Over the past few years, we've made multiple attempts to draw the birds to the front of the house with both different planted flowers and an array of feeders. Finally though, we just gave up on that notion and took the feeders down because despite the feeders and food used, the birds just wouldn't have it. This is probably due to the fact that there was not much plant cover to make them feel safe until just recently.

Now that the willow bushes are nice and full, there's a lot more cover for the birds to come and stage to any feeders set up. A few weeks ago, there were a few American Goldfinches and Black-Capped Chickadees singing in the willow bushes.

Yesterday, we put the feeders back up to see if things would be different this time around. They were extra pieces for the set up in the rear of the house, so might as well put them to some use instead of them sitting under the deck rusting away, right?

After less than 24 hours, I've already seen 2 House Sparrows (ugh) eating off the ground under the new setup, and an American Goldfinch eating from one of the feeders! That was quick!! Let's hope the birds decide to stick around this time!

Despite my hatred for House Sparrows, I don't mind them eating the seed off the ground. Then at least there is less of a chance of that seed rooting and sprouting new growth that I have to then go and weed. I suppose I could apply some weed killer to that area to be preventive rather than reactive. Another item to add to the to-do list.

FOY Baltimore Oriole was just on the jelly feeders!

A few minutes ago, 4 Blue Jays was mobbing and flying overhead in wide circles. I don't see the Blue Jays doing that very often at all... I have only heard them in the past but never actually seen them mobbing.

The Pileated Woodpecker has not been back since the last time I wrote about him. Well, he might have been back, but I have not seen him. I have heard him a few times though in the nearby trees.

The Eastern Bluebirds are still sitting on the nest of 5 eggs. There should be more to report in a few days once the eggs begin to hatch.

The Barn Swallow nest is completed, and I'm guessing the first egg is not far behind. Probably within the nest few days there will be eggs. I just wish they were a bit cleaner. There's poop and mud drops all over the place!!!!

The Barn Swallows are back! They are scouting for a nest spot, and I won't be surprised if they begin building shortly. I can only hope that if there is a nesting pair this season that they are more resaponsible and attentive to their young than the pair from last year.

Mama Bluebird has successfully laid her 5th egg today! She has a nice sized nest now, and will hopefully begin sitting soon. Will have to check again tomorrow to see if she has a 6th egg or not. So far though, have only ever seen a maximum of 5 eggs in the nest at a time though.

We're up to 4 eggs now in the Bluebird box!

The Pileated was back again today - that's twice in one day. This time, at about 5.15 PM. He landed on the Bluebird house (pissing off the male Bluebird big time!), then flew back to the oak trees, and then made his way back to the log feeders. This time though, he opted for the Not-log feeder.

Must get photo of Pileated Woodpecker on Bluebird house. Must!

Over the past 20 minutes, the male Bluebird has repeatedly chased off both a Downy and Hairy Woodpecker who have been trying to eat off the log feeders. They've showed zero interest in the Bluebird nest box, yet the male is determined on keeping away any bird he sees as a threat.

I wish he would be as diligent in dealing with the Red-Winged Blackbirds, Grackles, Starlings, and House Sparrows!

This proves that this year has a different Bluebird pair nesting in the box. Not only are they more territorial that the pair last year, but they still don't like to stick around when I go into the yard.

There's now a third Bluebird egg in the nest box! Keep on going mama Bluebird! 5 or 6 would be awesome!