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.
Arrrgh!!!
It's just my state of mind!
Buffy–Good sightings! Our great blue herons stay around all year. I saw a flock of cattle egrets a few weeks ago; but, I’ve only seen one or two great egrets and no snowy egrets. There were a couple of double-crested cormorants hanging around the pond that is behind the houses across the creek from us for a few days. We, of course, do not get nearly the number of wading birds in our immediate area as you get in yours although we are only a couple of miles east of the Arkansas River.
Yes, bird houses need to be disinfected in some manner. I usually wash the bluebird box out and leave the doors open for a few days to let the sun and wind do their magic. There is usually a medium-sized black spider nesting in the box. The first couple of years, I worried about it; but, I eventually decided that the spiders probably help control other vermin, such as lice.
I’ve never had any takers on yarn pieces. Perhaps that advice comes from folks who have different types of birds about their places?
Hi, Cop Car! I’m not sure which of the birds we’ve seen, but I’d guess Great blue heron and maybe the snowy egret. I’ll have to check my birdbook again.
I’m sad to say that I don’t seem to have many takers for most of the material on my wreath. I’ll check tomorrow to see if they’ve taken the rafia and the ribbons. I know the yarn is still there.