To Let: Charming country cottage situated on three acres on West Road in Dorset. One room, sparsely furnished, is perfect for raising a small family. Pleasant views of perennial beds and sloping lawn front entrance. First come, first served. Warning—you may have to fight for it…
As any of our many real estate agents in the Northshire area will tell you, summer is always the main season for turning over properties. Here in my backyard the situation is no different; except without the aid of a realtor to keep competition under control. Thus bidding for my most popular birdhouse can quickly become vicious. First, it was a lone chickadee that stopped by for a peek at the house. Soon after, a pair of determined tree swallows competed against him. As of yesterday morning, a second tree swallow couple fixed its gaze on the one-room dwelling. The result? An all-out housing war in which only the fittest survive.
The West corner of the yard now hums with a constant flicker of feathers and chorus of angry warbles. I have witnessed many an aerial strike between the chickadees, tree swallows, and any interloper who dares to get in their way. I guess that I’ll have to watch and wait to see what happens next!
Another prime piece of real estate on the new Route 7 ensures more bird-watching fun: the Great Blue Herons are back in their nesting spots along the road to Bennington. If you have a little extra time, pull your car over by the vast marshland two miles north of Arlington. At a closer glance, you can see several—about five—heron nests perched precariously on the spindly skeletons of dead trees. Just a few days ago, I saw that the heron brood had hatched and that each of the giant nests, guarded by the stately birds, contained about two or three brown babies. To my amusement, you could also clearly hear the babies’ caterwauling from the side of the road, a distance of about 500 feet. Make sure that you stop by before the chicks abandon the nests, and remember to bring your binoculars!
On another note, the Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds have been back for a few weeks. As usual, the males came up first to stake out their territory in mid-May. The females are now arriving slowly just in time for the mating season. Make sure that, with all of the hot weather we have been having, you remember to change the sugar water in your hummingbird feeders frequently for the hot temperatures turn the mixture rancid quickly. A solution of one part sugar to four parts water is the safest and most advisable for your feathered friends.
Seen anything interesting in your backyard lately? Is there a question you’ve been dying to ask? If so, send me an e-mail at chickadee@att.net. Happy Birding!
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