The House Finch pair are back. I’m so excited.
The female of the pair started a nest on our deck last month. You can catch up here. Mama finch had been building the nest for a while before we noticed. Once we noticed, she disappeared. I’ve since learned that house finches build several nests before deciding where to lay their eggs.
Friday morning, I looked out the kitchen window, and there she was. She had a mouthful of tree twig, which she deposited on the nest before immediately taking flight. Her red-breasted mate remained close. Together they flew to our Magnolia, then back to the neighbor’s tree for more twigs.
I captured a few photos from a safe distance, not wanting to disturb the process. Eventually, I had to head downtown.
They’re singing to each other in the afternoons, so I’m hopeful this is a good sign that they’ll stay. If not, it has still been a pleasure watching this simple act play out.
In other potential nesting news, I finally saw a bit of stuffing pulled from my squirrel offering cushion. I somewhat belatedly realized that a bird might also dip down for some fluff so I’ve moved the nesting material to the nearby orange tree instead.
I nervously watched a hummingbird either teasing Tessa or warning her off. Tessa likes lounging under the patio table A hummingbird flew from a nearby shrub, dipped toward her, and then flew away. I held my breath through that transaction.
Life in the back garden is a balancing act. Squirrels and birds visit by day. At night we see opossums and the occasional raccoon. The kitties come in at dusk and stay inside until 8 or 9 in the morning. At 18, Lindy spends most of her time at rest. Mouse, the cat, is overweight, despite our best efforts, so he’s not much of a threat. I worry about Tessa, though. I want to keep all the garden visitors safe.
Gardening Nirvana 
Lots of drama in your yard. The same is true everywhere, and those who are observant catch glimpses. Good luck with keeping peace in your realm.
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Thank you, Laurie! The House Finch stopped showing up again. Oh, the torture. Lots of squirrels though, and a crow or two. Never a dull moment.
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Always something going on!
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I’m still watching my Jay’s though not seeing any babies but you know how well I see. I know how much fun it is to see all the happenings in the world of nature. I’m hoping Tessa is just entertained by all the visitors. She’s so well taken care of in the food department, she probably won’t bother anything. We can hope anyway. 🙂 I’m excited to see if you get a little family of Finches.
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Hello Marlene. Our House Finch stopped visiting (again) but I have a friend watching five House Finch babies in a nesting box on her patio. I’m so jelly! Are you seeing baby Jay’s yet?
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I think I heard them but I see so poorly at a distance. Mom and dad are still popping in and out a lot.
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That must be a good sign then! Ah, nature. She’s always puttg on a good show.
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Finch Follies, Cat-scapades, hazardous Hummer ! Goodness, it’s a thrill a minute in your yard 😀 I remember the opossum that was stuck in the cat netting in your yard too, crazy!
Apparently Racoons stay very close to their home. So if you see one, chances are you’ll see it again and again. My friend Lori Nelson has them visiting her deck in Whiterock, BC. They’re really chubsters because a neighbour of hers there feeds them. You’re actually not suppose to because they become a nuisance (and unhealthy). Apparently they’re hard on the lawn furniture too. Nature hey? 🥰 xo K
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I could have sworn I commented here. I must have done it in my head. Not the first time…LOL. I saw Sherri’s post of the chubby raccoon climbing her fence after camping on her deck. Yikes! We don’t see them often, but they’re around. I’m sorry about Lori’s place. That’s unfortunate for sure.
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Good to see your wildlife
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Nature can be wonderful, but cruel too. We have a lot of birds of prey and they sometimes venture near the house where we have lots of nesting birds. Although the small birds all make such a noise to warn each other and find safe perches quickly, I always fear they may be at danger which prevents me from putting out feed for them. Look forward to news of your nest and any offspring!
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It’s lovely to see the birds nesting – I hope no unsuspecting person ever comes to visit and tries to draw open those curtains though😱
We have two pairs of blue tits and a pair of sparrows in the three bird boxes, a pair of wood pigeons precariously nesting in a small tree and goldfinches in our honeysuckle covered archway. We see the goldfinches flying in with clumps of sheep’s wool they’ve filched from the fences around the fields but I did worry yesterday during some very high winds because the arch has rusted through at the bottom and I suspect is only being held upright by the honeysuckle. I’m still too worried to let the cats out until after dark for an hour or so before getting them back in again. 😾
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maybe you need a sign on the “curtains” about do not draw us – see above!
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Do you know I actually thought of that, too! Sadly, she’s gone again. Boo-hoo.
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