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Micki's avatar

How wonderful it will be to see the hatchlings and then the fledglings! The small steps to help birds are so important! I cringe when I see what much of our culture defines as a "perfect" lawn. As Hopkins wrote, "Long live the weeds...." And thanks for including the importance of keeping cats inside--or in a catio!

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Sophie A. H. Osborn's avatar

Thanks for sharing the wonderful Hopkins quote! I hadn't heard that one. My phoebes are now busily feeding their nestlings. : )

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Susie Adams's avatar

Ooh, maybe a post about the catio is in order!

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Susan Marks Reed's avatar

Loved this one Soph!! ❤️

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Sophie A. H. Osborn's avatar

Thank you so much, Susan! So glad you are part of this.

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Susie Adams's avatar

How high is nest? I’m picturing it being quite high and so wondering how you know how many eggs are in it. Thanks for sharing. Love that we both have phoebes!

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Sophie A. H. Osborn's avatar

You're right! The nest is quite high (maybe 14' up). I had a step ladder waiting nearby, so when the female left the nest and flew out of view on an incubation break, I climbed up the ladder, held my phone over the nest, and took a quick photo. I was probably at the nest for no more than 45 secs. A mirror pole would have been a better option, but either way, the phoebe pair was undisturbed. I'll look forward to hearing about your phoebes!

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Dana Osborn's avatar

Love how you persisted and prevailed to have them close!

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Mia McPherson's avatar

This brought a smile to me! I'm so happy your Say's Phoebes are back!

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Bryan McGrath's avatar

Good on you for staying with it! Pit-seew!

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Sophie A. H. Osborn's avatar

Perseverance wins the ... phoebe! : )

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Lisa Koitzsch's avatar

What a beautiful bird!! Flycatchers are indeed amazing and your story of your attempts to accommodate their search for a nest was heartwarming. 💜🐦 Our Eastern Phoebes delight us every year by nesting on the beam above our garage door. Am hoping they will again this year!

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Sophie A. H. Osborn's avatar

I definitely had your Eastern Phoebes in mind when I mentioned this species! I hope they return to your garage this year. Safe nest sites are all the more critical to birds these days. I'm grateful to all who accommodate phoebes!

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