Welcome Aboard Barn Swallows

by Sandy Dee
(BC Canada )

We live in Vancouver BC Canada.

Last year we welcomed aboard some birds that no one wants.

We had barn swallows for the first time. They had 5 baby's and we hope they come back this year even though the nest took a beating this winter.

We found it was unusual for them to build on a peaked roof but they felt safe on our back porch.

We did have to put a box under the nest & move our outdoor chairs because of the mess.

Not many people let them nest anywhere on their homes let alone on a porch but we did.

They where not even afraid of our dogs when we let them out.One baby stayed for almost 3 weeks after the parents & other chicks left.

We think it was one of the later ones to be born as we found they lay eggs at different times.

We are animal lovers with lots of bird houses & feeders. We live in eagle country so get to see many of these beautiful birds also.

Glad to share. I DO HAVE ONE question, It's May & we are wondering when they will come back to nest.

They are flying around now & are wondering if they will nest soon. We left the old nest up. Thanks to Gene for this info.

I thought I would add a close up picture of the strange place these birds found to nest- They built a nest right on top of an old bird house with peaked roof.

They use dry grass etc & mix with water to make a mud nest.

They are sometimes called mud swallows because of this. Its very messy when they are building, Mud every where.

These are pictures of the babies.

Robin and Dove Nesting Together

by Mike Connell
(Arkona, Ontario, Canada)

I located this web-site as I was concerned regarding a Dove that was nesting on our covered back deck.

My concern was that this dove was not leaving it's nest to feed, but on reading about their nesting habits I am now somewhat relieved.

What is quite interesting about this pair is that not long after they set up home on one corner of a 24 inch square shelf top a Robin decided to move in on the opposite corner of the same shelf.

For the past few weeks I don't think that the Robin was even aware of the presence of the Dove as they are separated by various objects.

Now that the Dove's chicks have hatched it is obvious that the Robin is aware of their activity.

We have a motel in Arkona, SW Ontario, Canada, and not only do these Doves and that Robin think that this is a great place to stay.

We also have a Robin nesting above the public phone box at the front of the motel, minimal human activity - thank goodness for cell-phones!

Finches Like Flowers Best

by Karen Barchent
(Findlay, OH)

I have noticed lately that not as many goldfinches have been visiting my feeders and yesterday I discovered why.

I watched a little guy fly up to the feeder, get a snack, then exit below to the zinnias, where he spent at least 5 solid minutes just nibbling away.

Last week there were at least 5 finches in my wildflowers. The hummingbirds have been enjoying the zinnias and wildflowers as well.

Next year I am planting several more flowerbeds of these easy to grow flowers!

Baby Finches

by Karen Barchent
(Findlay, Ohio)

Yesterday morning a little Goldfinch visited our birdbath. I thought he was adorable, so I took his picture.

This afternoon, his brothers and sisters invaded our feeders! We have two feeders, and there were up to 6 on each feeder at a time!

They are a little skiddish, so every time we go outside they scatter for awhile before getting brave and returning.

I didn't get much done this afternoon because I was watching my little feathered friends.

I live in Ohio ~ will they stay all winter? I don't recall seeing any during the cold winter months.

Very Popular Handmade feeder

by 4Deboids
(Joshua Tree, California)

I live in Joshua Tree California. That is in the high desert above Palm Springs.

Last spring I posted a few photos of the Morning Dove who nested on my patio.

So for the past summer and winter I have been feeding the Doves, Quail, Sparrows and Finches, and bunnies too.

I get a lot of enjoyment just watching them. I buy chicken scratch from Walmart so it is not too expensive. I go thru 2 40 pound bags a week, but it is well worth it.

For the past 16 years I have made birdhouses and bird feeders from recycled wood, hence the name 4Deboids.

I had a bird feeder that was not up to my standards so I placed it in the yard where I normally throw out the chicken scratch. The area is on a high bank under some Palo Verde trees.

I filled the feeder with scratch mostly for the little birds. The feeder is designed so that loose seeds and shaft will fall thru the little fence around the porch.

I guess I should not have been surprised at the popularity the feeder received, but I did not think that the doves and Quail would try to squeeze their bodies into the feeder’s opening.

I keep plenty of scratch on the ground, but I guess they just like the challenge.

Yellow-rumped Warbler in my hand!

by Kim Harcey
(Cambridge, MN)

The first time to see a Yellow-rumped Warbler(Butter-butt) at our window feeder. Very friendly lil bird so I stuck my hand out the window with seeds & he ate out of my hand!

Gatorland Bird Sanctuary, Orlando, FL

by Donna Roberts
(Cape Canaveral, FL, USA)

This was one of the best experiences ever. We just had a point-and-shoot camera, but the photos we got were amazing.

If you want to see an awesome variety of Florida's birds close-up in their natural habitat, visit this park in the Spring when they are nesting. The gators are an additional bonus!

Carolina Wrens residing in my backyard

by Janice Jessup
(Virginia Beach, Va)

It is unbelievable that after 5 years, hanging in the same place, this year a wren couple has taken to raise their chicks here in my birdhouse!!

I live in Virginia Beach, my place backs to a salt marsh so I do get a lot of wildlife visiting me. I do not want to get into the raccoons as well!

Photography is my passion so enjoy the pictures.. Do notice the chick's open mouth in the one photo.

SWANS and a RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD.

by Bjorn Krammer
(Concord Ma. USA)

It is unusual to get a Red Winged Blackbird, and 'The Swan Family,' in the same picture. I got them all in the same frame, with the Blackbird showing its colors. And the Swans on the right, in the water.

Even though they are both known to be in pond/marshy areas, I was happy to get them in the same frame. While I am sure it has been done by others, to me, it is one of my best photos.

Great that the Blackbird had near full wing display, and the Swans fit in the same frame.