New Neighbors

 We will have neighbors! We have had 5 male Eastern Bluebirds (more?) show up scoping out the housing for their prospective women. Apparently it's a common occurrence with bluebirds and a few other species. We are used to seeing male Robins in our yard very early. When we lived in SC, and here in FL they are just passing through. This year our robins came through in early February. They definitely got some bad advice as to when to head north with all of the cold and snowy weather the east coast has seen! 

Back to the bluebirds: We received a bluebird house as a Christmas gift this year. The Mister bought another and recently put them up in our yard. He was very thoughtful, putting them in locations that I can see from my sewing room. The past few days have been very entertaining with the 5 males. The congregate around one birdhouse, taking turns perching on top. One will flutter down from its vantage point and check out the interior, then another male will swoop over to sit on top of the house. There's not as much aggression as we thought there'd be. Maybe when the females return that will change. 

The fence in this picture is about 5 feet from the birdhouse. The birds line up on the fence, looking for their opportunity to oust the one that is sitting on top. I can't tell the birds apart, so I can't tell if it is always the same male that has claimed the house. 

The Mister was considering moving the house, until he saw the birds. He thought it might be too close to the fence as far as predators are concerned. The other house is in the open. I haven't seen any interest for that one from the birds. I'm thinking that maybe they like the fence being nearby!

Of course, now that I want to post about the birds, there are none to be seen!