Bird nesting season is in full swing. In my yard we have nesting Steller’s Jay, Red-breasted
Nuthatch, Black-capped Chickadee, and Bewick’s Wren. I can also see where the Chestnut-
back Chickadees are excavating a cavity nest. The Bald Eagles have been on their eggs for
some time now. Last years fledgling came back to join the family. I frequently seen the trio
circling above. The yard is a flurry of activity from feeding to gathering nesting material.
Normally Pine Siskins migrate back north and nest in the regions of northern Canada or higher.
This year two pairs have decided to stay. I observed one wrestling a clump of dog hair (I strew
dog hair in the yard for this purpose) that was bigger then itself. It wrestled the clump to a
manageable size and flew off some distance away to a Doug Fir tree. I don’t own a dog, but a
devoted friend sends me packets of her dogs hair every year.
The nuthatches have chosen a cavity in a fir stump next to the living room window. My husband
has enjoyed photographing the process of the excavation and the installation of nesting
material. Among other items, we watched the birds strip tiny pieces of redwood bark and insert
the strips into the cavity. They bring in bits of straw-like material, as well as, fluff. And it is
interesting that they finish the outside hole with daubs of pitch. From the photo below, look
closely at the head color of the two birds. the male nuthatch has a black cap while the female a
lighter gray color. Yesterday, April 12th, the birds stopped the building of their nest and settled
down to deliver their first egg. Most likely, the female will lay her eggs one day at a time until the
clutch is complete. Then she will start the incubation process. We will keep you posted as to
when the eggs hatch and the feeding begins.
Nuthatch, Black-capped Chickadee, and Bewick’s Wren. I can also see where the Chestnut-
back Chickadees are excavating a cavity nest. The Bald Eagles have been on their eggs for
some time now. Last years fledgling came back to join the family. I frequently seen the trio
circling above. The yard is a flurry of activity from feeding to gathering nesting material.
Normally Pine Siskins migrate back north and nest in the regions of northern Canada or higher.
This year two pairs have decided to stay. I observed one wrestling a clump of dog hair (I strew
dog hair in the yard for this purpose) that was bigger then itself. It wrestled the clump to a
manageable size and flew off some distance away to a Doug Fir tree. I don’t own a dog, but a
devoted friend sends me packets of her dogs hair every year.
The nuthatches have chosen a cavity in a fir stump next to the living room window. My husband
has enjoyed photographing the process of the excavation and the installation of nesting
material. Among other items, we watched the birds strip tiny pieces of redwood bark and insert
the strips into the cavity. They bring in bits of straw-like material, as well as, fluff. And it is
interesting that they finish the outside hole with daubs of pitch. From the photo below, look
closely at the head color of the two birds. the male nuthatch has a black cap while the female a
lighter gray color. Yesterday, April 12th, the birds stopped the building of their nest and settled
down to deliver their first egg. Most likely, the female will lay her eggs one day at a time until the
clutch is complete. Then she will start the incubation process. We will keep you posted as to
when the eggs hatch and the feeding begins.
