Bluebirder's Revenge / Pest Extermination

That is one proud pup. He treed the squirrel as if he was a real hunting dog and when the squirrel was knocked out of the tree he was all over it. That is one less squirrel to threaten my bluebirds and one very happy pup.

The End of the Clutch

Last night the remaining bluebird was killed. We are trying to figure out what did this to prevent it from happening again. Below is what I found this morning. My heart sank and I felt sick. Graphic pics

Bluebird Disaster

Today I stuck the GoPro in and all I could see was a Leg sticking straight up. My stomach dropped. 2 of the babies were dead in the nest and only one baby was left. It looked healthy but ants had eaten some of his brothers and sisters. Here's to you last little bluebird. 

I put ant killer around the base and did not dare pull the nest with the baby in it. I will do some research and see if I need to pull the nest to clean out under it.

Bluebird Baby Feeding Time

Feeding time. You can hear the babies going nuts for food when the parents enter the nest box.

Baby Bluebirds

I'm not sure how many have hatched but mom and dad Bluebird have been very busy feeding some hungry mouths. I used a mechanic's mirror to try to see who was in there but I just couldn't get the angle right. Then I thought about the bad ass super wide angle of the GoPro. It did the trick and gave us our first glimpse of the babies. 

Bluebird Watch - The Backyard Drama Continues

The other day the bluebirds were suddenly absent. A quick look in the box revealed ANTS! I went into action mode, grabbed the drill took off the top and the front and began smashing and sweeping out all the ants from the bird house. I ended up pulling the nest out of the house and smashing the ants that were hiding under the nest. Gently, I removed each egg (they are unbelievably light and by this point I was sweating bullets) and removed the ants from the eggs. The eggs were still intact and in great condition, no cracks. Whew! When I was satisfied that I had destroyed as many ants as I could I put the nest back with the eggs neatly arranged, put the top and the front back on. Then I dusted the base of the pole with Bayor Ant Killer. I went around the corner of the house to put the ant killer back into the cabinet and when I returned to the backyard (literally within a minute) the bluebirds were standing on their house. She flew into the house and rearranged the eggs and the nest. 

We are still waiting for the eggs to hatch. Our fingers are crossed. 

Sharpie Work

Haven't had much time to draw lately. Got some inspiring words and advice from Paul Puckett. Sharpies are unforgiving and once you realize that and just go for it, things tend to go much more smoothly. Thanks for the advice and I will put it to good use. 

 Another Paul Puckett inspired "Tail."

A quick Tarpon sketch.