Question: does anyone know if you can use WD-40 on the metal pipes
supporting bluebird houses to keep the snakes and other predators off? I
don't know if getting that on their bellies would keep the snakes from
moving properly in hunting other prey out in the fields. I rather like
snakes and would not want to cause them permanent damage - I just want them
out of MY bird houses.

It's finally warmed up enough to have hummers here! Of course, the weather
went from highs of 65 to highs of 85 in one week's time; a little TOO high
for me.

My first hummer of the season is usually a Rufous male but this year my
first was a female Calliope, followed quickly by the male, then both Black
chins and female Rufous. Even though at least three male Rufuous fledged
last year and looked in good shape when all the hummers left, no male Rufous
have returned. I hope this is just a matter of chance...that I just haven't
seen one but one (or more) is here.

I have mentioned that every year a flock of about 8-10 white crowned
sparrows show up with one golden crowned in the group. Last evening I saw
another...this is the first time I have ever seen 2 golden crowned at the
same time. That was pretty exciting! (I know, I know...it doesn't take much
to get some people charged up.) My hope is that they'll actually breed here.

Tree swallows have nested in about half of my bluebird houses. The bluebirds
have built nests in two of the houses. The wrens have some small houses near
my house where they are building nests. I put up about 4 small houses right
next to my house in hopes that the wrens would pick these instead of trying
to drive the bluebirds out of the larger houses; there are also a lot of old
outbuildings and fallen rotten trees about for nesting. I checked the big
houses Sunday to see if any eggs had been laid but so far nothing. If I
don't have to work late again on Thursday I'll check again.

I quit putting out mixed bird seed and after about 5 or 6 weeks the house
sparrows left. Now the brown headed cowbirds are back - I have other plans
for them!

Usually I have a large population of chipmunks but this year I've only seen
one (at a time, anyway) The Columbia ground squirrel colony in the field
next to my house seems to be thriving, however.

That's it from the wilds of Reardan.

Regards, Joanne
jhpowell at snapwa.org
Reardan (Spokane) WA