I thought the issue had been laid to rest after I saw the Bluebird couple exploring an old bird box in the neighbor’s yard. I also thought the Northern Flicker, that bullied his way into the unused Red-headed Woodpecker nest, had settled the matter. Yesterday, my assumption was challenged.
The background of today’s diary can be found on the link to my previous article.
As usual, I had the camera with me as I was walking around the yard. I happened to hear the commotion from the power pole where my favorite pair of Red-head’s home is located. I captured what little bit of the drama took place there.
The first video was taken the day after the Bluebirds discovered the bird box (which I thought was their choice of new home).
32 second video
This next video secured my belief that the Flicker had claimed the nest site for the season.
11second video
The following video was the surprise I got when I heard the racket from the power pole. I turned the audio off because of the amount of traffic noise overwhelmed the moment. The birds were oblivious to the traffic but I was too far away and thus my “free handed” recording is shaky. Sorry about that part. I tried to steady my camera before I finished filming the melee.
1:25 minute video (audio off)
At the 15 second mark of the video, you’ll see the male Bluebird emerge from the nest with something in his beak. I think it is a feather (bedding material) that the Flicker had deposited. The moment was too fast for me to identify the object. During the male’s absence, the Flicker returned and dove at the female. That led to both Bluebirds defending themselves and starting an attack of their own. The Flicker retreated into the cavity to make a stand.
Prime real estate has become an issue for animal populations since the new subdivision was created 3 years ago. 160 acres of wooded land was plowed down for human congestion with only 25% designed as “Green Spaces”. Those areas have ponds that are heavily managed by a local lawn service that uses enough poison (weed management) to eliminate native plants, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.
There is one neighbor between my home and the subdivision. He raises chickens to eliminate the ticks that flourish here. They unfortunately deplete the food source for the ground foragers (Wrens, Thrashers, Quail, etc) that were abundant here.
The neighbor is at least using a natural method to pest control.
37 second video
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My Bug of the Day came with a group that covered the ornamental Holly in front of my home. The Tiger Swallowtail are always a welcomed sight. I hope you’ll enjoy these.
Papilio glaucus feeding on Ilex (Holly) blooms.
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