My time spent in Washington was wonderful. Good friends, good photo opportunities and lush forests- what’s not to like! My return home was not quite as welcoming, read on…
I came home from my Olympic Peninsula workshop and found that my little finches had all fledged. I was so happy to be done with that ordeal. No more keeping the front door closed, I wouldn’t have to worry about sitting on my porch and I could enjoy some peace and quiet- finally!
I spent my first day home doing laundry and mowing my lawn (it was almost a foot tall). The cleanup of the nest and the entire area around it should have been my first priority but my overgrown grass beckoned me.
I found eggshell bits, nesting material and bird excrement everywhere on my front porch. Out came the broom and I dutifully cleaned up the mess. My thoughts were “great! I am so glad that is over!”. After finishing the porch clean up, I went inside and treated myself to an iced tea that I had brewed earlier. I topped it with some fresh lemon and was delighted with myself and my progress.
I went back out to put the mower away and start the intense clean up of the nesting site. That is when I noticed the adult bird had returned to the nest. She was wiggling around, and more and more debris was falling onto my porch. It was at this time that I realized she was going to repeat the entire process and lay more eggs. Ugh…
I didn’t have the heart to shoo her off the nest. She looked at me with her cute little eyes, pleading for my kindness. I closed the front door and left her to her nesting duties. And so, it goes.
When this clutch is done, I will not let her get a chance for another. I am going to put up the Bluebird statue that I bought immediately. I read once, that they can have up to 6 clutches in one season!