Despite the chill in the air, the little ruby-throated hummers were active at our feeders over the past few days. This one doesn’t seem to mind temperatures in the high 50s under overcast skies nearly as much as I do. He’s wearing his summer colors, while I am wearing my winter socks and warm sweater. (Sigh)! Apparently he enjoys the ease of perching on the new feeders as he sips sugar water. That is good news that cheers me immensely. The little summers are such a joy to see.
And multiple members of the goldfinch family have been enjoying their tube feeder and visit often. Here is one resting on “shepherd’s crook” between visits to the feeder.
The bad news is that I haven’t seen the bluebirds for several days. They have deserted the nesting box. I thought I glimpsed one at the new box late yesterday, only to discover it wasn’t a bluebird, it was this bird:
A wren! Now wrens are cute little birds, but they’re not noted for their kindness to other small birds. I’ve never before seen a wren in the backyard buffet. A new bird can be interesting to watch, but, given the reputation of wrens, I fear for the fate of my beloved bluebirds. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, “When nesting, wrens become very aggressive, often chasing other birds out of nesting sites and sometimes destroying other birds’ eggs.” Does anyone have any advice about how to handle with this situation?
I will say, there is never a dull moment in the backyard buffet!
SEEN ALONG THE TRAIL 
I didn’t know wrens make bad neighbors! Love your birds.
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So sorry about those blue birds. We’ve been wearing sweaters in Maine, too. Such a cool spring.
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I like seeing your hummers. Sorry to hear about the wrens moving in. Hope they haven’t kicked the Bluebirds out.
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I’m afraid they have, but hope they will return with a second batch of babies 👶.
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Sometimes it is tough accepting Nature’s ways. 😦
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That is so true.
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I hope the blue birds return…and that you can manage without the warm jumper soon. Great pictures!
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I say YES to both, Helen. No more heavy sweaters but definitely more bluebirds. One has to hold on to hope!
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