Visitors this weekend - such fun!

Does it get any more fun than this? We don't travel around the world. We are happy here at home with our tree house, forest, wetland island, and grandkids!

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.

Phoebe's feeble nest refuge

'Tis a perfect spot for my granddaughters!

 My backyard has a tree house, built by the previous owner, a furniture maker, using wood from our property.

Huge pine supports the tree house

JOS guards the tree house!

The balcony

Mossy nest, shot through the chicken wire!
S/he is building it beside the doorway.

My twins explore the tree house.
Felix is on the roof, Buster the branch.

Nest location is a tricky thing. Phoebe, again, has chosen to build it in the tree house.

Bungied chicken wire on the balcony,
see the nest mid-photo!

Totally blocked the door to cats!

Not really a good refuge, with three cats who patrol. Last year, the nest was destroyed (cat or raccoon?) before I protected it. Two little eggs eaten on the floor.

This year I am being proactive, and have blocked the doorway with an old trunk and the balcony window with chicken wire.
Phoebe can fly out over the box, or out the balcony.

Felix sits on the steps, busted!

I see the parents everywhere.

THis one hit the window.

It flew off after a moment.

#214

Here he is, listen to his spring song in the video.
Here is a video of the phoebe, singing high in the tree in our backyard.