A place to call Home

Over the years of nest box trail walking at our "Over the Rainbow" outpost in the Huachucas, looking inside those magic little houses never ceases to give me a thrill. What each family has to overcome to survive and thrive. Let's see, we had a record breaking heat wave followed by torrential monsoonal rains. And guess what? All of our bird families managed to feed their nestlings and fledge to larger horizons. Thankfully for me this year, there was no eyes squinting, carefully and cautiously opening the nest boxes to discover that one hadn't made it out. Whew! I haven't always been so lucky...

Currently we have two remaining stalwart Azure Bluebird couples hustling to get their little ones out and about before too long. Something to note, one of the couples chose a nest box in close proximity to a Cooper's hawk nest, where 3 Cooper's hawks have fledged. The Cooper's nest was assembled near our back porch a few years ago, which they always decided not to use. The Mexican Jays always managed to keep them away with their constant scoldings. This is the first year the hawk couple prevailed and with three young voices whistling and calling constantly to their parental units, I can tell you it has been fun. I didn't realize Cooper's were such yackers! And yes, I know, songbirds are their diet, but its all part of the web of life, one we have to respect. It is great to know that all feel welcome at our little mountain cottage and ranch...A place to call Home.