Monday 11 June 2012

Phoebe update - still going strong in the tree house

One bum, one head!
Tree house AKA bird house
Things are looking good in the largest bird house in Lanark County, maybe the province!

I have posted previously about Phoebe Family setting up house in our house. With three cats, it didn't seem wise, but its location, location, location.

Last year a cat killed the nest, and/or raccoon made off with the two eggs. This year I cleverly barricaded them in with chicken wire. Birdies can come and go. Cats, the mink (seen it 3 times!), raccoons, not so much.
Pheoebe mom and dad have been catching, eating and feeding a wonderful number of bugs.
It has a bug for its babies
It is a delight. Its song fills the air all day, as it takes joy in raising children, in the beautiful spring season.

I captured photos of its supervision. It won't go near the tree house if I am anywhere near it. Resting, instead, on the sumac nearby.


Watches me carefully

Sitting on the arbour

Seeing me walk away, it took off, bug still in its mouth!

I've figured out how to get a photo.
Using the macros lens, up against a hole in the wall.
Using view finder.

Sadie & Buster
on the table near the tree house.

8 comments:

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

Awww, cute little birds!

Linda said...

Hope your precautions mean the babies will survive. We have never had a phoebe in the garden.

Kay L. Davies said...

Glad that bug made its way to the baby phoebes despite that lady with the camera, LOL.
Listened to the phoebe-sounds, but had to listen twice, the second time with my eyes closed because watching while listening made me seasick. I hope that's not a sign of things to come because we're doing a trans-Atlantic cruise next year.
I looked up the Eastern Phoebe, and a map of its range shows it coming close to us but not into the southeastern corner of Alberta, and not into BC where I used to live. It's sure a little cutie, though, isn't it?
K

Linda said...

What an awesome sight! I know you are loving it!

Olga said...

Mama Pheobe looks long suffering.

Red said...

You are fortunate to be able to watch such a show. thanks for sharing.

EG CameraGirl said...

What a treat! You get to see the Phoebe kids grow up. :)

Nancy said...

How thoughtful of you to provide a safe environment for the birds to raise their young! xoxo