Spring! Pictures

[Pixiebeak]

I love finding robins’ nests. So pretty.

These are bluebird eggs.
But yes robins eggs are so pretty too!!

 

[WillowQ]

I thought they were a bit light for robins but didn’t know bluebirds had blue eggs. Did you photograph into the nest box?? I have not seen bluebird eggs but only robin eggs.

 

[Pixiebeak]

I thought they were a bit light for robins but didn’t know bluebirds had blue eggs. Did you photograph into the nest box?? I have not seen bluebird eggs but only robin eggs.

Yes. I have several bluebird nest boxes I put up.
Some species will not tolerate observations or disturbance of nest. But bluebirds will once they lay their eggs. I do once weekly after eggs are laid .
If chickadee nests I leave alone.

Protocol | Florida Bluebird Society

www.floridabluebirdsociety.org

Excerpt:
" Nestbox Monitoring Protocol
The Florida Bluebird Society’s Nestbox Monitoring Protocol has been distilled from several sources, including the North American Bluebird Society, Cornell Lab of Ornithology NestWatch Nest Monitor’s Code of Conduct, the American Birding Association Principles of Birding Ethics, state bluebird organizations, and web sites such as Sialis.org.

Our Protocol seeks to adhere to two guiding principles:

A. The Florida Bluebird Society recognizes the need to provide nestboxes if there is to be a healthy population of Eastern Bluebirds in Florida. We will, as much as possible, confine its role to that of providing nestboxes and refrain as much as possible from assuming a caretaker role.

B. The Florida Bluebird Society promotes the monitoring of nestboxes with minimal disturbance to help ensure bluebird nesting activities remain as “natural” as possible, and that the bluebirds retain their “wild” status.



FLORIDA BLUEBIRD SOCIETY NESTBOX MONITORING PROTOCOL
1. Ensure the Safety and Well-being of the Birds

The first principle of monitoring a nestbox is that no observation should jeopardize the safety and well-being of the birds. All activities associated with the bluebird nesting box should be done as quickly, quietly, and carefully as possible.

We strive to avoid stressing the birds and do everything possible to ensure the least amount of impact upon the birds. Our activities must not jeopardize their nesting success.

Everything the monitor needs to know can be obtained very quickly, preferably in one minute or less. When taking photographs, there is no reason to keep the nestbox open for a prolonged period of time.

2. Plan Ahead to Minimize Disturbance

Nestboxes are monitored only for data collection. Planning is important to maximize monitoring efforts and minimize time at the nestbox.

• • • Learn to identify the nests of different species. This will enable you to know what you’re looking at when you open the box.
    • Learn the normal time frame for the nesting events.
    • Plan a regular schedule of visits to the nestbox in order to obtain an accurate record of the nesting events.
    • Prepare in advance the field data sheets to record the information.
    • Move away from active nestboxes when recording the data to avoid unduly stressing the birds.

3. Caution is the Key

Announce your presence before opening the nestbox. In many instances the birds will flush from the nest before the monitor arrives at the box. When this doesn’t occur, lightly tap the side of the box before opening it very slowly. If the adult doesn’t get off the nest, carefully close the box and leave the area. When opening the box or tapping the side of the open box, stand to one side, not in front of the box. This is for two reasons: 1. If there is a parent in the box, this will let the bird fly out, and 2. standing to the side will protect you if there is any other creature in the box, such as a snake. You don’t want any surprises coming at you.

4. Hands OFF

When monitoring the nestbox, do not handle the bluebird nest, eggs, nestlings or parents during an active nesting period. In Florida, individuals wanting to handle the bluebird nest or its contents during the active nesting period need to possess the proper federal and/or state permits. An active nesting period is defined as follows: Nest building, egg laying, egg incubation or nestlings present. Please note, if a nest was built but no breeding activity was observed, it is still considered active until the end of the full breeding season.

It is recommended that a camera phone (with no flash), mechanic’s mirror or dental mirror be used to view the inside of the nest to count the eggs or nestlings. If unable to make an accurate count of the eggs or nestlings, indicate it is a minimum number rather than handle the nest contents.

English sparrows and starlings are not protected by the Federal Migratory Bird Act. The nests, eggs, nestlings and any adults should be removed if found in a nestbox. House sparrows are small enough to enter a nestbox through a 1½” entry hole and will destroy bluebird eggs. They will attack and kill both nestlings and adult birds trapped inside a nestbox. It is important to recognize the birds and nests protected by the Federal Migratory Bird Act and those non-native species which are not protected.

5. How Often and When

Nestboxes should be monitored once a week in order to obtain accurate data, to inspect and make any necessary repairs to the nestboxes, to determine the status of the nestlings, and to avoid interfering with the natural nesting schedule of the"

Use link for full article!

 

[WillowQ]

Looks like fun. Could you set up a camera?

 

[Pixiebeak]

My first summer tanager of the season!
If you've been reading this thread, then you know! Summer Tanager was my whole motivation to go native and a big pollinator garden!! I had wanted to see them for 14 years!! But never did. So I read all about them and brought them to me!! They've even nested in my property and reared young!
I love them!

 

[Pixiebeak]

How you can attract them

Summer Tanagers May be Hiding in Plain Sight

Seeing—or hearing—a colorful male or female summer tanager is a red-letter day because these birds aren’t as nearly abundant as other songbirds.

www.birdsandblooms.com

.
Excerpt:
"
How to Attract Summer Tanagers
Summer tanagers are clever eaters. A nickname for the summer tanager is “bee bird” because it eats so many wasps and bees. People have observed them catching bees and wasps, flying to a branch, and rubbing the insects against it to remove their stingers before gobbling the bugs. To attract this species, plant native flowers that attract flying insects. These birds also enjoy overripe fruits like bananas and berries and may be drawn to birdbaths or other sources"

 

[WillowQ]

Wow! I’ve never seen one of those.

 

[BluJay]

I'll call these my little chickens
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Black n blue salvia the color is so amazing
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That's it Laura!

Can I come to Florida and set up a tent in your back yard? It's like a magical PIXIE wonderland there. So many gorgeous plants and animals.
I got excited with the dandelions started growing in my yard. No sprouts yet on my flowers; going to reseed after our frost day of 4/20.

Jay

 

[Xoetix]

The dark pink azaleas have arrived!



And in the middle of those, this gigantic rose... Tree... Pops up every spring. I say tree, because it's one central "trunk" with long vine "branches" that spread out.

 

[Xoetix]

Also I don't know if anyone else likes lichen, but I love this stuff. It's so pretty and bright, bright red. It's my favorite. If I could grow it myself I'd have it everywhere.

 

[WillowQ]

I love lichen and tiny moss or mushroom landscapes!!

 

[Xoetix]

I love lichen and tiny moss or mushroom landscapes!!

Me too! During the pandemic I had a whole moss terrarium set up, it was amazing. And easy, lol - just mist and leave it to do its thing.

 

[WillowQ]

I think I’d enjoy way too much a tiny landscape like that with frogs…

 

[Pixiebeak]

Also I don't know if anyone else likes lichen, but I love this stuff. It's so pretty and bright, bright red. It's my favorite. If I could grow it myself I'd have it everywhere.

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I do love these!

 

[Pixiebeak]

Babies are here and nearly ready to fjedge!

Black throated blue wabler.

 

[WillowQ]

They’re adorable! You are way ahead of us up north.

 

[Pixiebeak]

The bluebird babies are out of the nest! My yard is filled with babies of baby bird species! So cute to see their baby antics and following parents learning the ropes .

I saw these pretty babies in such a lovely setting!


And a reminder to go pesticide free so save bumblebee and pollinator, and have insects available to feed all these baby birds!

This is critically endangered southern plains bumblebee enjoying sunshine mimosa in my yard!

 

[Sarahmoluccan]

Woah I can't believe you have babies already! Then I remember you live in Florida so I guess seasons start earlier for you being so much warmer. We'll probably not have babies here for a bit. I have seen a bunch of mating behaviors here, babies will be here soon

We're finally seeing leaves on the trees and flowers are popping up again

 

[Pixiebeak]

Bumblebee and bees love bluejacket
The color of these underappreciated flowers!

 

[Sarahmoluccan]

Oooohhh those are so pretty They have this delicate elegance beauty to them