Nesting Activity
2003
Steller's Jays:  A sad year for the Jays.  They built their nest early and the platform we placed on the beam worked great.  However, one baby fell from the nest before he was really ready and after three days he died.  The parents did their best to take care of him but to no avail.  Two more babies left the nest the following day and they seemed larger and I thought they would be ok.  They were hopping about the yard and hiding under the shrubs.  One afternoon I heard the jays making a ruckus and went out to look - a huge raven had taken one of the babies and the other was missing.  I looked everywhere but couldn't find him.  It was heartbreaking - all three babies died on the same day.

Click here to see photos of the Blue Jay babies.

Mountain Chickadees:  No nesting this year

Western Bluebirds:  No nesting this year

Black-headed Grosbeak - These beautiful birds nested in the trees next door.  The babies have such a plantive cry - their call reminds me of a little kitten.  Several babies came into the yard for water and suet.  Unfortunately, the little baby in the photos did not survive.  He fell prey to a maurading cat that came into the yard.  That is why it is so important for owners to keep their cats indoors! 

Click here to see photos of the Grosbeak babies.


Gray Squirrels:   Not many squirrels around this year.  It's been a hard year for them.  The oaks all across the mountain did not produce any acorns due to the prolonged attack of the fruit leaf roller caterpillars.  We put out peanuts for them and they always help themselves to the bird seed but the lack of food this year really took a toll.
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