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[CLKD]

So much going on, so little time to watch 

[jenny]

We've had so much heavy rain here for the last four hours, but I really don't mind, the air smells so fresh, and the blackbirds and thrush are singing away. My lawns are actually looking green again.

jenny

[Bette]

Thanks Taz - that's fascinating. So it wasn't a family group of parents and young, then. That explains why the young didn't react when the adults flew off. 
Bette x

[Taz2]

They may have been a group of youngsters with the adults - just not with their parents. There is more info here about the collared dove. http://www.garden-birds.co.uk/birds/collareddove.htm

Taz x

[Trey]

My heart is broken.  The bluebirds have left two eggs untended. The male was removing white stuff from the box, which is what happens when the babes are getting ready to leave.  The adults literally clean house..  We can see them without disturbing the bird house.  I think they may be confused as we have three houses up this year.  In the middle box there is a nest, but little activity and no eggs.  Very confusing.  I may call an expert in Minnesota, but not sure I even want to know - just sad.

[jenny]

Taylor 

jenny

[Trey]

Thanks Jenny, I so enjoy the whole process of the birds, the preparation of the nest, the dutiful feeding of mostly the male, the female getting hot and tired and looking out of the box to see her mate come sit so she can get a break and then the three little beaks reaching out the opening and then they are gone for two weeks and then they come back to our feeder as new little clumsy bluebirds.  The process being interrupted is confusing.

[Taz2]

Sorry to hear this Taylor. Is there anything here which may give a clue? http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/birds/bluebird/biology.htm   I haven't had time to read it all and I know that you have had Bluebirds for a while so you are well up to speed with the normal behaviour but just thought there may be something...

Taz x 

[CLKD]

Maybe they are deformed or not well when the parents will leave them, or perhaps not enough food to sustain them once fledged?  We feel so helpless don't we 

[Trey]

Thanks Taz and CLKD, and Jenny, I read the whole article and now it seems there are two remaining eggs and evidence that one hatched, thus the white stuff that was carried away.  Will be keeping a close eye on the remaining nest in the other box.  I learned quite a bit.  The golf cart path is right near the boxes and this may be a problem, but unavoidable.  I'll know in two weeks if a baby is brought back to feed on our fruit and nuts feeders.

[CLKD]

Has anyone cut back 'love in a mist' and got them to flower a 2nd time?

[Margarett]

They tend to seed around so much, that I just pull them out when they've finished, and leave some seedlings where I want them.

[jenny]

Funny you should mention that CKLD, I thought about doing it this year, saw a gardening programme on t.v. few weeks ago, it reckond the best types of plants to cut back for re-blooming sme year are those that have leaves growing off the central stem - and love in the mist does.

jenny

[CLKD]

Found one of our small quail injured this evening, don't know how  - I have isolated it from the 4 sisters after putting healing powder in the wound.  Maybe the kitten got through the wire with her paw 

[Trey]

Dogs going crazy at bedroom window looking out to back yard.  Got out binoculars and we have a turtle.  How on earth did he travel this far?  Maybe he knows I have a hare (bunny).