[EBB Sightings] Chickadee nesting and other news

We were blessed last year to have the Chickadees build a nest and raise a 
family in our patio.  The box was donated to Mt. Diablo Audubon Society with 
nest inside.  It was replaced last fall with a box given us by the program 
chair of the Chapter.

For several days now, they have been inspecting the box, inside and out. 
Today they started taking next material inside.  It is a commercial material 
bought at Wild Birds Unlimited.  They do not take the sheep wool which is 
also available for them, nor do they take any of Rosita's hair, which she 
saved when it was cut.  They have been looking at all the plant containers, 
especially those which nurseries sell made out of what looks like bird nest 
material.

Our only fear is the roofing project which is slowly progressing through our 
subdivision.  I am worried that our house will be started right about the 
time any eggs might hatch.  We'll just have to see how it goes.

In nearby Heather Farm Park, the male Yellow-rumped Warblers are all showing 
some indications of change in their plumage, the yellow is much more vivid 
and they are receiving their black bibs.  A couple of them have almost 
complete black now.  The Ruby-crowned Kinglets are singing up a storm, and 
an Oak Titmouse pair appears to like a Nuttall's Woodpecker nest hole from 
two years ago.  I haven't seen or heard the Red-shouldered Hawks for a week 
or so, but maybe our timing is just off.

Hugh B. Harvey
Walnut Creek