Birds

It’s a Struggle for Birds Too

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read573 views

When designing our gardens thirteen years ago, we didn’t think about wildlife, we simply wanted to create a simple and relaxing atmosphere both in the front yard and back. As time went by our gardens became an attraction to various wildlife, so much that we had to take drastic actions to protect ourselves and our plants. We have many dense native bushes, shrubs and trees all over our property, which attract birds, hummingbirds, lizards, butterflies, bees, ladybugs, beetles, dragonfly, wasps, hoverflies, stink bugs, praying mantises, garden spiders, and much more (most of which are beneficial garden insects). These plants are nesting sites for birds, most of which prefer the front yard. We have bird feeders, bird baths, and water fountains all around our gardens to keep the birds and other wildlife happy.

Eight years ago we built two birdhouses in the backyard, one of which is double sided. A few years ago, a bird built its nest in one of them and laid ten eggs. Everything seemed to be going fine, the eggs hatched, and both parents went back and forth looking for food and caring for their young. At some point we noticed that the baby birds were constantly chirping and found one of the ground, dead. The parents eventually abandoned their babies most likely due to shortage of food and the remaining nine eventually died in the nest.

Birdhouses.

Early this month, a female House Finch laid five eggs in the nest. One of the nestlings fell out of the nest, in what seemed like an attempt to take flight, and didn’t make it. The remaining four flew from the nest a few weeks later.

House Finch fledglings in nest.

Last weekend while fastening Jasmine vines to a trellis, I saw a bird nest with five tiny eggs hidden among the leaves of the climbing Jasmine. I don’t know why this nesting place was chosen; perhaps it offered camouflage and protection, or because other birds have successfully raised their nestlings nearby.

Bird nest with eggs.

A few days later, we found two dead featherless chicks on the ground and realized the nest had been disturbed. We suspected a crow, since one of the chicks had disappeared. We moved the nest back in place, secured the opening, and hoped the last two eggs would make it.

On Tuesday, we found vines on the ground and noticed that the nest was pulled forward. One of the last two recently hatched chicks had vanished and the last one was lifeless.

Newly Hatched Baby Bird.

Our backyard is the heart of our home and the place we explore and observe. For now we are looking into ways to better protect and secure the bird nests from predators.

Saving a Baby Bird

Rachel By Rachel1 min read666 views

This morning my dad found a baby bird by the edge of the driveway; this nestling was just too young to be out of the nest. After close inspection, my dad realized that the baby bird was uninjured and shaking. He carefully placed the baby bird back into the nest.

Fallen Baby Bird.

The next picture shows a couple of baby birds and an egg which has not yet hatched. Hopefully the other babies don’t fall as well.

Baby Birds.

The mother returned later to feed her nestlings. I hope she knows she can trust us.

Baby Hummingbird

JM Perez By JM Perez1 min read828 views

The first baby hummingbird hatched out yesterday and is as tiny as the size of the egg.
The baby hummingbird has dark skin with what looks like tiny yellow strands of hair on its back. The eyes are still closed and it has a short yellow beak.

Baby Hummingbird.
Baby Hummingbird.

Eighteen days later, our baby hummingbird has gained weight and put on real feathers. Its eyes are wide opened, its beak is much longer and darker.

Baby Hummingbird.

Baby hummingbird left the nest for the first time. Realizing it had some difficulties flying back to its nest, we carefully picked it up and placed it back into the nest. I am sure its mother was grateful.

Baby Hummingbird Left Nest.

The second egg never hatched …

Hummingbird Nest

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read1.1K views

I have always been fascinated by hummingbirds and their sizes. I had wished to see a nest, an egg, baby hummingbird and wondered how their nests are constructed. Well, my wish came true early this morning when I almost destroyed the nest thinking it was an abandoned beehive.

Early this year I hung a shabby chic wall candle holders by the car port in the backyard to brighten and liven up those cool soiree nights. Little did I know that it would become an ideal location for a hummingbird to build its nest.

Hummingbird Nest with two eggs.

Their cute little nests are built out of small leaves and twigs, spider silk to bind their nests together as well as lichen.

Hummingbird Nest.

The mother hummingbird patiently watched and waited for me from a distance as I peeked into her nest. A few seconds later, she returned to her nest to incubate her eggs.

Hummingbird Nest.

A couple of months ago, my husband and I watched horrified, helplessly as a hawk trapped a bird sitting on her nest and devoured the mother along with her eggs. The bird’s carcass was then thrown to the ground. This hawk watched the mother bird for days and attacked when it was least expected. Despite the fact that the mother bird built her nest high on a pine branch, well hidden and surrounded by thick and dense branches, she didn’t get a chance.

Can you spot the nest on the picture below?
I hope this hummingbird nest is protected from the elements and from predators. I will be keeping an eye on it too.

Hummingbird Nest.

We are looking forward to see the baby hummingbirds in a few days.

Peaceful Morning

JM Perez By JM Perez1 min read592 views

Today was an absolutely beautiful day here in the High Desert. I got the kids ready and drop them off to school and head right back home to tend to my garden and spend a great time in the backyard. The weather was great, the air was fresh, nature was peaceful and plants were covered with beautiful blooms.

Texas Sage in Bloom.
Aptenia Cordifolia.
Gaura Lindheimeri.

Our newest addition to the garden is the Pygmy Date Palm. Last year I got rid of all the rose bushes from the right section of my front yard (view here, picture captioned “Front Yard, Right“) and planted the the Pygmy Date Palm six months ago.

Pygmy Date Palm.

I came across a young bird this morning. It seems like the little bird came out of its nest for the first time and fell down to the ground. I spotted its mother on a nearby tree, so I left the baby alone.

Young Bird.

The squirrels are keeping me quite busy this summer, particularly the little ones. Early in the Summer the Pomegranate tree was covered in fruits and just a few days later, those little critters stripped almost all the fruit from the tree. I read somewhere that squirrels do not like the scent of spicy foods, garlic, peppermint and mothballs. I will try some of these to deter them and will be looking into other ideas since they have no problems climbing fences.

Happy Wednesday.