"Birds are building a nest in the eaves trough," I said to Mike last month. "Please take care of it.""You said that last year," he reminded me. "I went to the trouble to climb up there and there was nothing."
"Yes, I remember," I said, "but this time you will find it's true." While the property was rejected by potential builders last year, this year's clients found it appealing. Dutifully inspecting the eaves trough as assigned, Mike found that I was indeed correct. "I tossed out the nesting material," he said, "but they are undeterred. I saw them plotting a comeback."
And yes, they came back. After a whirlwind romance, Mr. and Mrs. Gonzo Goldfinch had said "yes" to the location for their new home and were not to be deterred. If they'd had the assistance of a real estate agent, they might have realized the downside of living in an eaves trough that leaves them open to the elements,but Mrs. Goldfinch said she would sacrifice protection from the rain for the security of the curved metal. She also liked the fact that she can banish Gonzo to the other end of the trough when she gets tired of him. This is truly roomy real estate and they love it. 
It's distracting to me --the coming and going, swooping in and swooping out right above the living room window. And now that the Goldfinches have become a family, they are noisy neighbors. Imprinting being what it is, I'm afraid now that it will be difficult to deter future generations. KW
12 comments:
Those are really good shots of the birds, but you know what I love in the photos--Nellie! Is she actually smelling the flowers???
She has a discerning snout,but I don't think she cares much about floral scents.
Look at that picture again and tell me what else you see. It's something new. I thought you'd pick up on it immediately.
Ah!! The banister! It looks so natural that I didn't notice. It's very well done--a perfect fit. That's great! Are you SURE she's not sniffing the flower?
Mike ordered the banister and made the decisions with my approval, but when the guy came to take the measurements, Mike wasn't home. The worker and I agreed that a little short piece there by door would be good, but I forgot to mention that to Mike. And then we weren't home when they installed the banister. "I didn't tell them to do this," Mike complained when he saw the little short piece. I had the satisfaction of saying that was my contribution -- and I like it!
Great shots of the nest builders! I'm sure it is noisy. My finches go crazy in early spring when they are building their nests. I have a giant Brazilian Pepper tree in my courtyard & I'm sure they have nests in it. Mine have red & orange breasts.
I've hung about a dozen painted birdhouses out in the courtyard. One birdhouse seems interesting to the birds each spring. It's a little wooden painted cottage. I have evidence that some little guy was working hard but getting nowhere. There were many little sticks on the patio below this one house. One stick is lodged in the little round "door." It isn't easy to get sticks through that little hole. The first rule is to push sticks through the "door" from end to end. This stuck stick is lodged in the "door" because it has teeny tiny branches on all sides. Once it was lodged in the "door," the nest building came to an abrupt end.
I really don't think the lady Finches will lay eggs in one of the painted birdhouses. Even though my birdhouses are secure from predators (hanging from a porch roof), their bright colors probably scare off a lady finch, not wanting to bring attention to their vulnerable babies.
I've never been lucky to see the finches build their nests. They are hidden in the tree. When I go out the door, my birds zoom into the tree & hide.
I was involved in a bird invasion 3 years ago. I had the front door open (no screen) on a warm May day. All of a sudden, 2 finches flew in & went straight for the skylights that were open in my pantry. What did I do? I grabbed my camera, of course. Got some great shots of the explorers. Finally got them out of the house (with a broom & a hand). The smart one went back out the door. The confused one went to a window (with screen) in the living room. I was able to gently grab him. He was defensive & fighting for his life. My offensive attempt was weak & he wriggled out of my hand. Eeeek! I'm sure he was terrified. When I caught him again, I raced to the door & threw him out (really). Remember, he could fly. Now, during the spring I never leave the front door open.
This was such a cute story!!! I love it. Birds I don't mind so much. Bees who build homes in my eaves, however, are another story!! Eek!! I hope Mr. and Mrs. Gonzo Goldfinch are kind enough to keep decent hours and invite you to an occasional concert.
That "short piece" of the banister will be very important when Halloween comes around. It will prevent any little goblins from falling off the porch!
Mike is trying to say that he is going to wait until the family is raised before beginning eviction proceedings.
In today's Orange County Register (NP), there's an article about father birds. The writer set up a time lapse camera (once a minute) to capture a house finch nest. 5,060 images later, he learned that the female builds the nest & incubates the eggs. The male stopped by several times a day to feed her. Once the eggs were hatched, he shared in feeding the young. The nest was under the eaves and had 4 hungry babies to feed.
Leah, thank you for sharing that timely info on how the Goldfinches manage their family life. I knew that both birds have been busy around the nest. It's great to know exactly what's going on.
And I agree that the short piece is an added bit of security for anyone who approaches our door.
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