Each year I keep a watch for the return of the herons and egrets. This year, I saw one of each on April 14th. I've seen the heron once more and also what we think may be a cormorant. The cormorant fishes at the same curve of a retention pond each day. I think this might be a returning bird rather than a new visitor, because he's chosen the same spot as last year to fish.
I was reading "Birds and Blooms" with Elegante Mother last month and learned that when you empty bird houses out for the new nesting season, you should also spray the interior with a 10% bleach/90% water solution to prevent carryover of infection. Dear Husband repaired one of the houses for me and then helped me to reposition the houses in the apple tree and pin oak.
I made a "nesting wreath" this year. I bought a straw wreath form and wrapped five inch cuts of yarn, ribbon, and raffia around it, along with lint from the drier. I thought it was a cute idea, but I haven't seen a lot of takers yet. Perhaps those who build their nests later in the season will be interested.
