[CT Birds] Bluebirds first egg & more

[recoverywing at cox.net]

Just checked the  bluebird box and there was a toasty warm egg hot off the presses at 11am. :)))

We put  the four bluebird  slot boxes up the road yesterday, will see if we get some tenants. I know it was late but better late than never right? Next year I am going to see if Mount southington will let me put up boxes on the ski runs.

This morning the black throated green was singing zee zee zee zoo zee while I was mopping the floor.  Bet I am the first person to hear this song this Spring! :))))))

This bird has become quite aggressive to the poor barn swallows, (not that he can hurt them) who just want to fly laps around the clinic without getting their butts pecked. But this Bt green insists on chasing them every time!  Everybody is restless, as I don't blame them for being.

By next week I should have all the winter overs outside getting acclimated for release in early to mid May depending upon weather.

This weekend begins the building of the pavilion for the barn swallows and the chimney for the swifts. We hope to complete the pavilion in one day and the chimney should be complete by the end of next week.

Then we hold our breath and wait to see what our returning swifts, who have been nesting in our home for 15 years, think of the change in nesting locations. 

This was a VERY big committment as so far to date we have spent $3,500 in land clearing, $1,400 in lumber and roofing, and $375 for bricks. The foundation for the chimney and chimney construction (we hired a mason) will cost $3,500. My huisband and volunteers are building the pavilion. 

We hope this structure provides a nesting and roosting site for barn swallows and chimney swifts for a very long time to come.

Jayne Amico/Southington