After the wasp ..…..the bluebirds return

The male Bluebird came by this morning to check the nest for wasps. After he gave the all clear Lady B appeared.  

She cautiously peeked inside.....and then ventured in.  I hope she likes it well enough to build a nest.

  







As a side note I did put meal worms out this morning  to encourage them after the wasp incident yesterday .  I didn't see the bluebirds in the feeder, but the worms disappeared  quickly.......... I'm amazed at how quickly the little chickadees and tufted titmouse  find them !!

Later in the day .....

The male checked the nest again this evening and then perched on a tree limb close to my house and the box - enjoying the early evening light and  guarding his territory. 
I'm not sure if this is my bluebird from last summer but he seems to like some of the same favorite perches.  

Wasp in the nest.....

This morning the pair of Bluebirds made their usual stop at the box..  But something didn't seem right.  He doesn't usually perch like this with his tail stiff on the box,  So I went out to take a peek and there was a wasp building a nest inside !! Not for long though - I wish I had taken a photo before I chased him out.  Hope the Bluebirds come back.  I seem to remember the same scenario last year and it didn't stop them, so I'm hopeful.

Loyalty...

I continue to be impressed by the loyalty of paired bluebirds to each other and their broods.  Their life centers around the family unit.  Something that a lot of the most intelligent animals on the planet have failed to assimilate.  Life lessons can be learned from Nature’s simplicity.

L.Dillon.  Bluebird Diary.

Last years  fledgling siblings returning home for a visit - January 2015

Bluebirds - Spring 2015

Sometimes we learn the hard way .....

 Last year I placed the nest box on the fence and  a raccoon stole all four chicks from the nest :( ....... so this year I moved it from the fence to a free standing pole with a predator guard.

A male bluebird claimed the box a few weeks ago and  has shown it to a few females (or it may be the same pair that keep coming back ?? )  Today he placed a pine needle in the box to encourage a female to build the nest 

Lady Blue

The female usually has more than one nest site and suitor to choose from. Once she decides who and where then she alone will build the nest.  

Ever vigilant

The male frequently checks the box for any unwanted guests.