Bluebird v Chickadee

You know i've never actually seen a blue bird...blue jays yes, blue birds no. And blue jays move too fast to snap a picture.

Yeah, some birds have funny rules. Red-winged blackbirds will descend on you en masse but one step in their direction sends the whole flock off. There are a couple of flocks around CrabAppleLane right now but they're camera shy. Blue Jays are always on the move here, too, particularly when they're below treetop level. Get in get out move on. That's them.

That's interesting about the competition for the house. Had the chickadee started putting twigs and materials together in there? Or was he just waitiing for the bluebird to show up, as he has shown up in other years? And now where will he go -- how about putting up another house? The bluebird is really pretty and has a triumphunt look about him, doesn't he?

I don't think either of them had started building a nest yet. I do have another house up. It's a bit smaller, lower, and closer to bushes and trees. Birds don't like it. Someday, after I put up a purple martin condo, I'll put up another one like this clear from trees and high like they like. The vanquished chickadee was off to the side fussing at the bluebird.

He reminds me of the cheerful little fellow in "The Secret Garden".

He's very cheerful, ths, and totally devoted to his lovely mate. They're always together.