Springtime visitors!

Eastern Bluebird !

I put my first bluebird house up 3 years ago after seeing my first bluebird in my neighbors yard.  I had hoped that she would hang around once I put up the house but no luck.  The following year I had two separate nests in the house!  Last year ~ I put up a second house (thinking that since there were quite a few new bluebirds from the year before).  I did see a bluebird one evening, found one twig in one of the houses, but that was it.  I didn't realize that the houses need to be about 100 feet apart.  So, I moved the second house. 

This year I have nests in both houses!!!  I'm going to try to get photos of the eggs and baby birds ~ guess I should do a little research before hand.

Downy woodpecker

Ruby throated hummingbird

Yeah!  They are back! 

 I first say him on April 16th ~ luckily I had put my feeders out the week  night before.

Northern flicker

Male cardinal

This is an idea that I came up with, after seeing  a similar item in a catalog.  I already had the little feeder and just added cotton balls.  It is to try to entice hummingbirds to nest near by.  They like to use cotton type material in their nest.  Clearly something is using it, but I'm not sure if it's the hummers or another bird.  I'll have to keep my eyes open for takers!

I am patiently waiting for the return of my butterflies.  I planted an herb garden this weekend with several host plants for black swallowtails and tiger swallowtails. 

I also started a dozen or so butterfly weed plants in-doors to attract the monarchs !  They are pretty small right now.  I hope the make it.  I do have 4 plants from last year that haven't started coming up yet.  I read that they start later in the spring, if not, I may have to go hit the nursery for more.  I also have so milkweed seeds to plant and will be ordering some milkweed seedling from Monarch watch soon.

I hope all who read this are having a wonderful spring!