the Forgotten Land</b> and <b>35 here at the Creek</b> I'm now at <b>65 fledged</b>.<br />
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Area One is yet to be checked but hopefully soon.<br />
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Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13394415371484679221noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014735289677816960.post-85242516605639965542020-07-18T14:58:00.001-07:002020-07-18T14:58:08.964-07:00Lambton TallySo here we go with the final counts for the Lambton area.<br />
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With 6 nest boxes set up, I ended up with 2 nests of Tree Swallows. Both had 5 eggs each. All 10 eggs hatched. Of the 10 birds, 9 fledged. I was saddened to discover one deceased young bird in one of the nests.<br />
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The second Swallow nest was a surprise late find and as the leaves filled in the surrounding trees, this nest box disappeared. <br />
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Can you spot the nest?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4WBp7NVLWSMVDomUvf81gmt6VjsX6bE7DaKA3d5gqIttJzK5k4X2mfku5-zleBKK41Z8HFNnnyUQuxeX1FglA3tGVD37W5HCqOe8tm7Y81LV_L3xfIES3W6mnm20F06uu3C69hgGEO4/s1600/IMG_5198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4WBp7NVLWSMVDomUvf81gmt6VjsX6bE7DaKA3d5gqIttJzK5k4X2mfku5-zleBKK41Z8HFNnnyUQuxeX1FglA3tGVD37W5HCqOe8tm7Y81LV_L3xfIES3W6mnm20F06uu3C69hgGEO4/s320/IMG_5198.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
It was fun to watch the adults still make their way into the nest to care for the young.<br />
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Both nests were cleaned out of fecal sacs, nesting material and the one dead bird.<br />
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I almost forgot about a lone box I set up last year in my plan to help those Black-capped Chickadees nest without hassle from a House Wren. Well, the Wren(s) nested successfully in the box this year. A couple weeks ago I flushed an adult when I approached the box. I could hear young inside. Next visit, all were gone. I cleaned that nest out as well.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieguYAFOFfNkIgQ40nHrrhjsRIzjK-P9_get1ESBdDAOhjwQ-m3w22NvbBiGaQ6YbrKf17inoe6yijUiM7ZnE8SDpaYiVAHe2K8D1b7Lwxq93hLoKUk71beuFy82W7XBTmlOu3PZneB8M/s1600/IMG_5196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieguYAFOFfNkIgQ40nHrrhjsRIzjK-P9_get1ESBdDAOhjwQ-m3w22NvbBiGaQ6YbrKf17inoe6yijUiM7ZnE8SDpaYiVAHe2K8D1b7Lwxq93hLoKUk71beuFy82W7XBTmlOu3PZneB8M/s320/IMG_5196.JPG" width="320" height="213" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></div><br />
So with <b>9 fledged Swallows</b> here <b>plus the 21 over at the Forgotten Land</b> I've got <b>30 fledged from 37 eggs</b> so far.<br />
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The brutal humidex is not making this an easy task but I don't want to leave it too long.<br />
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Nest up will be the Creek. Stay tuned.<br />
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Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13394415371484679221noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014735289677816960.post-12270386032049929842020-07-13T06:04:00.000-07:002020-07-13T06:04:01.622-07:00Forgotten Land 2020 TallyI recently did a walk through the Forgotten Land, knowing the birds would be done in all the nest boxes. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPx8bKfMArulW5oUlgZnkV-ki70HIHzHhj2R7oD-__2jLy8fxJgFGXeN4bZQ5tdaF9xuueyxP54s6i3eIfVeZAM1zw-WdU_4XN_nD64oq2gnwoRWs9p_4i-2MwlxLXyJV2zE1D0ZjuTK4/s1600/treeswall2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPx8bKfMArulW5oUlgZnkV-ki70HIHzHhj2R7oD-__2jLy8fxJgFGXeN4bZQ5tdaF9xuueyxP54s6i3eIfVeZAM1zw-WdU_4XN_nD64oq2gnwoRWs9p_4i-2MwlxLXyJV2zE1D0ZjuTK4/s320/treeswall2020.jpg" width="320" height="213" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1066" /></a></div><br />
Sure enough, that was the case and here is what is what I ended up with, including a slight recap for anyone just jumping on board with the nest blog.<br />
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5 of the 6 nest boxes were occupied with Tree Swallows.<br />
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I had 27 eggs total throughout. I suspected I could get one or two more but was content to leave the birds be at that point. <br />
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4 of the 5 nests were 100% success. All eggs hatched. All young fledged.<br />
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1 nest was abandoned, leaving 6 unhatched eggs. Who knows what happened?<br />
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So, for 2020, I had 21 fledged Tree Swallows in the Forgotten Land. That's a very good year, especially compared to 2019 with 6 fledged from one nest and the other 3 nests were all failures.<br />
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Unfortunately most of the boxes saw their last year. They were falling apart in my hands as I opened them up to clean them out. These boxes are easily a decade and some years old and the wood is brittle. I knew this would happen at some point. I am just happy they held out for the season. Losing the box I called "old reliable" did bother me a tad; it's been a great productive box every year.<br />
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I have many months to get some replacements and hopefully it will be with as little cost to me as possible. I have since contacted "the organization" about getting some through them. I like to think the success of 2020 would entice some new interest.<br />
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Instead of throwing a bunch of photos in here, I made a small collage of that walk through the area.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Bzlms3h5Sp3uA-qgexF9PB8CA0lX4NH1Yv2O0689B4wNuVvmG-ykvf-upzGeSsnlbptE-3rSplzDeH2blUQgxBMYEUq6_uFMJFBtmAOOMUzqUsu7GxlfxbTWNrfjRCC7Lk0CVrLlxq0/s1600/forgottenblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Bzlms3h5Sp3uA-qgexF9PB8CA0lX4NH1Yv2O0689B4wNuVvmG-ykvf-upzGeSsnlbptE-3rSplzDeH2blUQgxBMYEUq6_uFMJFBtmAOOMUzqUsu7GxlfxbTWNrfjRCC7Lk0CVrLlxq0/s320/forgottenblog.jpg" width="320" height="320" data-original-width="960" data-original-height="960" /></a></div><br />
The coins I found along one of the foot trails. A small payment for my good deeds.Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13394415371484679221noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014735289677816960.post-58404460242452299572020-06-03T20:54:00.001-07:002020-06-03T20:54:37.618-07:00Explosion!Well I have to say that I am in awe at what has been going on at my nest boxes. Explosion does sum it up.<br />
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First off, The Forgotten Land. <b>Five of the six nest boxes</b> now with Tree Swallow nests and all full of eggs. This is more than ever before. This is uplifting after the awful nest season last year. Currently there are <b>27 eggs</b> throughout and that number could still go up.<br />
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Tree Swallow in "Old Reliable". I REALLY like this photo. What a face! I took a very similar picture last year.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoVs0B36rzMTQuhyphenhyphenJ3Was_DeVlncaym9-oN3gz8TA2L_k-uuvWlwD86CVbIxt9BSRsp6CPIAeC8XeRiClUgaZlEBcPOBPMo0iWhli98Xscpu7esgub9H2RcTYsNBLpw4Y53cxOa2tIP9g/s1600/treeswall2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoVs0B36rzMTQuhyphenhyphenJ3Was_DeVlncaym9-oN3gz8TA2L_k-uuvWlwD86CVbIxt9BSRsp6CPIAeC8XeRiClUgaZlEBcPOBPMo0iWhli98Xscpu7esgub9H2RcTYsNBLpw4Y53cxOa2tIP9g/s320/treeswall2020.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I moved the green box that I had left as a memorial to where the Bluebirds nested to a more open spot and Swallows took to it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIkgX6ZdkWK9_Y1ZWdw2lBladkc6wlUGHUTExCG-tsdklbA2sb6h_d_Bxz1fyodGOrmGvP6v_O-BFmGJTzuta3B_VdUuyN18o5akkhbGDiXa39P-Z08i5oeDDwmk8sVeLyHie5j9wtuk/s1600/nb1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIkgX6ZdkWK9_Y1ZWdw2lBladkc6wlUGHUTExCG-tsdklbA2sb6h_d_Bxz1fyodGOrmGvP6v_O-BFmGJTzuta3B_VdUuyN18o5akkhbGDiXa39P-Z08i5oeDDwmk8sVeLyHie5j9wtuk/s320/nb1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
I am thrilled with all these nests. Moving the boxes away from the sports field was a great thing. I really hope this will encourage a certain organization to invest in the area for next year, and replacing these very old nest boxes.<br />
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Over at Lambton, a 2nd Swallow nest is on the go. Both have 5 eggs. I will settle for a <b>total of 10</b> though a couple more eggs is possible before it's all done. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULUWMuAHkqBqs57OFXP0LSFfuaKPxFYKQ9q2qEvoASOWyKH2HyVKVDFAcIPDjUJBf6WW1g0MVkDgISVg2m8w6oA0uQ8C5iWZNzLvKTBacu2k_xyXC4ON4pi_ldzyUjI1WuzzxX_uFPyk/s1600/arenanest1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULUWMuAHkqBqs57OFXP0LSFfuaKPxFYKQ9q2qEvoASOWyKH2HyVKVDFAcIPDjUJBf6WW1g0MVkDgISVg2m8w6oA0uQ8C5iWZNzLvKTBacu2k_xyXC4ON4pi_ldzyUjI1WuzzxX_uFPyk/s320/arenanest1.jpg" width="240" height="320" data-original-width="720" data-original-height="960" /></a></div><br />
A Wren nest was started in a lone box I set up for them last year but I think it's turning out to be a dummy nest.<br />
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The Creek has really exploded as well. There are <b>seven nests out of the nine boxes</b> set up. <b>Egg total is at 39</b> and again that number could go up as well.<br />
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A Tree Swallow on nest. The bird flew out after I closed the box door, which is when I could count the eggs.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZmAMFAvJr-7KB8ZNk_QJXidcENvz9_gseIH3LNTRBnNzM_LrmgagcNqAMVBg8JZis_fiTNP02C4YO4WRKoT1oG0BQ___jWDeaVdf3h7sH2tWBBb3IfGCuPoJ1_gRwdzut55ItSoaedwE/s1600/nb2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZmAMFAvJr-7KB8ZNk_QJXidcENvz9_gseIH3LNTRBnNzM_LrmgagcNqAMVBg8JZis_fiTNP02C4YO4WRKoT1oG0BQ___jWDeaVdf3h7sH2tWBBb3IfGCuPoJ1_gRwdzut55ItSoaedwE/s320/nb2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Six eggs. Nice. Just slightly above average counts.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN90H70n4FZyx1hWzyIlhjwxWlbsNGLe0wPvcvUBRmdRNC_6gaGSqMGf6oNq-8o9uWyFglpv5FPFYNbWL8UarSi5AZtX4FEDMoeXvQsVLjpaKMwQG-czXfb-vEZW0Ns3upmgUVPcQfI1k/s1600/nb3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN90H70n4FZyx1hWzyIlhjwxWlbsNGLe0wPvcvUBRmdRNC_6gaGSqMGf6oNq-8o9uWyFglpv5FPFYNbWL8UarSi5AZtX4FEDMoeXvQsVLjpaKMwQG-czXfb-vEZW0Ns3upmgUVPcQfI1k/s320/nb3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
While Tree Swallow nests are easy to identify, some look different than others. This is one is a deep nest and there is an adult bird in there. Other Tree Swallow nests are not as elaborate but there's always a few feathers lining the top.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVzIE4Ge24-K4dfWRl7hTQMPoI50vwckCNaOmXIG50PTbQzqUAZ2JUcwVXAMwJ8uh3Jk9v-n3YoheMgzvMTR-0mWpPQt9iNEOcKA6WP8Cjvkf9vgeu_3vHJs4o8MW1XucrhtJDI8tyII0/s1600/nb4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVzIE4Ge24-K4dfWRl7hTQMPoI50vwckCNaOmXIG50PTbQzqUAZ2JUcwVXAMwJ8uh3Jk9v-n3YoheMgzvMTR-0mWpPQt9iNEOcKA6WP8Cjvkf9vgeu_3vHJs4o8MW1XucrhtJDI8tyII0/s320/nb4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Between these three areas there are <b>14 Tree Swallow nests and 76 eggs</b>.<br />
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I did a sweep of Area One on June 01 and can add another <b>13 Tree Swallow nests with 70 eggs</b>. Some of the eggs hatched already and one box in particular, I chanced upon seeing Tree Swallows REALLY freshly hatched. This box is Wood Duck Alfie's box. I met Alfie through the Ontario Eastern Bluebird Society. The OEBS is also the reason why I am monitoring boxes. I wish I could tell Alfie of the activity in this box but he passed away in December back in 2017. He was a real character as he should be, being over 80 years old. He had a great sense of humour. He was an honest man. He cared about the birds he built boxes for. We do our best to maintain the couple boxes I got from him. I cannot help but think of him when I check these boxes.<br />
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Fresh hatches in Alfie's box June 01, 2020. The world may be in turmoil right now but this sight in nature had me forget everything for a little while. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcahlIuNLwEinJCZ32MMcHCnxnQ8kT_XHact35Dc2r5BUHqZpmcIk1ePdPMQn7BnRszm2XKQzYug2fqLFrdnntNFzvOj2bBaMEUHlIFDMogfFMT8sKFXrrO1eNtis6YckvlVvJopPqPvo/s1600/arb1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcahlIuNLwEinJCZ32MMcHCnxnQ8kT_XHact35Dc2r5BUHqZpmcIk1ePdPMQn7BnRszm2XKQzYug2fqLFrdnntNFzvOj2bBaMEUHlIFDMogfFMT8sKFXrrO1eNtis6YckvlVvJopPqPvo/s320/arb1.jpg" width="240" height="320" data-original-width="720" data-original-height="960" /></a></div><br />
Photos of a few more hatches or eggs throughout the other boxes.<br />
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I also found 3 House Wren nests, none are dummy nests, and all had eggs inside. While I could not see into the wren nests, I held my phone over top and captured photographic evidence of eggs. I accidentally deleted the shots. Grr! Wren nests are easy to identify as they are stick nests and usually fill the box right to the entry hole. <br />
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Then I had an odd find in another box. Black-capped Chickadees had started to build a nest but it was kiboshed by an adult Tree Swallow who died inside the box. The body was quite decomposed already so this happened a number of weeks ago. It's unfortunate that this was not discovered much sooner as maybe I would be reporting an active Chickadee nest. The box is very near where we had the nest 2 years ago which unfortunately a House Wren destroyed. The bird threw 4 newborn Chickadees out of the box to their deaths and also pipped the 3 eggs which were going to hatch at any time. The area is definitely favourable to Chickadees but they sure have it rough here. Perhaps a few Chickadee style boxes that the Swallows cannot get in and if there's a few, then hopefully a Wren won't come along and mess things up either. Something for 2021.<br />
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The mossy nest material is a sure sign that Chickadees were building here. That poor Tree Swallow. Spring was rough, being very cold and wet, once again seeing snow even in the first week of May. Once again, proof that you should never just throw up a bird house somewhere and forget about it.<br />
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So in total, I have <b>27 Swallow nests</b> on the go with a <b>total of 146 eggs</b>. I think my previous record is 91. I wanted to hit 100 this year and am thrilled to have hurdled past my target.<br />
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To think that I started monitoring in 2016. There was 19 boxes at Area One with 7 nests and fledged 33 young. A lot of progress in 4 years, eh?<br />
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Let's hope all the birds have a great nesting season. <br />
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Just an FYI if you're following me here; the Peregrine Falcon fledge watches start this weekend so there will be a delay for the next box checks and nest blog.<br />
Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13394415371484679221noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014735289677816960.post-82268004437111007822020-05-25T21:29:00.002-07:002020-05-25T21:29:44.070-07:00And Just Like That I Have Nests...Time is flying. It seems like only a week ago I was watching the newly arrived Tree Swallows just starting to gather nesting material for the boxes they claimed. <br />
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This is the only time I see Tree Swallows on the ground, when they are gathering grasses for the nest.<br />
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It's been a difficult time what with covid 19 affecting things like blogging. Angie works from home most of the time now and the computer area is tied up during her scheduled work hours. By the time I get home from work at night, I am too tired to blog. After checking 3 of the 4 nest areas the last couple days, it is time to fire out a blog so I really don't fall behind.<br />
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The Forgotten Land has eggs in the box I call "Old Reliable". I do wonder if it is the same pair of Tree Swallows coming back to it?<br />
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There's 3 other nests in development from the box relocating I did. I've seen a few other swallows around so it will be interesting to see how many I end up with.<br />
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Over at Lambton, swallows have returned to the same nest box and have eggs. <br />
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I filled the Chickadee nest tube with wood chips. It was excavated weeks ago but the birds did not return. I hear them in the area and believe they chose another location.<br />
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A House Wren is back and has filled up a lone nest box that I set up last year when I was trying to help the Chickadees.<br />
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Interesting is that another pair of Tree Swallows are in the area and looking to claim a box in between the Chickadee nest tube and the active Wren box. I found grassy material in the box and then sticks on top. I am thinking the Swallows are having a little battle with the Wren over this box. On Friday I made the decision to take down the Chickadee nest tube and set up another nest box in case the Swallows want to move a little bit further away. As I was doing the nest box work, a man approached me, remaining physically distant, and thanked me for what I was doing. He's been enjoying the bird activity while he walks his dog. I said I was glad he was appreciating the birds. He didn't quite understand why I was taking down the Chickadee tube even with my in depth explanation.<br />
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What's really cool is there is a male Eastern Bluebird hanging out in the area. He's been seen a few times now. Man I wish he would call in a female and claim one of the remaining nest boxes.<br />
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He is around often. I swear he's there just to tease me. Like I said, he's just hanging around.<br />
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I only had my small lens. Isn't that the way?<br />
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Moving on over to the Creek. Lots going on there. A blog should have been done just on the work I did this spring. There was those 2 rotting white nest boxes I discovered. I replaced both. I knew of 2 forgotten nest boxes up the hill, interestingly enough, set up by another organization. One of those I brought down to this spot. Swallows have claimed it and have eggs. <br />
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The other box up the hill was crooked. Birds tried to use it last year but with the hole pointing upward, I believe they abandoned the nest because of the rain getting inside. It was set up with grass and feathers but didn't go any further than that. Weeks ago I re-positioned the box and Swallows are now using it, also with eggs inside.<br />
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There are 9 boxes in the Creek area. I checked 7 of them and 5 have nests. Egg counts are 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. Another box has a nest in development which I will inspect two weekends from now and see what's going on.<br />
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Five eggs. It looks like blood on a couple of them. Hmmm?<br />
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Six eggs! Seven is my record. NOTE: on average, Tree Swallows have 5 eggs. Six eggs does not surprise me because that happens more than when I find four eggs as the final amount in a box.<br />
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The remaining two boxes I will check later in the coming week. It appeared there was bird activity at both when I walked through there last week.<br />
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It looks like I am going to have a really good nesting season at the creek.<br />
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The Creek is a really interesting spot. Angie and I have recorded 80 bird species over the last few years. It's a quiet green space without much human interference and it shows. I really should do a summer bird list to see how many actually nest there. <br />
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We had a new bird species added to the Creek list today being a pair of Eastern Meadowlarks. This late in May, I am wondering if the birds are going to nest here? <br />
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We get other cool sightings like this mink.<br />
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Or this pair of courting frogs (toads?) with a minnow audience right in the creek.<br />
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I will do my best to be back with another blog very soon after my next inspection of Area One.<br />
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Thanks for sticking with me here!<br />
Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13394415371484679221noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014735289677816960.post-4643623485287109472020-04-22T09:23:00.003-07:002020-04-22T09:31:50.428-07:00Forgotten Land - Are We Ready for 2020?So I've been puttering around the Forgotten Land for a few weeks now. Thankfully it really is a forgotten green space and my goings on in the area are solely me. I may see one or two people and that's it. <br />
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I have pondered giving up on the location, especially after last year and how poorly things went. My hopes of luring Bluebirds back here does fade but it will never truly go away. Any of the areas I am monitoring boxes, wishes of attracting Bluebirds is always there. There is one box at the Forgotten Land that does keep me monitoring the area. It's a lone box off the main road. It has had 19 Tree Swallows fledged over the last three years.<br />
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While I don't advertise the exact locations to any of my areas, a few trusted friends are in the know. They help keep eyes on the locations and send me bird reports that I really do appreciate, especially as the birds are slowly coming back. One of them informed me that he saw a Tree Swallow in the Forgotten Land last week. Today I went through there and saw a bird near that lone box. I do wonder if it's one of the same birds from past years that nest here?<br />
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A photo from last year. I only had a small camera with me today so I didn't try to photograph the bird in a nearby tree.<br />
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I've been worrying about these birds coming back and how it's turned unseasonably cool the last number of days. Those winds are pretty brutal too. I just have to wish the best for them, to tough it out and may we have nests on the go in another month or so.<br />
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The lone box from today's visit. I did find a couple feathers inside so I assume the bird is using the box at night maybe, or has been checking in periodically as he's claimed it.<br />
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There was a controlled burn here last week. With all the overgrowth burned away, I discovered that all the old nest boxes here were not cleaned up. Someone had thrown them into the field and they got swallowed up in the green. Now they are exposed once again. I piled them up and hopefully can get them removed. It is too bad the burn did not take care of that.<br />
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Another thing I worked on was moving the boxes away from the sports field by the school. I found some strength to pull out 4 t-posts with my bare hands and set them up a couple hundred feet away. These posts have been in the ground for over a decade. I know I was unsuccessful past attempts at tearing them out. Perhaps my frustrations with the pandemic gave me that extra something I needed?<br />
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With the posts set up elsewhere, I brought the boxes home and fixed them up a little. A few walls reinforced and I painted them all. One I added some bark to the front just for the heck of it.<br />
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It's kind of like that old saying "putting lipstick on a pig" but the boxes will hold out for another nesting season, if not longer.<br />
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I set the boxes up few days later and now we wait.<br />
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Here's hoping to good nesting season here in the Forgotten Land; but if that lone box is the only nest, I am okay with that too.<br />
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I should add that I moved the one box remaining on the east side of the area as well. It was where all the Bluebird drama took place a couple years ago. I didn't want to move that box for sentimental reasons but finally did this year. I forgot to take a photo of it for the blog. Next time.<br />
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Thank you for giving this a read; and two words I hope we don't have to keep saying to one another sooner rather than later... "STAY SAFE".Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13394415371484679221noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014735289677816960.post-64993051430435685822020-03-03T07:58:00.000-08:002020-03-03T07:58:36.632-08:00Lambton March 2020Well, March is here, it's warming up and it's time to get out to the boxes for pre-birds-arrival inspections. I visited the Lambton site on March 02 and physically inspected all 5 nest boxes.<br />
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Everything looks good to go for the season other than some pole grease and wood chips in the nest tube to hopefully bring back the Black-capped Chickadees for another year.<br />
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The Chickadee nest tube. Some of you may recall the battle I had with a male House Wren constantly making life hell for the Chickadees at another box nearby.<br />
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After the Chickadees left the nest tube last year, I put in new wood chips in case they wanted to nest again. The birds cleaned most of the chips out but did not re-nest. It was worth a shot. I had a pair re-nest in our backyard box one summer.<br />
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It seems a Downy Woodpecker used this nest box to roost in throughout the winter. We also experienced this at home with a couple of our boxes. Too bad they won't nest in a box as I'm told they prefer to make their own nest cavities.<br />
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I will leave the box as is for another few weeks in case the bird still uses it at night.<br />
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This box is probably going to need replacing after the season. It had a nest started in it last year but the birds abandoned it. The year before that, Swallows did nest successfully in it.<br />
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It was a quiet walk, lacking birds other than 1 Northern Cardinal I could hear. Eyes were upon me from one of the watchers of the woods high above me.<br />
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Here's hoping to a better nest season than last year here but 7 Chickadees and 5 Swallows fledgling is nothing to complain about.Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13394415371484679221noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014735289677816960.post-23922284973813879142020-02-06T05:00:00.000-08:002020-02-09T07:16:16.735-08:002019 Final Tally and...I really dropped the ball with the 2019 nesting season. One part is the cold wet spring we had, which delayed some of the nests and the birds' nests were all over the place with stages. <br />
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Tree Swallows which is mainly what I monitor every year. <br />
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Then I got really involved in our Peregrine Falcon nest which went on for a lot longer than past years. I guess having rescued two of the young, being my first real rescues, did something to me.<br />
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3 of the 4 young. Photo credit to Roger Leekam, fellow watcher.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVqSP-1yXbwFgvr1l42GKAUeUrqIZ32NtxSDKw5cM5i06nwdb6iROaw7LDxRr2x5yjAK2oc3v0jVwZtxDn3e7ggX9NiqbMYYIhIt97k2DpqorvRqeilvEvcB9nuLGbfwSiwYV8FN11HFY/s1600/ABA1+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVqSP-1yXbwFgvr1l42GKAUeUrqIZ32NtxSDKw5cM5i06nwdb6iROaw7LDxRr2x5yjAK2oc3v0jVwZtxDn3e7ggX9NiqbMYYIhIt97k2DpqorvRqeilvEvcB9nuLGbfwSiwYV8FN11HFY/s320/ABA1+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="320" height="200" data-original-width="1400" data-original-height="875" /></a></div><br />
In the end of the nesting season, I had <b>91 fledged Tree Swallows and 7 Black-capped Chickadees</b>. I really thought I was going to hit 100+ but things happened like eggs stolen, nests abandoned before egg laying (never count your birds until they have hatched), a nest box knocked over and those 5 young died. It's funny to me that in '19 I had 19 nests and 91 fledged. Yes, I'm a bit of a numbers guy.<br />
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It is early February and while we have quite a bit of time yet, I'm getting my head around the 2020 season. Mental notes on what I could do vs what I have to do.<br />
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My friends up at Area One have started relocating some of the boxes, putting them in more accessible places. It's better for us with monitoring and better for the birds since the boxes are getting swallowed up in the growth. One issue is the growing number of House Wrens at this location. It is recommended to get the boxes away from the growing brush and hopefully deter the Wrens. Perhaps start cutting back some of this overgrowth too. But it's not my land, so I cannot make that decision.<br />
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Lambton is good to go but I will make another trip to the boxes in March and April.<br />
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The Forgotten Land I am still debating about. Should I continue or take down the last of the boxes and let it be forgotten? 2019 was a bad year for the nesting birds. I am getting no help from the organization. I will not add to the area, that I know. I haven't been over to look at how the boxes are doing but will before March.<br />
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The Creek did very well for the first time. The 2 original boxes I discovered finally came down recently. They were very old and dilapidated. I have been trying to find out who set them up, so far with no luck. It would be nice to have 2 new boxes up to replace those ones. I have 2 other boxes there that could use replacing as well. All 4 of these mentioned boxes did have successful nests in 2019.<br />
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I cannot stress enough about the importance of taking care of bird boxes. It's not a good thing to set them up and then forget about them. It's unfortunate how many people do just that, never considering the mess left behind with old nesting material, fecal sacs and quite possibly deceased birds inside.<br />
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How nest boxes should be set up is just as important and another time I will post a reminder about that.<br />
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I hope to do better with blogging about the 2020 season. I thank everyone who has followed me the last few years through all the ups and downs.Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13394415371484679221noreply@blogger.com0