Things...

are not always as they seem.  One could look at this image and not be wrong to assume it's a male wren in full voice.  But I believe this is actually a female responding to the resident male with her own soft chatters (not like his loud, lusty song).  I also observed her fluttering her wings which is common behavior for female birds in the breeding season.  Finally, I observed what I know to be the male at a different nest box engaged in a battle royal with another male.  At one point, both were on the driveway tumbling about.  It has been quite a while since I've seen two males having a territorial dispute and I'd forgotten how savage it can be.  One male will be victorious and will then breed with the female/s.  They are polygamous so the male will support as many females as he can attract, usually two but sometimes as many as three.  One more picture of the female in Extra looking quite demur.

The bluebirds are back and there were also six tree swallows swooping around the lower yard today.  Two nest boxes in that area, both ideal for swallows and/or bluebirds.  I am going to put up one more box as I think the bluebirds will have a hard time defending against the swallows.  

I've been feeling sinusy for the last week and yesterday when I was out walking, my head exploded with sneezing, runny eyes, and constantly running nose.  When I had an allergy panel done last year, I did not test positive for any allergy triggers, but that does not mean I can't have rhinitis which is what this most likely is.  It's the same today which means that I really do need to limit my time outdoors at least a little.  Also need to pop out to the store and get more Kleenex!  Oy!

Starting to see more insects floating around the garden, including some social wasp queens looking for accommodations.  Hopefully they will choose something that isn't right in my garden as some of the species can be a little aggressive.  

And bravo to Canada!  

xoxo
Debbi