NEW TENANTS

 




Last year this time I had some persistent tenants move in. A Phoebe family took up residence on my porch no matter how hard I tried to discourage them. I really didn't care that much that they wanted this neighborhood, it was just their location  didn't suit either of us.


They insisted on building their nest right by the hammock that I have on my porch. Now I have a wrap around porch so there were four options they could have chosen. I tried but could not convince them to try another corner. I finally caved to their stubbornness and let them have the spot they wanted.


Now I wasn't thrilled but was Ok with this, however they took serious offense at my having the audacity to want to lie in my hammock-- EVER. I got quite used to being scolded in Phoebe profanity any time I wanted to enjoy a swing. It was kind of cute.


They eventually ran me off except for the predawn hours when they found me harmless. I grudgingly bowed to the .08 ounce bullies and accepted their terms. Sadly, the constant 100+ temps last year cooked the eggs and they never hatched. No Phoebes came back this year.


Instead, a pair of Barn Swallows have also decided I had the best location to raise a family. I admit the Barn Swallows are handsome birds and they do eat flying insects, especially flies. Plus, plus.

However while I have two nice out buildings and my neighbor has an actual barn, my porch seems to be prime bird real estate. And yes, the chosen spot is also right by my hammock.

The light fixture is their choice for a nest.

However these little fellows are fearless. I don't impress them much and while they do flip me a feather every now and then, it doesn't seem to matter much to them if I want to swing and watch. Occasionally to keep me in my place, they dive bomb me and fly with in about a foot of my face, chirping their warning.


They do have strange nest building techniques however. They are mud dobbers.

This is a partially built nest. These two are tireless workers. They have to fly about a two tenths  of a mile to my neighbor's pond to pick up mud. Then they fly back to apply it ever so carefully. They take turns and as soon as the mud is properly placed, they are off to the pond again. They work quickly.


I have two of these unattractive lights on each side of the porch. They are determined to make it home. At night, they pick a light they are not working on to roost.

Sorry, I took this in the dark and wasn't even sure my camera was pointed at them.

I really don't mind though I do wish they would not just let loose their droppings on the porch floor. I think I am a pretty patient landlady and would appreciate a fly off during the night when they have to poop. Fair is fair.

One night's worth of droppings.

I guess I will just have to adjust to the fact that this is the prize nesting location and just enjoy the comings and goings. Hopefully the heat this year will not do in this family.


Side note. Today I have to go back to the dentist. That tooth ache I had a while back is no longer a tooth but the hole has not healed well. He really had to struggle to remove the bad molar. I am known for my long roots.

The teeth on either side are now sensitive to jarring when I walk so back to the dentist I go. If I lose them also, I guess I could always pose for  anti meth billboard ads:))

Always good to have a plan B.