Shed Building Plans

This pretty Northern flicker was busily building a nest in the hollow of one of our older willows. She worked for weeks and I was sure that she was laying eggs any day. Unfortunately the starlings got in there and threw all of her eggs out. Doyle has now been given the OK to kill all starlings on site. Dang rotten birds. They seem to do this every year. I am amazed anything survives the starlings in Idaho.

This little nuthatch was building a nest in our barnwood Christmas house from the kids. She seemed to be building in tandem with a pair of tree swallows who were also trying to nest in it. They seemed to take turns adding to it. This went on for weeks but now no one is using it. Apparently sharing was out of the question. I am bummed because nuthatches are really fun to watch.

And finally our mystery bird. I think it may be some sort of tanager but not sure at all. Very orange in color and we cant find it in the bird book. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

We have also spotted finches, Cedar Waxwings, grosbeaks and juncos. This year we are growing lots of sunflowers to feed all the pretty birds. Sunflowers dont take up that much room and birds really love them. We have also dried and stored them to be brought out in the winter time. It always seems to be a nice treat for them when there is way too much snow on the ground.

I have been busily refilling bird feeders around here. When the harsher weather comes I feel the need to supplement their diet and make it easier for them to sustain life.