18 Jul 10 - Blue Bird Flight Training

 
We have over the past several years tried to get Blue Birds on our property and in our Blue Bird houses. Last year we were sucessful but we never saw any baby blue birds. This year we have 4 new baby blue birds (2 male 2 female). Today appeared to be "Flight Training Day".

We starting seeing them very early this morning out of the blue bird house. We think one flew into our large dinning room window but luckly survived. Later we spotted one on the ground outside our kitchen window with the mother sitting in the tree watching over him.

Then this afternoon, Vino (our cat) spotted one male sitting on the outside window ledge of our family room. Then we spotted one male in the tree and two females on the rocks. Mom and Dad would come an go and the little ones would fly with them.

It has been a really exciting day and we are very happy to been able to view "Blue Bird Flight Training Day".

08 Jun 2009 - Territorial Bird Fight

For the past several years, we have bird houses out waiting for a Blue Bird to take residency. The development to the south of us seem to get all the Blue Birds. Last year, we had a male hang out at one of the bird houses but apparently was never able to find a female that wanted to move in with him. This year, we have both a male and female Blue Bird using the bird house. Earlier this season a Swallow was checking the house out and two Swallows did take the other bird house about 30' away.

This morning I noticed that a Swallow was going in and out of the Blue Bird's house. When the male Blue Bird returned there was an hour long battle for territorial rights. The Swallow would sweep down and buzz the Blue Bird and then the Blue Bird would chase the Swallow away. Then I noticed that the male Swallow in other bird house got involved by chasing the invading Swallow away. I guess he likes his neighboor better than another Swallow.

It appears now that the Blue Bird has won the territorial rights to the bird house and hopefully we will be able to see a new baby Blue Bird this summer.

19 May 2008 - Looking for a home

For the past several years, we have been trying to attract Blue Birds at our property where we have 5 Bluebird homes erected. About 3/4 mile north of our house is a development called Sage Creek. The Bluebirds have been roosting there for many years but normally you do not see them in our area.

This year we have had visitors and it appears that this Bluebird may adopted our Bluebird house in the front near the willows. Last week, a male and female checked out the houses but finally decided to move on. For the past couple days, this Bluebird has been sitting on top of the house and I have seen him picking up grass and moving it into the house. He does not appear to have a mate at this time but he continues to sit on top of the house hoping that she will find him soon.